Quick Tutorial on Homemade Elastic Winding Headgear
How to Create a Stretchy Twisted Headband Using Jersey Knit Fabric
In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you how to make a comfortable, stylish twisted headband using a 24-inch by 8-inch piece of jersey knit fabric and a sewing machine with a ballpoint needle.
Materials Needed - 24" x 8" jersey knit fabric - Sewing machine with stretch stitch or zigzag stitch - Ballpoint needle - Straight pins or clips - Sharp scissors - Thread matching fabric colour
Instructions
- Prepare your fabric: Lay your 24" x 8" jersey knit fabric flat. Jersey knit is stretchy, so using a ballpoint needle on your sewing machine is essential to prevent damage to the fabric fibers.
- Fold the fabric lengthwise: Fold the fabric with right sides together, aligning the long edges. This should make a fold 24" long and half as wide (about 4") in depth.
- Pin or clip the edges: Use clips or straight pins along the long edge to secure the fabric while sewing.
- Sew the long edge: Using a stretch stitch or a narrow zigzag stitch on your sewing machine, sew along the long edge, about 1/4" from the edge, creating a fabric tube.
- Turn the tube right side out: Use your fingers or a turning tool to pull the tube right side out.
- Make the twisted knot shape: Lay the tube flat, then fold it in half lengthwise with the seam centered. Create a twist by folding one end over the other in a figure-eight or pretzel shape.
- Join the ends: Sew the two open ends of the tube together to form the headband circle. Ensure the twist stays in position as you sew. You can do this seam by hand or machine, using the stretch stitch for flexibility.
- Finish by tucking in the seams: Tuck the seam allowance inside and topstitch if desired for a neater finish.
- Trim any loose threads and stretch gently: The jersey knit gives a comfortable, stretchy fit suitable for a headband.
This approach uses careful folding, stretch stitches, and the special sewing needle to accommodate the nature of jersey knit fabric and create a comfortable, stretchy twisted headband. No elastic is required since the fabric itself stretches.
For visual guidance, there are many twist headband tutorials available on YouTube and TikTok that show the step-by-step process for making this style of headband with knit fabric. If you have an old shirt, dress, or fabric scrap, this project can also be an excellent opportunity for upcycling.
In this DIY exploration, we can use the finished headband to enhance our lifestyle by incorporating a personal touch of fashion-and-beauty. Moreover, by upcycling an old shirt, dress, or fabric scrap, we can practice an eco-friendly approach to creating a unique home-and-garden accessory that complements any casual setting.
