This tutorial for diy baby headbands couldn’t be simpler if it tried. My technical drawing could use a little work (don’t judge me) but it’s the best I could manage with a grabby baby on my lap! It’s nearly impossible to blog right now but I have a few things I’m trying to get out there in post land so simple will have to do!
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If you love crafting for babies you’ll love these DIY Baby Gift Ideas post!
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DIY BABY HEADBANDS, GET STARTED!
I am kind of obsessed with these soft elastic diy baby headbands. They’re all the rage right now in my favorite etsy/IG shops and for good reason. They don’t leave that mark on baby’s head when you take them off! They are so light and neutral colored and well… it’s just love. While I will still follow/love/buy the adorable ones my favorite mama’s sell in their shops, I certainly won’t pass up making my own- especially for all of our trips coming up where bows would be cute… but losing $$$ out in the ocean or sand or on a roller coaster isn’t fun. Once you see how easy (and CHEAP) it is to make your own, you’ll be whipping up a matching headband for every dang outfit your baby owns, mark my words. It’s just too easy not to!


Materials:
Knee highs or tights in any shade you like
Hot glue gun (affiliate link: this cordless glue gun is a recent GAME CHANGER to my crafting)
Scrap fabric and ribbon
Scissors
Optional: sewing machine
Directions:
Snip one inch pieces off of your knee highs. This is the band of your headbands. It stretches plenty even for my own head so one size will fit all here. Stretch them GENTLY once or twice and the edges will curl in perfectly on their own into a nice round band. No seams!

Next, hot glue little bows, flowers, or ribbons right onto the band.
…that’s it. Seriously! Easy peasy, right?!
Alternatively, you may want to make a few fabric bows for your diy baby headbands collection, here is what I did. I want to make a few out of felt soon but haven’t gotten around to it.
Don’t you love my drawing?!




Kelly @ New Leaf Wellness says
So cute! Pinned!!
Vickie says
I bought a headband with a pink pantyhose band. Maybe they used a girls hose. Im definitely trying this.
Meg Nelson says
Thank you so much for this! I have an Etsy shop where I sell bow ties. 100% of the proceeds are used to help children in Uganda. I have been asked to make infant/toddler headbands with bows on them to match the bow ties – this saves me so much money!
I know it’s an older post, but I had to thank you.
Jacquie says
You are so welcome!
Stacy Fugerson says
I love this idea. I will use this idea for my girl who will turn into 1 year on coming January. Your website is also very good giving nice suggestions.
Alicia says
Love these! What size tights do you recommend?
Andrea says
Is there a certain size nylon ? I used one size and it would leave a mark on my newborn.
sweeter-side-of-mommyhood says
I hadn’t considered this…And have used multiple sizes with no issue. I guess go up a few sizes from what you used if it was too tight!
Jennifer says
Thank you! What an awesome, simple, idea! I just made a dozen in a couple of minutes! I also love the natural look and the fact that they are very soft and comfy.
Livia says
Excellent! Totally going to try this! Thank you!
Yuliya says
Thanks for the tips! I made my own headbands and saved a bunch of money. 🙂 Now my sister wants to make them too.
1234.tw says
This unique is super cool. I’ve been looking through the bunch on the internet and also really liked this adaptation.
Niomi says
Hi there. To get the braided Nylon headband, do you cut the head band then braid a few together? If so how do you re-connect them to make it a circle again?
Stephanie says
This was my question too? How do you create the braided one.
Jacquie says
Just brain the nylon the. Glue the ends in the back.
Kristie says
Love this as I have been wanting to make a headband for my baby that leaves no marks on her head. Seems the other ones dig in and would be uncomfortable. I do have a question with the bands that you have in the picture at the top of the page. How do you do the braided one? I know how to braid obviously but unsure of how to connect it where it doesn’t look sloppy. Thanks so much!
Jacquie says
add a dab of hot glue! If you don’t like the look, just wrap that little back sections with a piece of nude felt.
Brie says
Thanks for the awesome tutorial. Love that they won’t give my baby a dent! How did you braid that bottom headband in your picture?
Jacquie says
Just braid the strands and gently knot at the back or add a dab of hot glue!
Lila says
Hi! This is a great tutorial and I’m so glad I found it! I posted a link to it on my blog, https://citystartcountryheart.wordpress.com/2016/11/15/almost-free-baby-headbands/ Thanks for the great post!
Lila
Kristen Nehrbauer says
Thank you thank you thank you!! I knew they nylons had to be that easy! I hate spending shipping for the nylons. You just made my night!
Kristen Nehrbauer says
These*
Alysa says
whaaaaat!! My mind is totally blown. so easy!!
Rachael says
It’s much easier to cut out the hose with a rotary blade on a mat that has the inch by inch markings… I used lg/xl hose
Jacquie says
That would work well too! Thanks for the suggestions. I find it so easy with scissors that I don’t even bother getting out the mat and cutter. Plus once it rolls in on itself you can’t really tell any imperfections anyway!