Hairbands

This is pretty simple and is about revitalising old hairbands which have become worn or boring or making plain ones more interesting.

You need:
Old hairbands without teeth, either metal strips or cloth covered will do.
Ribbon
a) Length enough to cover the hairband twice over plus approximately 6cm extra for turnover at the ends plus approximately 20cm extra to make bows. Width greater than the hairband by at least 3mm, greater in inverse proportion to your sewing abilities.
OR
b) Alternatively a length of ribbon the length of the hairband and twice the desired width of your finished hairband plus 6cm for turnover.
Needle and thread to and/or sewing machine.
Craft glue
Clear nail varnish
Sharp scissors

1. Measure how much ribbon you need by placing it over the hairband. Add 3cm to this so that the ends of the ribbon can be turned over to enclose the hairband. If using a) cut two lengths of this.
2. Seal the ends of the ribbon by placing the end of the ribbon lightly onto a nail varnish brush. Do not attempt to paint the edge with the brush as this is more likely to result in splodges of too much varnish. Only 0.5-1mm of sealed ribbon end is required to prevent fraying.
3. Once edges are dry fold inwards 1.5cm at each end for each length of ribbon. These flaps add a bit of extra padding where the hairband sits behind the ears and make it less likely to poke you.
4. If using a) sew the two ribbon strips together down the sides taking care to keep to the edge, folded flaps facing inwards. If using b) fold the ribbon lengthways with folded flaps facing inwards and sew down the edge.
5. This will result in a ribbon tube. Poke hairband through the tube and sew up the ends, carefully tucking the tied off thread so it is uncased by ribbon and not visible.
6. Make a simple bow with loops of ribbon. Sew or glue bow components together and either sew or glue it to the hairband slightly off centre. Or add your own decoration.

Hairbands - self made

This can also be done threading a piece of elastic the size of your head through a ribbon tube and sewing the ends together to make a soft headband.