This master class shows how to sew a bow headband for a girl: cut long strips in two sizes, prepare rectangles for the back section, sew and turn the pieces, make the elastic casing, insert the elastic, connect the back section to the long strips, and tie the bow.
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Translated
Things you will learn
The model is designed for girls from 1.5 to 4 years old.
For ages 1.5–2, use strips 55×11 cm; for ages 2–4, use strips 58×11 cm.
For the bow, prepare 2 rectangles from the two fabrics, each 21×10 cm.
Use flat elastic 1.5 cm wide and 10 cm long; you need 2 pieces.
The back section is gathered with elastic through a casing, and the long strips are tied into a large bow.
Headband with a large fabric bow
The result is a soft cotton headband with a voluminous bow. You can make it from one fabric or two fabrics, as in the example with pink fabric and polka dots.
Materials and tools
Materials
Two cotton fabrics, The example uses pale pink fabric and polka-dot fabric.
Long fabric strips, 2 pairs, For ages 1.5–2: 55×11 cm; for ages 2–4: 58×11 cm.
Flat elastic, 2 pieces, Each piece is 1.5 cm wide and 10 cm long.
Tools
Sewing machine, For straight seams and securing the elastic.
Scissors, For cutting the fabric.
Pins, For holding pieces together during assembly and for pulling the elastic through.
Iron, For pressing the turned pieces.
Ruler or measuring tape, For marking the pieces and the elastic casing.
Preparation
Choose the size
For a child aged 1.5–2, prepare long strips 55×11 cm. For a girl aged 2–4, use strips 58×11 cm.
Prepare the pieces
Cut the long strips from two fabrics, 2 rectangles 21×10 cm for the back section, and 2 pieces of flat elastic 1.5 cm wide and 10 cm long.
Cut the pieces
The pieces are simple, but the long strips need a neat angled end for the bow.
Pair the long strips
Place the long strips from different fabrics together in pairs, right sides facing.
Cut an angled end
Make an angled cut on each long piece so the future bow ends look neat.
Sew and turn the pieces
First prepare the long bow pieces and the small rectangle for the back section.
Sew the long strips
Sew around the long strips with a straight stitch, leaving the straight end open.
Sew the smaller rectangle
Sew the smaller rectangle along the long side only.
Turn and press
Turn all the pieces right side out and press them well. On the two bow pieces, fold the open straight edge inward.
Make the elastic back section
The back section needs to gather, so it is sewn with an elastic casing.
Mark the casing
Mark the piece: measure 1 cm from the top and bottom edges, then 2 cm more from each mark. Connect the marks with lines.
Stitch the casing
Sew straight lines along the markings to create the casing for the elastic.
Insert the elastic
Use a pin to pull the elastic through, but do not stretch it through the full length at once. When a small end remains outside, stitch it down, then pull the elastic through to the other side and secure the second end.
Hold the elastic end
Secure the first end before pulling the second end through, or the elastic can disappear into the casing.
Assemble the headband
Now connect the back section to the long strips and tie the bow.
Insert the back section
Insert the back section into the prepared long strips, first on one side and then on the other.
Secure with stitching
Pin the pieces together and sew a double seam for a strong join.
Tie the bow
Tie a large neat bow and arrange the ends.
Finish and variations
Finish
Final check
Check that the elastic is secured, the back section is gathered, the double seams hold the pieces firmly, and the bow sits symmetrically.
Variations
Single-color headband
Use one fabric if you want a calmer accessory.
Two-color bow
As in the example, use two fabrics: one solid and one patterned, so the bow looks fuller and brighter.
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