Materials You’ll Need
- Fabric scraps
- Scissors
- Elastic cord
- Needle and thread
- Sewing machine (optional)
Step 1: Cut the Fabric
Start by cutting your fabric into rectangles. A good size for hair ties is around 22 cm x 5 cm, but you can adjust it to your preference. Use sharp scissors to ensure clean cuts.
Step 2: Fold and Stitch
Take one fabric rectangle and fold it in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other. Pin the long edge together to secure it. You can either hand stitch or use a sewing machine to stitch along the open side, leaving about 1 cm seam allowance.
Step 3: Turn Inside Out
Once you’ve stitched the long side, gently pull the fabric tube inside out, so the right side is now facing out. Use a pencil or a chopstick to push out the corners for a clean finish. Iron the fabric to remove any wrinkles.
Step 4: Insert Elastic Cord
Cut a piece of elastic cord measuring approximately 20 cm. Attach a safety pin to one end of the cord and use it to guide the elastic through the fabric tube. Be careful not to lose the other end of the cord inside the tube. Once the elastic is fully inserted, remove the safety pin and overlap the ends. Secure them together with a few stitches, making sure the elastic is taut.
Step 5: Close the Hair Tie
Take the open ends of your fabric tube and fold them inside by about 1 cm. Pin the ends together, then either hand stitch or use a sewing machine to close the tube. Make sure the stitching connects both ends securely, so the hair tie doesn’t come apart with use.
Step 6: Final Touches
Trim any excess threads and check for any loose stitches. You can also add some personal touches by attaching decorative buttons or bows to your fabric hair tie.
There you have it! Your very own fabric hair tie that’s stylish and gentle on your hair. You can experiment with different fabric patterns and colors to match your outfits or create personalized gifts for your loved ones. Now, go and enjoy your new hair ties!