Craft braided headbands from jersey knit or recycled t-shirts
During my time working at a camp, I often looked for engaging activities for both children and adults.
This straightforward and enjoyable jersey knit headband creation was a hit at both youth and adult camps.
These soft, flexible braided headbands are ideal for managing flyaway hair, suiting both kids and moms who might use it while washing their face!
Making Braided Headbands with Jersey Fabric or Old T-shirts
Required Materials
- Jersey knit material or discarded t-shirts
- Scissors
- Needle and thread
- Sewing machine (optional)
- Adhesive (if opting for a no-sew method)
Instructions for the 5-strand braided headband
- Determine the head circumference of the wearer and record this measurement.
- Slice 5 long strips of jersey knit fabric, 2 inches wide and roughly twice the measurement from step one. For a slimmer band, use 1/2 inch width.
- Layer the strips and fasten one end using a straight stick, ensuring each end is securely knotted. If a sewing machine is unavailable, hand-stitching or using a hot glue gun is possible.
- Gently stretch each jersey knit strip so its edges curve slightly.
- Secure the sewn edge to a flat surface, arranging 3 strips to the left and 2 strips to the right.
- For a visual guide on braiding, please consult the images provided by Make It Love it on this post.
- After braiding, overlap and firmly sew or glue the terminal sections together. (Ensure the final size is slightly smaller than the initial measurement because the band stretches.)
- To conceal the seam where the braid is joined, affix a fabric flower, similar to the example below.
I simply stacked the circles, stitched a large 'x' in the middle, pulled it taut, and observed the resulting ruffle. It was very simple! I enhanced the ruffles by strategically applying hot glue to the petals.
Guide to crafting the jersey knit flower
- Cut 5 circles from the jersey knit fabric, each approximately 3 inches in circumference. While cutting, give the edges a slightly uneven, wavy appearance; perfect uniformity is not necessary!
- Stack the layers so that the waves across the circles do not align.
- Using a needle and thread, sew a big “X” in the center, going through all 5 layers.
- Pull the thread tight until it starts to ruffle.
- Knot off the thread in the back.
- Use a hot glue gun to glue the ruffles exactly where you’d like them to be.
- Glue (or sew) the flower onto the headband.
Other Fabric Craft Ideas:
- Jersey Knit bracelets
- How to Sew a Custom Tablecloth with Ruffles and Pleats
- I put these Tattered Fabric Flowers on Christmas stockings, but they’d also be cute on throw pillows.
- How to make a large DIY Fabric Flower
- How to Make Simple & Meaningful DIY Scandinavian Christmas Ornaments Using Fabric
- Make this Cute DIY Christmas Tree Pillow in Just 15 Minutes
Originally posted June 26, 2012. Updated January 21, 2022
Linking up: Freckled Laundry
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