A few weeks ago I was browsing Forever 21 for summertime things and came across this neon, friendship bracelet-inspired, mixed media headband. It wasn't very expensive* but it was something I could easily make. The color scheme and summer camp vibe make it a great project for a lazy hot afternoon.
Materials
Embroidery thread, 3 colors (approx 25" each)
Chain (approx. 25")
Elastic
Satin cord
Thread
Needle
Tape (gift tape, masking tape, painter's tape)
Craft glue
Step 1: Knot the embroidery thread about ~1.5" from the end and begin braiding. When you reach about 2" from the other end, put a knot in it and leave another ~1.5" tail. For each color, I used 3 strands of the whole skein.
✿ Tip: If at any time you need to hold threads or strands together, I recommend using tape like gift tape or masking tape, but first remove some of the stickiness by touching the tape to your arm or shirt.
Step 2: Leaving a ~3" tail, knot the satin cord on the braid side of the knot on the thread braid, and hook a jump ring into the knot as shown above. Attach the end link of the chain to the jump ring.
Step 3: Begin braiding the three lengths together (thread braid, chain, satin cord). Keep the braided thread and chain flat while you braid so that that the final large braid is flat and fits against the head.
When you get to the end of of the thread braid, secure the lengths with tape.
Knot the satin cord on the braid side of the knot, insert the second jump ring, and secure the chain to the jump ring at the correct length. Leave a ~3" tail on the satin cord.
Step 4: Insert the end of the elastic into one jump ring and secure with a few X shaped stitches.
✿ Tip: Before you begin Step 4, secure the frayed end of elastic with a bit of craft glue.
Step 5: Put the unfinished band on your head and decide how much elastic you'll need. Mark the end with some tape. Trim the elastic, secure the frayed end with a bit of glue, and stitch it closed around the other jump ring. Make sure not to twist the elastic.
Step 6: Using a matching thread, wrap the satin cord around the embroidery thread and elastic end, and secure the cord with stitch. Wrap the cord about 4 times.
When you read the last coil, you can add a drop of glue to secure the end. Add a stitch to the last coil and trim any excess cord. Repeat Step 6 to the other end.
Step 7: Finishing: You can secure the end of the satin corn with a bit of glue. Or if you're feeling kung fu, you could use a lighter to carefully melt the end. Trim the ends of the embroidery thread close to the end of the last coil.
Swimsuit from J.Crew.
Finished!
✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿
*At the time this post was published, the original Forever 21 headband was no longer available on their website.
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