DIY Headband Ideas

Fabric Headband DIY

A soft, stretchy headband is the perfect piece to reach for during a workout, a cleansing face mask, or just a good night’s sleep. Select a few pretty, patterned pieces of stretch knit fabric and create a colorful, easy headband for every occasion.

Fabric Headband DIY from Sarah Hearts

Braided Tee Shirt Headband

Upcycle those tired old T-shirts into functional, comfortable, woven headbands. This project gives favorite or sentimental shirts a new life, so it’s an especially great option for school tees, sports jerseys, or souvenir shirts that are too worn for your wardrobe, but you just can’t completely part with.

Braided Tee Shirt Headband from Make It & Love It

Tie-Dye Headband

Before tackling the actual headband, beautify your plain white fabric with a little tie-dye. Customize colors and blends to your exact tastes, then braid, sew, or glue an easy headband (or two). This craft is a great option for a sleepover—kids will be excited to unwrap and utilize their dyed fabrics the next morning.

Tie-Dye Headband from DIY Candy

No-Sew Wire Headband

Capture that trendy rockabilly look with this silk scarf-inspired headband. A bit of hidden wire allows the wearer to adjust the bow to the perfect angle, without the hassle of tying a headscarf by hand. The best part: this project is completely needle and thread-free.

No-Sew Wire Headband from Sarah Hearts

Elastic Headband

The contrasting lining of these simple elasticized headbands sets them apart from other homemade headbands: not only are they more fun to wear, but they’re also reversible. Toss a few in your gym bag to have an option that's guaranteed to coordinate with your workout gear.

Elastic Headband from Mary Martha Mama

Upcycled Knotted Tee Shirt Headband

Scour your local thrift store for brightly colored and well-loved cottons to use as the medium for this striking headband. An eye-catching knot keeps fabric strips together and absolutely levels this handmade accessory up. Experiment with contrasting colors and patterns knotted together for a fun, cheerful piece. 

Upcycled Knotted Tee Shirt Headband from Julie Measures

Faux Floral Headband

Go boho with this do-it-yourself headband and create a faux flower crown. Embrace rustic textures for this project by using a rough-hewn string or twine as the base, then add faux wildflowers and greenery to your desired fullness. This headband is adjustable and can be easily personalized, so you can make them for kids and adults alike. 

Faux Floral Headband from DIY Candy

Lace Headband DIY

Go for a romantic vibe with this delicate DIY headband. Mismatched lace lends a carefree note to an otherwise simple accessory, so don’t hesitate to dig through your sewing kit to use those leftover bits. For a completely no-sew option, use hot glue instead of a needle and thread to fasten the lace to a bit of elastic. 

Lace Headband DIY from A Beautiful Mess

Fabric Headband

The wider cut of this classic headband gives it a bit of a retro vibe, so it looks fab when worn with a vintage-inspired hairstyle or outfit. While this DIY can certainly happen without a sewing machine, it’ll come together much quicker with one handy.  

Pro tip: Line this headband with a sturdier interfacing to make sure it maintains its shape throughout multiple wears. 

Fabric Headband from Alice and Lois

Scarf Headband

Give an old headband a makeover by turning it into a retro faux scarf. Use a hot glue gun to adhere fabric to a store-bought plastic headband, and be sure to include a few gathers and pleats to mimic that silk scarf texture. This craft takes only minutes to complete, so stock up on supplies to make quite a few. 

Scarf Headband from The Spruce