Update 4/1/2020

It is a very different time in our world right now with the spread of the COVID-19 virus. I have received a few messages about people using this headband pattern to create a special headband with buttons for face masks to be attached to. Thank you to Stephanie from Steph Jacobson Designs for being the first to share with me the one she had made and making me aware of this type of project. I had a bunch of headbands in my stash and added some buttons (and whipped up a face mask with the ear elastic for a visual) so if you are interested in doing this you can have an idea of where to place the buttons. Also, I suggest attaching buttons with embroidery thread for extra strength. Some people also prefer to use their sewing machine to add the buttons. I have always struggled with that, so I prefer to sew on buttons by hand lol. Something to consider though. But no matter what type of thread you use, make sure to sew it on really well so it will last for the workers. The buttons I have used are typically around 1″, a little smaller or a little bigger, from my stash. That seems to be a good size.

For the adult size headband, I placed the buttons roughly 3 inches from above where the top part meets the elastic casing. *I have had a few other sewers say they preferred the button 4″ above the seam where they meet and others at 2″ above the seam. So, if you happen to know someone personally who needs one of these, get their head measurements and a measurement on where they would prefer the button if possible. But I know that they will be thankful for what you do no matter what!

I also tried this with a button on each side to keep it reversible. I could not even tell the buttons were on there, so this is a possibility if you want to allow it to be used on both sides for face mask attachment.

For the kids size, I placed the button about 2 inches from where the top meeks the back elastic. I hope this helps! Thank you so much to everyone who is giving and helping during this time. We are all in this together and you are all in my prayers during this time. –jess

Original Blog Post:

Hello blog world! It’s been a busy weekend! I hope all you Americans had a fabulous 4th of July. We had friends stay with us, a cookout, and my friends even had a baby shower for me. All the hustle and bustle really took a toll on my body though. I’m packing my hospital bag tonight because last night I thought we might be making an early trip (still a few weeks to go….but you never know). Now, it wasn’t that bad, but it was bad enough to make me think I need to have everything prepared. A BIG THANK YOU to my hubby for a ton of back rubs 🙂

I have this list of “blog” things I’m trying to finish up before baby E comes, so let’s see how I do.

I’m starting with this one: Double Sided Fabric Headband Pattern. I had so many ask about how I made the ones for my daughter’s teachers that I digitized the pattern for all of you to use and wrote up instructions.

You can make simple ones

or more elaborate ones. I made these with leftover pieces from my daughters quilt.
Are you ready to make one of your own?

What you need:
–Download adult size here: Free Double Sided Headband Pattern | happy together  {there’s a 1 inch line on it to make sure it’s printed the correct size for you.} Also, if it isn’t letting you print it, others have had success opening it up with a different internet browser to get it to work. If you do not have a printer, here are the measurements for drafting it yourself: The top of the headband piece pattern is 3.25″ and the bottom is 2″. The side lines are straight lines down connecting each side and are 7.75″ in length. The elastic cover pattern piece is 5.5″ x 1.75″.
–Download kid size here: Free Kid Size Double Sided Fabric Headband Pattern | happy together And here are the measurements if you are not able to print out the kid size: The headband pattern top line (on the fold) is 2.55″. The bottom line is 1.75″. The long lines that connect these are 7″ long. The elastic covering pattern piece is 1.6″ x 6″ in size.
–Fabric for the headband and elastic cover
-Adult size: 5.5 to 6 inches of 1/2″ or 3/4″ elastic (larger heads might need 6.5″-7″ of elastic…try to get their head measurement if possible) (this can be adjusted if needed. I have had quite a few people feel it was too small and added to this length. So make one and safety pin elastic in place to do a quick test fit. If making for others, make sure they know the size of the headband so they can measure their head size to make sure it will work for them. You can state the size of the headband unstretched to what it stretches out to. Some elastics are “stretchier” than others.)
-Kid size: 5.5 to 6 inches of 1/2″ or 3/4″ elastic (I used 6 inches on the ones I made for my girls, ages 3 and 7)

Notes:
-Always back stitch at the beginning and end of sewing, unless otherwise stated.
-Seam allowances are 1/4″ unless otherwise stated.
-Kid size will be made the same way except the elastic casing is so small that there is no need to do step 9.

1. Once you print out your pattern, cut the pattern pieces out. *Please note that pattern has now been updated and will look a little different when printed*

2. Cut out two pieces for the headband, making sure the pattern piece is on the fabric fold.

3. Cut out two pieces for the elastic cover (if you make your elastic piece longer, increase the length of these pieces as well). Again, make sure the pattern piece is on the fabric fold.

4. Cut your piece of elastic to be 5.5″ long.

5. Place the a headband fabric piece and elastic cover fabric piece down, right sides facing up. Then place the second pieces on top of them, right sides facing down. Make sure to match up the sides and pin together.

6. Sew down the sides of the headband and the elastic cover.

7. Turn each piece right side out. I do this by attaching a long piece of yarn to a safety pin.

Then I slide the safety pin through the what needs to be turned

and then pin one side of the end.

Tuck in the end that has the safety pin a little

and then pull the yarn on the other end and it will be right side out.

8. I use a long stick to push out the seams from the inside and then iron, but you can just iron each piece if you like. I just don’t like the fabric overlapping on the sides too much.

9. Now take the elastic cover piece and sew down each long side. This creates a middle casing for the elastic. *THIS step is NOT needed on the kid size one.

10. Add a safety pin to the end of the elastic and start to slide the elastic through the elastic cover. Make sure to stop before the end without the safety pin is inside.

11. Once the side without the safety pin is at the opening, sew it in place so it won’t go anywhere.

12. Continue to push the safety pin through the casing until the other end of the elastic is at the other edge. Sew that in place as well.

13. On each end of the headband piece,

turn in some so no raw edges are showing.

14. Slip in the elastic band until the place where you sewed is no longer visible and sew in place.

15. Repeat #14 on the other side.

16. Top stitch the sides of the headband part if desired (I sew closer to the edge than 1/4″).