Scrappy Headband DIY

Back before I went to Iowa, I went to pick up my fresh, local, pastured chickens one night, and the chicken lady was wearing the cutest headband.  Try as I might to just let my hair be free, if I need to concentrate at all, I need it tied back.  So, I thought I would try to recreate the headband.  I used only scraps of fabric that I already had.

So, go to your fabric scrap bag, or use those shirts you were going to send to the thrift store.  You need a length that will go around your head and leave room for tying.  If you don't have anything that long, you can piece it together.

Measure it around your head, like you would wear a headband or scarf, and mark it with pins about where it will land behind your ears.  Next, cut a shape that is wider in the middle, and tapers out to make the ties.  Pinking shears are good for this, because you're going to leave the edges raw.  If it helps, mark the shape with a fabric marker before you cut it.  This is the base of your headband.

Now grab your fabric scraps, and using the pinking shears, cut a bunch of random shapes and sizes.  If you have some ribbon and lace bits, get those too.

Now, arrange the cut fabric pieces on top of the base piece.  Just place the pieces between where you have the pins marked.  (You're right!  My base did change color!)  Pin all the pieces down.  Use lots of pins to keep it all in place.  It's ok if some pieces hang over the edge, because you can come back and trim it all with the scissors or pinking shears.

With the machine, using either a straight stitch or zig zag, sew around the outside edges of the entire area where you have fabric pieces pinned.  Then, go back and forth, in circles, zig zags, and curvy lines to sew down all the scraps.  Be sure to hold the fabric flat so it doesn't bunch up. 

Sew on some bits of ribbon and lace if you want.

Make a bunch!

Ta da!!  What do you think?  Now isn't that a cute headband for you, your daughter, your grand daughter, your niece, the girl down the street.......?