African Print Headbands

African print fabrics are known for their bold, vibrant colors and intricate patterns, making them a perfect choice for creating stylish and eye-catching accessories. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to your outfit or simply love the beauty of African textiles, crafting your own headbands and scrunchies is a fun and creative way to incorporate these prints into your wardrobe.

In this step-by-step tutorial, we will show you how to make chic and functional African print headbands and scrunchies that can elevate any look. Perfect for beginners, this DIY project will guide you through the process of creating accessories that are both fashionable and versatile. Let’s get started!

Materials You’ll Need:

• African print fabric: Choose any vibrant and patterned fabric that speaks to you. You’ll need about 1/2 yard for both the headband and scrunchie.
• Elastic band: A 1/4-inch wide elastic band for the scrunchie and a 1/2-inch band for the headband.
• Sewing machine (or needle and thread for hand sewing): A sewing machine makes the process quicker, but hand sewing works just as well.
• Scissors: For cutting fabric and elastic.
• Pins or fabric clips: To hold your fabric pieces in place while you sew.
• Iron and ironing board: To press the fabric and give your pieces a smooth finish.
• Safety pin (optional): To thread the elastic through the scrunchie.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making African Print Headbands and Scrunchies

How to Make an African Print Headband

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

• Dimensions for the headband: Cut a rectangle from your African print fabric. For a standard headband, the dimensions should be approximately 20 inches by 4 inches. If you want a wider or narrower headband, you can adjust the measurements to your liking.

Step 2: Prepare the Headband

• Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Pin the edges in place to keep them from shifting while you sew.

Step 3: Sew the Headband

• Using your sewing machine, sew along the long edge of the fabric with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. If you are hand sewing, use a simple running stitch or whip stitch. Once you’ve sewn the fabric together, turn it inside out so that the pattern is on the outside. You can use a safety pin or turning tool to help pull the fabric through.

Step 4: Insert the Elastic

• For a snug and stretchy fit, cut a piece of elastic band to about 10 inches. This length may vary depending on your head size, so feel free to adjust it.
• Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and feed it through the fabric tube. Once the elastic is all the way through, overlap the two ends and sew them together securely.

Step 5: Close the Ends

• Fold the raw edges of the fabric at both ends of the headband inward, and sew them closed. You can stitch by hand or machine, depending on your preference.

Step 6: Final Press

• Use an iron to press the headband flat, ensuring that the seams are neat and crisp. Your stylish African print headband is now ready to wear!

How to Make an African Print Scrunchie

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

• For the scrunchie, cut a piece of African print fabric that is 22 inches by 4 inches. This will give you a full, fluffy scrunchie. If you prefer a tighter scrunchie, you can reduce the length to about 18 inches.

Step 2: Prepare the Scrunchie

• Fold the fabric lengthwise with the right sides together and pin along the long edge to keep it in place while sewing. This creates a tube shape for your scrunchie.

Step 3: Sew the Scrunchie

• Sew along the long edge with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. After sewing, turn the fabric inside out so that the right side (with the vibrant print) is facing out.

Step 4: Add the Elastic

• Cut a piece of elastic about 7 inches long (adjust for your desired scrunchie tightness). Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread it through the fabric tube, pulling it all the way through.

Step 5: Sew the Elastic Ends Together

• Once the elastic is fully threaded through, overlap the ends and sew them together securely using a zig-zag stitch or a straight stitch.

Step 6: Close the Scrunchie

• Tuck the raw edges of the fabric inward at both ends of the scrunchie and sew them together to close. Use a hand stitch or a machine stitch to keep everything secure.

Step 7: Final Press

• Press your scrunchie flat to smooth out any creases and give it a neat finish. Your African print scrunchie is now ready to wear!

Tips for Making Perfect Headbands and Scrunchies:

• Fabric choice: Choose bold, brightly colored African prints to make your accessories stand out. Fabrics like Ankara, Kente, or other cotton-based African prints work great for these DIY projects.
  
  
• Elastic tension: For the headband, make sure the elastic is snug but not too tight. You want the headband to stay in place without causing discomfort. For scrunchies, adjust the elastic length to make the scrunchie as tight or loose as you prefer.
  
  
• Finishing touches: If you want to add extra flair to your headband or scrunchie, you can embellish them with beads, buttons, or small fabric flowers for a more personalized touch.
  
  
• Match your outfit: African print headbands and scrunchies are versatile accessories that can be paired with casual, formal, or even traditional African outfits. Experiment with different prints and colors to match different looks.
  
  

Creating your own African print headbands and scrunchies is a fun and easy way to embrace the beauty of African textiles and add unique accessories to your wardrobe. These DIY projects are perfect for beginners and can be completed in just a few simple steps. Whether you’re looking to make headbands for yourself, gifts for friends, or even for your boutique, this tutorial provides a great foundation for crafting beautiful, functional accessories. Add some bold African prints to your fashion collection today!

About the Authors

Ire Ayatunji