DIY- Big Fat Headbands

Hey Cats!
This DIY might just be my favorite so far! I love headbands, and I've been wanting some wide ones for quite some time, so this was the perfect project! I used a leftover piece of thin, woven fabric for one, and the bottom band of a sweatshirt for the other. I can't take much credit for the idea for the sweatshirt headband, because I got the idea from the blog Studs and Pearls (http://www.studs-and-pearls.com/2011/02/diy-leftovers-sweashirt-necklace.html). Yes, I did make the sweatshirt blazer, but no, I will not show you, as it turned out looking like something the bag lady would wear (it was my first DIY). As for the woven fabric, I really like the tribal trend, and I thought it would make a great fat headband! I haven't worn either one of them yet, but I forsee them becoming my new bff's once school starts!
Here's what you'll need:
- 1 leftover band from the bottom of a sweatshirt, OR some other semi-stretchy fabric
- 1 piece of thin fabric, long enough to go around your head. (If you don't have any lying around, I would suggest looking for fabric trim rather than regular fabric, because you don't want any ends that can fray)
- 1 piece of wide elastic ( about 1 inch long)
- Sewing maching ( You can do it by hand, but it will probably hold up better if you use a machine)
- Matching thread

Here's what you do!
1) First, we'll make the tribal headband. Trim the fabric so it is about an inch short of fitting around your head. also trimming any frayed edges off.

2) Fold one end of the fabric over about 1/4th of an inch. Using a zig-zag stitch, sew down the center of the fold.

3) Fold the fabric over again, this time making it a little thicker. Using the zig-zag stitch, sew down the middle, going back and forth a few times.

4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the other end of the fabric, making sure the folds are on the same side of the fabric.
5) Wrap the fabric around your head again, measuring the gap between the two ends. Cut the elastic to the length of the gap.
6) Using the zig-zag stitch again, sew the elastic onto the fabric, making sure it is centered. I would suggest going back and forth a few times to make sure it's secure.

7) Repeat step 6 to sew the other end of the elastic to the other end of the fabric. Make sure it isn't twisted before you sew!
And you're done! Here's what it looks like:

*DISCLAIMER*I would like to apologize for these next two photos. I understand I look like a tween taking mirror pics, but no one else was at home and I wanted to go ahead and finish this. Sorry. Just know that I don't regularly do this. Also, I got my hair cut and it's shorter than I wanted, so I look like I'm about to go for a run, which is not what I wanted. I might wait until my hair is a little longer to wear these...

Now for the black one!
1) Wrap the fabric around your head to measure. This time, it should fit all the way around your head and overlap a little.
2) Using the zig-zag stitch on your sewing maching, sew the ends together, making sure it isn't twisted. Sew it a few times to make sure it's sturdy.

And you're done! I contemplated adding buttons, but I decided plain black would be more versatile...and also, I didn't really feel like sewing them on. But if you want to add buttons, or rhinestones or anything, go for it! Here's what it looks like!

*The above disclaimer applies to these next 3 photos*

See how easy that was? I plan to do this a few more times, and I want to experiment with different materials. These are very versatile and can be added to basically any outfit. Well, any casual outfit that matches. I'm not really one for an eclectic mix of clothing. I like my solid J-Crew tees and shorts. Which these might look cute with, actually... Anyways, I have no idea what my next DIY project will be, so it might be a while. Let's hope I figure it out soon! Until next time!