Deck out your ’do with this simple sewing DIY
I’m the first to agree with Joan Crawford (played by Faye Dunaway) when she growls, “No…wire…hangers!” in the now infamous Mommie Dearest. But let’s be real: wire really does the trick when it comes to making this malleable headband. Be prepared to wear it everywhere—it’s easy to craft (under an hour!), it works with every style, and it’ll keep your hair out of the way if you decide to douse your face in ice water, unhinged-Hollywood-icon style. Utilitarian and stylish—the perfect DIY.
Materials
1 Piece of 41/2″ x 34″ fabric
Iron (optional)
Sewing machine
Scissors
Thread that matches your fabric
Piece of 20-gauge wire, 40″ long
Small needle for hand sewing
Instructions
1. Fold fabric in half, lengthwise, with right sides together.
2. Use an iron to press. This is optional, but it’ll make it easier to sew.
3. Starting 2″ from the middle of your fabric length, hem the open side leaving a 1/4″ seam allowance. About 4″ from the end of the fabric length, start to sew on a curve toward the folded edge, till the edge and your seam create a point. Repeat for the opposite side. Turn right-side out by pulling the fabric’s ends through the seam opening.
4. Create a loop on both ends of the wire by folding the wire over 21/2″ inches from each end, twisting the tail around the wire to secure. Size the loops so that once they’re created, the entire length of the wire is the same length as the fabric tube.
5. Insert the wire into the tube, so that the loops gently fit into the pointed ends of the fabric.
6. Using the needle and thread, sew the wire loops into place with a couple of stitches. This will keep the wire from moving around, and will ensure effective knot tying.
7. Hand stitch (if you prefer a more invisible look), or use your machine to straight stitch the opening in the middle of the headband closed.
8. To wear, bend the headband around your head and twist the ends together to form a “bow.”
By Aurora Lady
Photographed by Lauren Perlsetein
Model: Briana Smith @ Red Model Managemen; Makeup: T. Cooper for Exlusive Artists using Ecru New York; Hair: Naivasha Johnson for Exclusive Artists Using Kerastase Aura Botnica and Hot Tools
This article originally appeared in the October/November 2017 print edition of BUST Magazine. Subscribe today!
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