DIY: Braided Headband

DIY headbands seem to be all the rage in blogland and I couldn't resist giving it a try too.  One of the best tutorials I saw was over at Smile and Wave.

The options and versatility for these headbands are endless.  For this example I've used a jersey fabric from Hobby Lobby but just about any fabric will work.  You could easily do 1-3 braids and depending on how wide you cut the individual strips can make the braids fatter or skinnier.  One fat braid, three small/skinny braids, two medium braids and the list keeps going!  Another option is also to use three different shades/colors of fabric to create a collage of colors. 

Here's how I did it (for a 2 braid, same color version):
Supplies:
Fabric: at least 18" long
Elastic: 6 inches
Needle and thread
Safety pins

1. Cut 6 strips (approximately 18" x 1") 

2. Safety pin 3 strips to a pillow, pant leg, etc. and braid away
3. Hand (or machine) sew the end of one braid to keep it from unraveling.
4. Layer the pieces: braid, elastic, braid.
5. Sew all 3 layers together on both sides

6. Incorporate into a new outfit! 

Linking up at Thirty Handmade Days and Tatertots and Jello 
and Somewhat Simple

P.S. Who can spot the basset hound in these pictures?

Fabric Scrap Headband

I saw this super easy craft over at Craft Snob and I knew I had to try it! Turns out, it was super, duper easy and so cute! And since making my first one, I can already think of multiple variations that I want to try.
Craft Snob's directions are very easy to follow and I basically made my the exact same way.

1. I had the Mister measure my head and subtract 2 inches (you could probably even subtract 3 if you are using jersey fabric like I did)
2. Cut out a strip of fabric (I just used an old t-shirt)...mine was about 18 1/2" and I made mine a little wider than hers- about 2" wide.
3. Turn the fabric over, create a hem and sew the edges together
4. Then I changed it up a little and made my pom pom flowers and attached those

Now that I've worn it, I think next time Ill make the t-shirt flowers to dress it down a little.  I used some shiner and glittery fabrics and I think they are a little dressy next to the t-shirt material.  My other thought was that you could make the flowers, attach them to felt and add a safety pin to the back of the flower bunch.  That way you could switch out different color fabrics for different outfits! The options are endless!! :)

Enjoy and let me know if you have any questions! Or if anyone wants one of their own, Id be glad to make a custom one!