January 2025

This post shows you how to make a cute baby bow headband using knit fabric or even an upcycled T-shirt.

If you are looking for a simple, fun project perfect for babies and toddlers, this would be one of them.

These bow headbands are stretchy, comfortable, and incredibly easy to create.

It’s an excellent project for beginner sewers.

Measurements are given for a newborn up to an adult. (Make a mom and baby set).

Whether you want a rounded-edge bow or a square bow, this tutorial covers you. Let’s dive in!

Baby Bow Headband Materials and Items Needed

Fabric: Any stretch knit fabric works. Upcycled T-shirts or knit dresses are great options!
Pattern: I’ve created a FREE copy of the pattern with written instructions, tips, and templates for the rounded-edge bow.
Fabric scissors or a rotary cutter
Turning stick
Fabric clips or pins
Jersey or stretch needle
Seam gauge
Sewing machine or serger

Bow Headband Instructions

Step 1: Determine the Size

The best way to get the correct size is to measure the head for which you are making the headband.

If that’s impossible, refer to the Average Head Circumference Chart above.

Knit fabric will stretch to fit a wide variety of head sizes in that range, so don’t be too stressed about it.

Step 2: Cutting Out

The bow on this headband can have square or rounded ends.

For the rounded ends, use the bow template as a cutting guide.

***Feel free to alter the thickness of the headband. You may want a thicker, bulkier, or even a thinner headband.

It’s all your preference, and you can cut them out accordingly.

***Make sure you cut out the strips with the stretchiness of the fabric for the widest part.

Cut out ONE HEADBAND: 6 inches (15 cm) x HEAD MEASUREMENT – 2 inches (5cm)

Average headband width: 5-8 inches (e.g., 5 inches for a toddler).

***The finished width will be half your chosen width (e.g., 2.5 inches for a 5-inch cut).

Cut out ONE BOW 6 inches (15.5 cm) x 10 inches (26 cm).
( I recommend 5 ½ inches for small heads)

Step 3: Sewing the Bow Headband

Fold the HEADBAND FABRIC strip in half lengthwise.

Sew along the unfinished edge. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam.

Turn right side facing out using a turning stick or the eraser end of a pencil.

Align the seam so it is in the center of the headband.

Place the short ends Right Sides Together and with the seams lined up.

Using a regular straight stitch, sew along the unfinished edge using a 3/8 inch seam allowance. Trim seam allowance.

After you have sewn the headband, set it aside while you sew the bow piece.

Step 4: Sewing the Bow

Square Ends: Fold the bow piece in half, Right Sides Together.

Using the straight stitch, sew the short and long sides together, leaving an inch gap unsewn—clip corners.

Turn the right side out and poke out the corners.

Rounded Ends: Sew all the way around, leaving a 1.5-inch gap on the unfolded side.
Turn right side out, pushing out the curves.

Step 5: Bow Application

With the RIGHT SIDE OF THE HEADBAND FACING OUT and the seam on top, slide the bow piece between the layers of the headband.

Center horizontally and pin in place.

Sew down the center of the bow piece (which is under the headband) and follow the headband seam.

Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam.

Cross the bow ends, tuck one underneath, and pull the make a knot. Adjust to your liking.

Tadah! Now wasn’t that simple!

Here is another tutorial showing how to make a TWISTED HEADBAND.

Connect:

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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baby baby headband free sewing pattern Sewing

For those who sew—or are just beginning—you’ll quickly accumulate a fabric stash.

Before long, your collection may grow to the point where it feels overwhelming.

But how do you know if you have too much fabric?

In this post, I’ll share practical tips for decluttering, organizing, and keeping your fabric stash in check.

The Love of Fabric

My love for fabric is something I inherited from my grandmothers, both talented seamstresses.

As a child, I’d watch them sew quilts, clothing, and home décor, and I loved joining them on trips to the fabric store.

Having a fabric stash is useful—you can whip up a curtain, a baby gift, or mend clothing on short notice. But over time, it’s easy to accumulate unused fabric, taking up valuable space.

