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Home ยป Sewing ยป Accessories

Diy Baby Headband - Sweet & Easy!

before post author bio image applegreencottage
By Damjana Jakos โ€ข Last updated on Apr 23, 2026 โ€ข This post may contain affiliate links.

Make an easy diy baby headband using this tutorial. This type of baby headbands is my favorite because you can easily adjust the size. Choose among 3 sizes and make a fashionable baby accessory in minutes!

UPDATE: I've just added a free baby headband pattern in 3 sizes - so you can choose to use the free pattern or the cutting instructions below!

diy headband for a baby

Prefer an ad-free printer-friendly option of the whole tutorial+pattern? See the โ†’ optional PDF file in our shop.

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Do you like cute diy headbands? Make sure to check out my popular earwarmer pattern in my shop too - it comes in 8 sizes from baby to adult!

Table Of Contents
  • This diy headband for a baby is easy to sew!
  • Supplies
  • Finished sizes
  • Free Pattern + STEPS
  • + FREE Baby Hat Pattern
  • Why these Diy Baby Headbands Are great in Sets with Earwarmers!

This diy headband for a baby is easy to sew!

If you've never sewn with jersey before, this is a good project to start. I'll be right here with you, showing you how to make a baby headband that's easy, quick, and adorable!

No serger? Easy solution! You can sew this baby knot headband with your home sewing machine or serger.

Supplies

You'll need this to sew a diy baby headband:

  • free pattern for baby headband (OR use cutting directions below)
  • jersey, knit fabric: 22" x 5" (56 x 12 cm) for the smallest size, 26" x 5" (66 x 12 cm) for the largest size
  • coordinating sewing thread
  • sewing machine (or serger)
  • ballpoint needle, iron, scissors, pins

Shop my personal favorite sewing supplies on Amazon HERE.

This diy baby headband project is designed for knits, ideally for mid-weight jersey. I used one with a 50% 4-way stretch, it's a 95% cotton + 5% spandex blend. If you're new to sewing with jersey, check out these tips on sewing with stretch fabric. Must-know!

Oh, and also, jersey is also great to make basic scrunchies - so comfy! Grab my free scrunchie sewing pattern - 4 designs, or make these sweet and simple hair ties for a beautiful set.

One more thing, you will want to prewash your jersey before you sew because it will shrink.

knotted baby headband

Finished sizes

What are the finished sizes of these knot baby headbands:

SIZEHeadband Size UnstretchedApprox. age
Baby Small14-15" (35-38 cm)newborn
Baby Medium16-17" (40-44 cm)6 months
Baby Large19-20" (48-51 cm)1 year

If possible, measure your baby's head circumference first to make sure the size fits. You can always adjust this type of baby headband when tying the knot, and this is why I prefer these headbands for babies to other, fixed designs.

Also, the fit will depend on the stretch of the knit you are using. Err on the larger side. I used a 50% - 4-way stretch knit, which is a pretty much forgiving material, and easy to work with.

Free Pattern + STEPS

So, how to make a fabric baby headband? I'm giving you all the steps you need, below. But first, simply decide on the size you want.

Step 1 - Get free pattern for baby headband - OR use cutting directions

Join our mailing list and get the pattern emailed to you:

Prefer an ad-free printer-friendly option of the whole tutorial+pattern? See the โ†’ optional PDF file in our shop.

Cutting directions

  • cut (2 pieces) 22" x 2 ยฝ" for Small size baby headband (56 x 6 cm)
  • cut (2 pieces) 24" x 2 ยฝ" for Medium size baby headband (61 x 6 cm)
  • cut (2 pieces) 26" x 2 ยฝ" for Large size baby headband (66 x 6 cm)

Step 2 - Cut the fabric and trim the ends

Fold your jersey piece so the right sides are facing. This way, you'll have your two strips ready to stitch immediately you've cut them - cutting both at once: so you'll cut 2 pieces 22"/or 24"/or 26" by 2 ยฝ" (same width for all sizes)

cutting fabric for headband

If you didn't use the free knot headband pattern, cut off a 1" by 1" triangle to form pointy ends on each end. I find this the easiest way to prevent too much bulk on the headband ends once it's on the baby's head. Also, this is the simplest way for me to end up with nice rounded and slightly pointed ends for the knot on the headband.

Step 3 - Sew The Diy baby headband Strips together

stitching line marking for diy headband

Place the pieces with the right sides together and sew around with a โ…œ" (1 cm) seam allowance, leaving a few inches on one of the two long edges unsewn for turning. You don't need to sew straight lines at the ends - it's easier when you just go for a little curve when sewing the headband ends.

Top Tip

Use a stretch stitch on your sewing machine, a narrow zig-zag is just fine! My machine settings were set at stitch width 3, and stitch length 2.

Step 4 - Clip corners

scissors trimming the sewn headband

Trim the corners, removing any bulk from the seam allowance. This will make your project neater once turned.

Step 5 - Turn and stitch the opening closed

steps to turn a fabric headband right side out

Turn your headband right-side-out through the opening (1) - first, push out one side (2) and when it's turned, do the same with the other 'tail' (3). Then use a short and narrow zigzag stitch to sew the opening close. You can also hand-stitch - in this case, ladder stitch always turns out the best!

