Simple DIY Preppy Headband

I was perusing the internet today looking for a few nautical themed accessories. I came across several cute headbands (apparently Gossip Girl has caused a craze? I've never watched it...). Most of the ones I found were either ribbons with simple bows or ropes tied into sailor knots. Looking at how many girls were selling handmade ones on Etsy, I knew I should give it a try. Unfortunately, I didn't have any nautical inspired ribbon lying about the house so I used a pewter satin.

Materials:

4 pieces of ribbon (one the length of the desired band, minus the elastic, one 12", one 8", and one 3")
2 thin hair elastics
Threaded sewing machine or hand needle and thread
Scissors
Fabric glue (stick, hot, or bonding tape)
Iron
Pins

I started with the two hair elastics, laid them in a Venn diagram and pulled them tightly together.

Using a dress tape, I measured around my head where I wanted the headband to sit. I subtracted the length of the hair elastics to determine the length of ribbon. Then, I pressed a 1/2" hem with another 1/4" turned under on both ends. After slipping either end of the elastic under the hems, I sewed 5 straight stitches close to the fold, reversed, and then stitched 5 again. Next, I tried on the headband to ensure it fit and, with a dressmakers pencil, I marked where I wanted the bow. I then made the 12" and 8" pieces into two circles, overlapping 1/2" and sewing 5 stitches through each. I pinched both circles in the middle, flattening them, and stacked them on the headband where I had made the mark, then basted them together. Lastly, I wrapped the 3" ribbon around the middle of all layers, folded 1/4" under, and bonded it closed with heat tape.

(adapted from http://www.ehow.com/i/#article_6665289">eHow)

The whole process took about 20 minutes with distractions and I'm actually rather pleased with the result. My fiance actually thought it was store-bought! (Always a good sign for DIY projects. :) ) I'll definitely be buying a few new ribbons to make more!

Now, to learn a sailor knot.... x