Signs You Have Too Much Fabric

Just like our bodies show symptoms when something’s off, there are red flags that signal your fabric stash may be out of control:

Overwhelmed when choosing a fabric: Searching for the perfect piece leaves you stressed or anxious.
Forgotten fabrics: You discover pieces you didn’t even realize you had.
Limited space: Your fabric stash spreads into other closets, bins, or rooms.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to declutter and reorganize.

How Does Your Fabric Stash Get Out of Hand?

We’ve all been there. You walk into a fabric store intending to buy one item but leave with more than you planned—especially if there’s a sale!

Or maybe you buy extra yardage just in case, and before you know it, you’ve accumulated more fabric than you’ll ever use.

Let me share with you a scenario of flannel that I just experienced.

We have a new grandchild in our world and I have been waiting for the day I can make things for this baby.

I was thrilled to finally be able to make some flannel blankets, some receiving blankets, and bibs.

I have been saving bright-colored fabrics, bright flannels, and, you know, things that I like.

But the trend now is more neutral colors, and I wanted to make a blanket for her in the colors she liked: neutral, soft colors.

I didn’t have any fabric in those colors. So, of course, saving all that flannel wasn’t helpful in this situation.

So, I bought more fabric and had fun making some things with soft, neutral colors.

Maybe it’s time to use some of that flannel, make some blankets, and donate them to the hospital or shelters to use the fabric.

It shows that things change and trends change, so you don’t want to be too excessive.

Steps to Declutter and Organize Your Fabric

1- Take Inventory
Begin by assessing what you have. No need to count every yard—just ask yourself:

Do I love this fabric?
Will I realistically use it?

2- Declutter in Small Increments

Don’t try to tackle your entire stash in one day. Start small—one bin, one shelf, or one drawer at a time.

Stop before you get overwhelmed.

3- Organize by Category

Group your fabric by type, color, or project size. Use bins, drawers, or shelves to store them.

For smaller scraps, consider a jar or container to keep them tidy.

I love my repurposed glass cookie jar. It is “eye candy” and allows me to see what I have available.

I use these small pieces for my scrappy fabric projects.

Practical Tips for Managing Your Stash

One In, One Out: Donate or use one piece from your stash for every new fabric you buy.
Set Limits: Decide how much storage space you’ll dedicate to fabric, and stick to it.

For example, limit yourself to one bin per type of fabric (e.g., fleece, flannel).

Embrace the Mindset of Abundance: Let go of the “what if I need this someday?” mentality.

Trust that if you genuinely need a specific fabric in the future, you’ll be able to find it.

Don’t Get Overwhelmed When Decluttering: Don’t overwhelm yourself by digging into the whole project in one day.

Take a small amount of time each day, week, or month, and when you’ve hit your limit, STOP!

If you don’t, you may end up with a big mess and not want to get back at it.

Don’t Limit Yourself Too Much: I’ve told my followers several times that if you see a fabric or a piece of upcycled clothing that is in good shape and something you love, I’ve suggested that you get it.

You don’t have to buy the whole bolt, but get a little of it because you know what? You may not ever see it again, and you may regret it. (It’s called balance).

What to Do With Unused Fabric

If you’re holding onto fabric you no longer need, consider:

Donating: Many organizations, shelters, and hospitals welcome fabric donations for community projects.
Creating for Charity: Use extra fabric to make mittens, hats, blankets, or scarves to donate.
(I have several patterns to make mittens, hats, blankets, and many baby items). You can find them in my pattern shop.

Storage Solutions for Fabric

Your storage system will depend on your space and needs. Here are a few ideas:

Mini Bolts: Use these comic boards to make little mini bolts for about 1/2- 1 yard of fabric. (I show how to do it here).
Bins or Drawers: Clear bins or labeled drawers help you see what you have at a glance.
Large Tubs or Bins: Store more considerable yardage or specialty fabrics like upholstery in larger bins.
Scrap Containers: Limit yourself to one jar or box for small scraps to prevent clutter. I use zip bags to store larger pieces of scraps.
GET MY FABRIC STORAGE TIPS HERE.