Difficulty level: Intermediate
Time required: 30 minutes
Age range: 12 and up, with optional supervision for sewing machine use
Things you’ll need:
Blue Whales Fat quarter
Fabric scissors
Ruler
Iron
Sewing pins
Tailor’s chalk or marker
Sewing machine
Thread to match fabric (we used white)
20-gauge wire
Wire cutters
Things to do:
1. Cut two strips of fabric from the fat quarter:
One piece 3″ wide and 21″ long
One piece 3″ wide and 12″ long
Tip: If you’re not using a fat quarter, simply cut your fabric into one piece that is 3″ wide and 32″ long.
2. Place the ends of the two strips of fabric with right sides together. Pin the short ends together with a sewing pin.
3. Sew across the short end of the fabric with a 5/8″ seam allowance to create one long strip of fabric.
4. Turn the fabric to the wrong side. Open the seam allowance and press with an iron.
5. Fold the strip of fabric in half lengthwise, placing the right sides together.
6. Press the folded strip with an iron, making sure the folded edge lays flat and doesn’t pop open.
7. Using sewing pins, pin the open edges of the strip in place.
8. Fold the fabric strip in half so that the short ends meet. Using the tailor’s chalk or marker, draw a curved edge on one end of the strip. The curved edge should go from the open edge of the fabric down to the opposite corner.
9. Using scissors, cut along the line you drew, cutting through all thicknesses of the fabric. This will ensure the edges match.
10. Starting at one curved end, sew the pinned open edge of the strip together using a 1/4 ” seam allowance.
11. On one end, sew across the angled end of the fabric strip, leaving the other end of the strip open.
12. Turn the strip of fabric right side out. If you’re having issues, you can use a dowel or pencil to push it through.
13. Press the fabric with the iron.
14. Using wire cutters, cut a length of wire that’s twice the length of your fabric strip, plus about 2″ extra.
15. Fold the wire in half, then twist the wire around to secure the loop.
16. Insert the wire into the headband, folded end first.
17. Fold the opposite end of the wire over, creating a loop. The length of wire should fit inside the headband without sticking out. Wrap the wire ends around the wire, ensuring no ends are poking out.
18. Tuck the end of the strip inside, then press the angled edge inside.
19. Sew the end closed, being careful not to sew over the wire.
20. To style the headband, wrap it around your head, then twist the ends around each other a couple of times to secure it.
