There's nothing quite like the joy of creating something special with your own two hands, especially when it’s for your little one. For crafty moms or thoughtful gift-givers, DIY baby headbands offer the perfect personal touch. But let’s be honest—between naptime and laundry, a baby headband tutorial might not always be the most practical route.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make baby headbands step-by-step, share expert tips for comfort and cuteness, and show you a stylish shortcut that’ll have you saying, "Why didn’t I just buy this sooner?"
💡 Did Your Caden Lane Headband Come Untied?
Don’t worry — it’s easy to fix! Watch our quick step-by-step video at the end of this article to learn how to retie your Caden Lane baby headband.
Table of contents
Is Making DIY Baby Headbands Worth It? What You’ll Need to Make DIY Baby Headbands Measuring for the Perfect Fit: DIY Baby Headband Sizing Guide Sewing vs No-Sew Methods Step-by-Step: How to Make Baby Headbands with the Sewing Method Step-by-Step: How to Make Baby Headbands Without Sewing Save Time: Shop Baby Headbands at Caden Lane 🎀 Shop Caden Lane Baby Headbands How to Retie Your Caden Lane Baby Headbands Baby Headbands, Made with Love FAQ on DIY Baby Headbands 📹WATCH: The BEST Newborn Tips!
Is Making DIY Baby Headbands Worth It?
The thrill of crafting can be intoxicating. There's something magical about creating a one-of-a-kind baby headband just for your baby. But while the intention is sweet, the reality can be tricky—especially if you’re new to sewing or working with tiny accessories.
That’s why some parents choose to DIY and others opt for ready-made baby headbands. Both paths are valid—we're just here to make sure you know your options.
(PS: Want more DIY inspiration? Check out our How to Make Baby Bows guide!)
Featured: Ruffle Zipper Footie and Bamboo Knit Headwrap both in Pearl Pink
Shop Caden Lane Baby Headbands
What You’ll Need to Make DIY Baby Headbands
Before you dive into your baby headband tutorial, make sure your supply list is ready:
Fabric: Go for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or jersey. Hypoallergenic is best for delicate baby skin.
Elastic: Choose a soft, stretchy option so the headband stays secure and comfy.
Adhesives: Non-toxic fabric glue is a must for no-sew baby headbands.
👉 Quick tip: Stick to soft, stretchy materials to protect baby’s delicate skin.
Featured: Large Waffle Knit Bow in Lovely Pink, Large Cable Knit Bow in Almond, Large Waffle Knit Bow in Oatmeal
Measuring for the Perfect Fit: DIY Baby Headband Sizing Guide
You want your DIY baby headband to fit snugly but gently. Here’s how to get it right:
Use a soft measuring tape to wrap around the baby’s head where the headband will sit.
Subtract about one inch from that measurement to account for stretch.
Cut your fabric and elastic to match — it’s always better to cut slightly longer and trim if needed.
Sewing vs No-Sew Methods
There are two ways you can go about making baby headbands: sewing vs using adhesives to create the headband. There are obvious pros and cons to each strategy, so you’ll want to consider which one best suits your skill set, time requirements, and goals:
Sewing Method:
- Pros: Durable, professional finish, and allows for more intricate designs.
- Cons: Time-consuming, requires a sewing machine or hand-sewing skills, and might be challenging for beginners.
No-Sew Method:
- Pros: Quicker and suitable for those without sewing skills.
- Cons: Less durable, the adhesive can stiffen the fabric, and might not provide a clean finish.
We’ll walk you through both strategies for how to make baby headbands below, starting with the sewing method as this is the strategy that results in the best final product.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Baby Headbands with the Sewing Method
Material Preparation: Begin by pre-washing your chosen fabric to prevent potential shrinkage. After drying, iron it to smoothen any creases. For the elastic, opt for a type that's soft and stretchy, prioritizing the baby's comfort.
