How to Make Easy Headbands From Fold Over Elastic

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Having 3 boys, I have missed out on all the cute, little girl things. Lucky for me, I have friends who are having daughters and I’m so excited to come up with items for them. This project will show you how to make headbands from fold over elastic.

Fold over elastic is used by sewers to finish off stretchy fabric items. Typically it is finished on one side – meaning if there is a pattern or a colour, it’s good on one side only. It’s also super stretchy and the ends do not fray. It comes in a variety of colours and patterns.

The name, fold over elastic can be a bit confusing, as you may think like I did, that it should come folded already. However, the folding comes into play when using it as a finishing knit fabric items, like neck lines and arm holes. When used as binding for these areas, the elastic is folded in half to cover up the cut edge.

But this easy project uses fold over elastic as is. Fold over elastic is available from a variety of places including fabric stores and craft stores, as well as a number of online places like Amazon and AliExpress.

How to Make Headbands From Fold Over Elastic

This project couldn’t be any easier or any quicker. You just need the fold-over elastic and a pair of scissors. Literally cut a piece of elastic and tie a knot. I kid you not – that’s it! It’s that easy to make headbands from fold over elastic.

So first off you need to know the size of the headband to make. As mentioned, there is a lot of stretch to these, so take that into consideration.

Here is the sizing chart I use. I found it online and was unable to find the original source. So if this is yours and you are out there, thank you!

I personally fold the elastic in half and then add 2 inches to allow for the knot.

So for instance, I made headbands in the 6-12 months size. The headband size recommended is 14 inches. Folded in half, my elastic only needs to be 7 inches long. I add 2 inches to allow for the knot, so I cut it 9 inches long (folded in half).

Another way to look at it is to add 4 inches to the recommended size. So for 6-12 months, the finished size should be 14 inches – then add 4 inches and so you will cut an 18-inch long piece of fold over elastic.

Line up your ends and tie a neat knot. Be careful not to twist it.

Alternatively, you could hot glue it together by overlapping the ends. I would then cover up the seam with something like a button or a gem.

How quick was that? I’m sure it was only a couple of minutes. I think this was one of the quickest and easiest crafts I’ve ever done.

Want to remember how to make headbands from fold over elastic? Be sure to save this to your favourite Pinterest board.