Step 6 - Press

iron pressing the finished diy baby headband

Now, give your headband a final press so the baby headband will be nice and flat.

Step 7 - Make a double knot

Now, teh only thing left for me to show you is how to tie baby headband. We'll tie it into a double knot, like this:

steps to create a knot showing headband ends being tied together

If you have your baby somewhere close and awake, first model the head band against the baby's head and tie only then, so you know the knot is 100% at the right place. But you can always untie and adjust.

finished jersey baby hats from a free sewing pattern by applegreencottage

+ FREE Baby Hat Pattern

Sew a baby hat pattern in 3 sizes:

โ†’ Get FREE Pattern

Why these Diy Baby Headbands Are great in Sets with Earwarmers!

I hope you've enjoyed sewing up this baby headband sewing pattern. I loved how quick these baby accessories are to sew. What a lovely gift for a new baby!

I tested how they work in pairs, and in sets. So I made two additional earwarmers using this pattern from my shop. Which turned out to be an excellent idea for when the weather turns a bit windy - just switch the headband for the earwarmer, ta-daa!

Ever since, I always mix and match baby headbands with my popular earwarmers.

two types of diy baby headbands
Here's an additional design that makes a GREAT set with these baby headbands! Check out the Ear Warmer pattern HERE in our SHOP.

It's so handy to have both baby headbands AND earwarmers in a matching set. So you can switch them as needed - this combo turned out great!

sewing for baby guide
JOIN FREE EMAIL COURSE!

Join the FREE 6-part email guide and sew the CUTEST things for a baby - the EASY way! You'll get my best baby sewing ideas by email.

This post is part of the BABY SEWING PATTERNS series on this blog. And if you're new to sewing, start with this how to sew guide, or take a look at the main list of easy sewing patterns for beginners. All free!

Want a printable copy of the whole tutorial?

Prefer a full, ad-free and printer-optimized Printable Tutorial with both instructions AND pattern included? โ†“โ†“

โ†’ Get optional PDF here

Also check out our shop for the Ultimate Diaper Clutch Pattern and sew a thoughtful gift for new moms - a perfect baby shower gift:

โ†’ ULTIMATE Diaper Clutch Pattern

Customer Reviews

'So pleased with my first Diaper Clutch Bag! Made for a very special friend about to have a little girl, she was delighted with it!' - Heather at @crafted_by_heather

Ultimate Diaper Clutch pattern

'Thank you Damjana for this great versatile pattern!' - Helene C.

Ultimate Diaper Clutch pattern

a beautiful diaper clutch sewn with pasetl white and mint and rose cotton print on a table
Diy Baby Headband - Sweet & Easy!

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More Accessories To Sew

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    How To Make A Scrunchie
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    Free Fleece Hat Pattern
  • finished fabric cord keepers to wrap around phone charger cables, sewn with a free cord keeper pattern
    How To Make A Cord Keeper - Diy Cord Wrap
  • a finished fabric bow scrunchie with long tails, placed close to floral scrunchies with bunny ears.
    Free Diy Bow Scrunchie Pattern - With 3 Extra Templates!

Comments

  1. Susan says

    January 18, 2023 at 5:41 pm

    I love being a part of this "sew easy" group.
    Thank you for the detailed information as well as the photos which help me a lot.

    Reply
    • Damjana says

      January 20, 2023 at 10:04 pm

      Susan hi,
      thank you, enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Helen Scalabrino says

    February 08, 2022 at 9:18 am

    At last Iโ€™ve found a reliable pattern and sizes. My little granddaughter lives in Kent, England and canโ€™t wait to get started on these beautiful headbands.
    Thank you so much
    Helen, Cape Town

    Reply
  3. Karly says

    August 29, 2021 at 11:07 am

    Hi there!
    For deciding on size for a baby, should the finished sizes you list match the baby's head circumference, or should it be a little bit smaller so it fits snugger??

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Damjana says

      August 29, 2021 at 3:32 pm

      Karly hi,

      better not smaller. I always make it just a bit bigger, not smaller, because babies grow fast. Hope this helps,

      Reply
  4. KB says

    June 29, 2021 at 2:44 am

    What is seam allowance?

    Reply
    • Damjana says

      July 04, 2021 at 9:36 pm

      KB hi,

      A seam allowance is an area between the edge of the fabric and the stitching line on two pieces of fabric that are stitched together. I think you'll find these sewing terms useful: https://www.applegreencottage.com/sewing-glossary-for-beginners/
      Happy sewing, Damjana

      Reply
  5. Sue says

    May 19, 2021 at 11:08 am

    Good easy to understand instructions

    Reply
    • Damjana says

      May 19, 2021 at 2:02 pm

      Sue thank you!

      Reply

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Damjana is the owner and pattern designer at the popular AppleGreen Cottage website, founded in 2014. She creates easy sewing patterns everyone can sew and enjoy. Her customers say they are super easy to follow and love the little hacks and tips sprinkled around. These will make your sewing a breeze, too. Enjoy!

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