Measurement & Cutting: Measure your baby's head and subtract an inch for the ideal fit. Using this measurement, cut a fabric strip around 2.5 inches wide. Additionally, prepare an elastic segment approximately 5-6 inches long.
Sewing the Fabric: Fold the fabric strip lengthwise so the right sides are together. Sew along its length, maintaining a quarter-inch from the edge, but leave both ends open. Once done, invert the fabric, presenting a tube-like structure.
Inserting the Elastic: Fasten a safety pin to an end of the elastic. Guide this pinned end through the fabric tube and secure each end of the elastic to the fabric ends.
Finishing Touches: Tuck the fabric's raw edges in and stitch the open parts together. Adorn with elements like bows or fabric flowers, ensuring they're securely fastened.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Baby Headbands Without Sewing
Material Preparation: Jersey fabric is an ideal choice due to its softness and stretch. Cut strips about 2 inches wide and 20 inches long. For the elastic, segment a piece around 5-6 inches long.
Creating Knots: Flatten the fabric strip and align the elastic in its center. Firmly tie the fabric around the elastic, ensuring a twist-free wrap.
Securing the Elastic Ends: Overlap the elastic's two ends and bond them using a robust fabric glue, pressing firmly to ensure adherence.
Decorative Knots and Bows: Shape decorative knots or bows using extra fabric strips. Fasten these to the headband with fabric glue, ensuring stability.
Additional Customization: Enhance the design by gluing decorative buttons, beads, or pre-made fabric flowers onto your headband.
Drying: Allow a comprehensive drying session, preferably overnight, to make sure every element is firmly set.
Save Time: Shop Baby Headbands at Caden Lane 🎀
As fun as DIY baby headbands can be, it’s not always realistic. Between finding the right materials and perfecting your technique, things can get overwhelming fast.
At Caden Lane, we’ve already done the hard work for you. Our curated collection of Newborn Bows & Headwraps is:
Incredibly soft (hello, bamboo fabric!)
Thoughtfully designed for comfort and safety
Perfectly giftable for baby showers or new arrivals
Ready to save time and stress? Let us help you skip the sewing and go straight to the styling 🎀
Featured: Ruffle Knit Bow in Snow and Newborn Baby Knot Gown in Fancy Frills
Shop Caden Lane Baby Headbands
How to Retie Your Caden Lane Baby Headbands
One of the best parts of our bows? They’re adjustable and totally re-styleable. If your Caden Lane bow comes untied or you want a fresh look:
- Place the "bow" through the headband
- Wrap the fabric and create a knot
- Pull tight and fluff your bow
👉Watch our quick tutorial video at the bottom of this post and learn how to retie it in seconds.
Baby Headbands, Made with Love
Whether you’re crafting from scratch or curating your cart at Caden Lane, there’s joy in both paths. DIY baby headbands are a sweet gesture, but when time is tight, our ready-made options shine.
Looking to store your growing bow collection? 👉Check out our baby bow storage ideas
We’re here to support your parenting journey every step of the way. From diaper bags to custom baby blankets and everything in between—Caden Lane makes it easy to show up with style and heart.
FAQ on DIY Baby Headbands
What fabric is best for baby headbands?
Soft, stretchy, and hypoallergenic fabrics like jersey, bamboo, or cotton are ideal.
Are baby headbands safe for newborns?
Yes, when used under supervision and made with baby-safe materials. Avoid small parts that can detach easily.
What size should a baby headband be?
Headbands typically range from 13" to 15" for newborns. Measure your baby’s head for best fit.
Can I make baby headbands without sewing?
Absolutely! The no-sew method is quick, easy, and perfect for beginners.
AUTHOR
Katy Mimari
Katy Mimari is the mom boss behind Caden Lane—your go-to for stylish baby must-haves. CEO, designer, and founder, she’s been shaking up the baby world since 2005 with trend-forward gear that makes parenting easier (and cuter!).
