How to Create a Headband Sleeve

Hi everyone!  I love anything matchy matchy, and that includes matching headbands to finish off my daughter’s mommy made outfits.  Even better are headband sleeves that are interchangeable (meaning you really only need one headband).  The edge has an ‘envelope’ type opening, making sure the hard plastic (or metal) headband edge is covered. These headband sleeves are so simple to make that I wanted to share with you how! 

Supplies:

Scrap fabric, coordinating/matching thread

14” long by ¼” plain headband or

14” long by 1” plain headband

**you want to make sure your headband doesn’t have the little “spikes” on the inside – they make it too difficult to slide on the sleeves**

Fabric Sleeve Version:

Steps:

1. Measure and cut two strips of fabric
   1. For the ¼” headband, cut one piece 14 3/4” x 1 3/8” and the other 15 1/2” x 1 3/8”
   2. For the 1” headband, cut one piece 14 3/4” x 2 1/8” and the other 15 1/2” x 2 1/8”

2. On both pieces, fold one end over ¼” wrong sides together and press.  Fold over another ¼” and press.  Topstitch. 

3. Take the longer piece only and fold the finished edge back ½”, right sides together.  Press.

4. Place the shorter piece on top of the longer piece, right sides together making sure the folded hems are on top of each other (note, the folded edge of the longer piece will be sticking out ¼” further than the end of the shorter piece).

5. Pin and stitch around the three raw edges with a 3/8” seam allowance.  Do not stitch the finished/folded edge.  

6. Trim half the seam allowance and clip the corners.  You can finish the edges with a serger for the 1” version if desired (not recommended for the ¼” version).  Alternatively you can use pinking shears. 

7. Turn the sleeve right side out (I use the chopstick method) making sure you fully turn the envelope edge.  Press well. 

8. Top stitch 1/8” from the finished edges on the two long sides, stopping before you get to the envelope opening.

9. You are finished!  Now slide the headband inside the envelope opening, ensuring the end of the headband is covered and the envelope opening is on the inside.  You can also add bows or embellishments at this point by hand stitching onto the right side of the sleeve.  I recommend having a headband in the sleeve when hand stitching on, to make sure you don’t catch the back side of the sleeve.

Have fun with it!  I love using hand embroidered fabric for an extra special touch.  If doing this, make sure to mark the 3/8” seam allowance on both long sides of your fabric, prior to embroidering.