for 1 headband:
I used 1 1/2 yards of 5/8-inch grosgrain ribbon, a plastic headband (I bought a set of 8 for $1 at Dollar Tree), a hot glue gun and a small amount of crafting cement (any rubber cement type product designed for crafts will work--the key is that it has the texture of rubber cement -- a bit flexible when dry). Depending on how wide your ribbon and headband, you may need a bit more ribbon, as much as 1 2/3 yards should be enough.
Before gluing the ribbon to the headband, wrap the ribbon around the headband the entire length, to get an idea of how much overlap you will need for complete coverage. Unwrap. Now begin to hot glue the ribbon to headband.
Put a little hot glue on the last inch of the headband, both sides. Start the ribbon wrapping by folding the end of the ribbon over the end of the headband, then winding/wrapping the length of the ribbon over this starter edge.
You will work diagonally on the headband. Working about 2 inches at a time, coat both sides of the headband (2 inches worth) with hot glue. Wrap the ribbon around and around. Continue with this glue, then wrap process, until the headband is completely covered. Finish the final end by folding under the edge and hot gluing in place on the inside. Trim any excess ribbon close to head band.
You should have about 1 1/2 feet of ribbon left. Cut off 2 inches, save for securing the bow, Make a loop with 16 inches of ribbon, overlapping the ends of loop by about 2 inches. Flatten this loop. Scrunch together the center of the loop. Use a piece of thread to wind around this scrunched section several times, securing with a knot. Take the 2-inch portion of remaining ribbon and wrap around the scrunched section, gluing with the craft cement. Now using the craft cement, glue the bow to the headband. And you're done.
These are simple grosgrain ribbon headbands. The headbands can also be covered with satin finished ribbons, then adorned with silk flowers or lace bows. I've seen some nice braid at the fabric store that would also work. Or, you could even make your own bias tape with fabric scraps you have at home. Then use that to wrap around the plastic head band.
I can picture cute fairy headbands, covered in fabric daisies for Hallowe'en, headbands made of the same fabric as a new dress (use the scraps to make bias tape for wrapping around the band) for a matching look, or, satin and silk flower headbands for the romantic type.
I can picture cute fairy headbands, covered in fabric daisies for Hallowe'en, headbands made of the same fabric as a new dress (use the scraps to make bias tape for wrapping around the band) for a matching look, or, satin and silk flower headbands for the romantic type.
