Have a surplus of t-shirts you’ve stained or that no longer fit? Pick up some dollar store headbands and cut up some t-shirts to make and decorate your very own pretty hair accessories. This is a great project for young girls as well as teens. Ideal for summertime fun and for back to school fashion!
This is a great time to teach braiding too, if your daughter doesn’t know how yet. Braiding is almost like a right of passage, isn’t it??
Cut t-shirt into long strips about 3/4″ wide. Glue the end of a strip to the inside end of the headband, about an inch up the band. Fold strip around the band end and glue to the outside as well, this will tack it in place.
Gluing as you go, tightly wrap the strip around the headband. If you run out of shirt-strip before finishing, simply tack the end of the first strip in place and begin with another until the headband is completely covered.
Rubber band or tie three strips together then braid them. Glue the braid to the top of the head band. Carefully trim the ends and glue in place.
That’s it! Easy peasy. :)
Braided Recycled T-shirt Headband
Supplies
- Recycled T-shirts
- Plain headband
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
Instructions
- Cut t-shirt into long strips about 3/4" wide.
- Glue the end of a strip to the inside end of the headband, about an inch up the band. Fold strip around the band end and glue to the outside as well, this will tack it in place.
- Gluing as you go, tightly wrap the strip around the headband. If you run out of shirt-strip before finishing, simply tack the end of the first strip in place and begin with another until the headband is completely covered.
- Rubber band or tie three strips together then braid them. Glue the braid to the top of the head band. Carefully trim the ends and glue in place.
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Susie says
I have been doing this craft for 20 years, except that because t-shirts have stretch quality I simply braid, measure around the head and sew together the raw ends. Three contrast colors are great. Christmas I use red and green and then either white or gold for contrast. Another idea is three shades of someone’s favorite color or school colors. The possibilities are endless. Thanks for listening.
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks for sharing Susie!
Maria G. says
What a fantastic way of turning a dull looking headband into a new-looking and cool one! I think this is not only a cool way to surprise your daughters or your nieces but it is also a budget-friendly way to give gifts to them. Plus, it’s a great pastime and very rewarding.
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Maria, glad you like it :)