Welcome to our first kids sewing project with Singer. We are making a headband today. I must admit when Bella and I chose the projects for this series we were only thinking of ourselves, so the projects are pretty girly! However, after she made this simple headband she said with different fabric a boy can use it too. She took a few pictures to show! We will also be thinking of some more manly projects. Any requests?
Singer has created a pattern for us to download.
SINGER & SkiptomyLou Kids Series Headband Project 1
Do I prewash fabric before I start sewing?
If what you’re sewing will ever need to be washed, it’s a good idea to prewash the fabric before sewing. Prewashing allows for shrinkage and or texture changes to happen to the fabric before it is is cut and sewn. The bolt of fabric at the store will have the care instructions printed on the end. I don’t always do it but it is a great habit to bring fabric home from the store and prewash, even if you won’t be sewing right away. This way it is ready to do whenever you are ready! So follow the care instructions, launder and the press and you will be ready!
How to sew a headband
Cut a 5″ X 44″ (approximately 44-45″, we just used the natural width of the fabric) piece of fabric. To make it easier to cut I drew a line on the fabric with a Disappearing Ink Marker
. As with most projects it is best to have quality supplies! Sharp scissors and pins will cut down on frustration!
Fold the strip in half lengthwise so you have a 2 ½” X 44” rectangle. Make sure the right sides are together on the inside and you see the wrong side (back) of the fabric on the outside.It is important to match up the raw edges. Pin to keep them lined up during sewing.
Start at the end and stitch along the whole length of the strip. We used about a half inch seam with a 3 stitch length. Notice that I put a piece of blue painters tape across the machine for a guide. A piece of foam tape also works well, since it is raised up.
Lower presserfoot and begin sewing, reverse a few stitches and then begin stitching forward again.
Place large safety pin or Bodkin
on one end.
Feed it into the tube all the way through until you can pull it out the other side turning the tube inside out.
Press. I did this part. Bella wasn’t sure about the iron. That is okay, we have more chances to pick up these skills.
Tuck the edge of the open end inside the tube of fabric about a 1/2 inch.
Stitch across the end. Repeat on the other end.
Look how simple! Just wrap around the head and tie.
Now if you are a boy, it would make a great warrior headband!
This warrior had some serious moves!
My Favorite Sewing Tools
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I am glad you are doing this. I don’t sew well and I want to teach my grandson, age 6. Napkins, potholders, and placemats might be fun for boys or girls.
In response to #11. I have a basic Brother Sewing Machine that I got off Craig’s list. I believe this model is also sold at Walmart. It worked wonderfully for my son (he is only 6). It has a speed control, so you can make the machine go really slow (no matter how much pressure he applies on the foot control). He was able to feed the material in and keep it lined up straight. This machine also has a number of ‘fancy’ stitches on it, which he just absolutely loved. So today we made the basic ‘ninja headband’ in bright orange. And tomorrow he wants to sew a fancy stitch right down the middle!
I am teaching myself how to sew and love this simple project! My machine seems so intimidating at times, but with easy projects like this, I know I’ll gain more confidence! I adapted this to make a toy for our kitties by putting some catnip in the tube before sewing the last end shut. They are having a ball! Thank you! Keep the projects coming! 🙂
That is such a cute project. I just bought my daughter a machine as she is starting textiles in school. She want’s to go straight to making clothes (and designing them lol)
A nice project that would work for boys as well could be a pencil case or even a cushion cover.
Thanks for this
What Singer machine would you suggest to get for a young girl learning to sew? Nothing fancy just the basic machine.
That is so cute and so simple. I am going to see if my daughter wants to try this. As for the ironing, when I was yong my mom had me start ironing our families pillow casses after they were washed every week. They were simple to iron and if I messed up it was not on something too special. After a while of doing that she taught me how to iron other things. It was a great way to get used to handeling the iron.
Super cute but was wondering if u know of any easy projects for little boys. My 8 yr has just got his own machine (so I can actually get using mine lol) and so far hhe has made a few bags but would like something different for him. Thanks in advance x
I may make one of these for myself for when I work out!
The guys could make this and use for a sweatband.
I love how she was thinking of the boys!! My son has always been interested in my sewing machine (he’s 6). He loves machines of any kind! One thing that pops into my head for boys would be a pouch of some sort to put rocks in. Or maybe a simple reflective band to wear when you ride your bike.
Wow, Bella, GREAT job on sewing the headband! It is super cute! Can you figure out how to make tiny, narrow, stretchy ones for toddlers? You and your mom are sure amazing seamstresses! Love the warrior headband idea too! xo
Love the idea of teaching the kids to sew. A very useful skill that many don’t know! I was wondering if you can do some unisex things since I have a boy and want to teach him the basic survival skills. Thanks – love the blog!
I am teaching some girls ages 8-16 to sew and am looking forward to some easy projects. They are learning to sew even seam allowances by making an apron from a yard of fabric now.
How adorable! Looks like you and your daughter had fun with this. Pinning to make with my girls.
Thanks,
KC
Super Cute and easy project for my daughter who is learning how to sew. Thanks!