How To Make a Baby Bow Headband With Knit Fabric / Free Pattern
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.
Cut out 2 bibs on the fold. You can double fold and cut all 4 pieces at once if you are using the same fabric for the front and back.
Place the folded pocket on top of one of the bib pieces right side facing up. Align the edges and clip in place.
Using a turning stick, poke out the curves and edges.
