How to make a headband

1. Materials & tools

Materials (adult headband)

• Fabric (knit jersey, or woven cotton) — about 50 × 25 cm (20 × 10 in)
• Optional: elastic for the back, if using a non-stretch fabric

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Accessories” → “Headband” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the head circumference and the band width. With knit fabric you can rely on the stretch.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Trace the pattern
   Trace the cut line onto the wrong side of the fabric. For knit, place the stretch around the head.
2. Cut
   Cut 1 long strip.
3. (Optional) press
   Press the strip so the long fold is easy to sew accurately.

4. Sewing

4-1. Sew the tube

1. Fold the strip in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew the long edge to make a tube. Leave the short ends open.
2. Turn the tube right side out and press with the seam centered at the back.

4-2. Join the ends

1. Bring the two short ends together, right sides facing, and sew to form a loop. (For a turban look, cross the two ends before joining.)
2. Tuck the seam allowance in and close the gap with a few hand stitches.

5. Tips & variations

• Knit = no elastic: jersey stretches enough to stay put without elastic.
• Non-stretch fabric: add a short length of elastic at the back so it fits snugly.
• Turban style: cross the ends before joining for a twisted front.