Quick and Easy Crafts: Homemade Hair Ties

Do you have long hair or know someone who does? Do you love hair ties, but find they are too expensive in the stores? I know I was tired of rubber bands and hair accessories that didn't fit right, or didn't fit my style. I have had long hair most of my life and a few years ago I decided I was tired of wasting my money on accessories that did not stay in my thick hair. I decided to make my own homemade hair ties.

To make this homemade hair ties project you will need the following supplies:

Scrap fabric (33 inches long and 3 ½ inches wide, per hair tie)
Elastic (roughly 11 inches long, per hair tie)
Scissors
Needle and thread
Crochet hook (any size)
Quilting Pins
Sewing Machine

The first step is choosing your fabric. Since this is your masterpiece, it can be any color or pattern you choose. Once you have chosen your fabric and have cut it to the specified size, it is time to start making your new hair tie.

Take your fabric and fold it lengthwise, right sides together. Pin it in place. Take your sewing machine and beginning about 2 inches in; sew the length of the fabric using the standard ¼ inch seam allowance. Stop roughly 2 inches from the other end.

Next, turn the fabric right sides out. This will take a bit of work, but it is worth it. If you have trouble turning it, then use the crochet hook to 'hook' the fabric and pull it through.

Once that is complete, take the two ends and line up the edges, right side to right side. Sew (either hand or machine) the ends together to make a complete loop of fabric. You should now have a large doughnut with a hole in the side as well as the middle.

Take your elastic and tie one end of it to the crochet hook. Place the crochet hook in the side hole of the doughnut and gently slide into the fabric until the knotted end of the hook comes out the other end. This, too, will take a bit of work and practice. Once the end is through, take both ends of the elastic and tie them together.

The hair tie is almost complete. Test the elasticity of the new hair tie by trying to stretch it on your hand or put in your hair. Is the elastic too tight? If so, then you will need to use a longer piece. Is the elastic too loose? If so, then you will need to trim off the knot and tie it again. If you are careful, the elastic won't get lost in the hair tie again. If it does, just pull it all the way out and tie it to the crochet hook again.

Once the elasticity is chosen, it is time to sew up the gaping hole in the side of your new hair tie. If you are confident with the sewing machine, then by all means use it, but if you are not, then there is nothing wrong with hand sewing it closed. I do recommend using thread that matches the fabric, or blends in. I had a gorgeous hair tie and ruined it by using the wrong color to sew it shut. I had to take out the thread and do it again!

You can repeat this process with as many different fabrics, sizes, shapes and colors you like. If you prefer a wider or narrower hair tie, then tweak the width. I like to make two of the same so I have matching braids or just in case I lose one. Use your imagination and have fun!

Sources:

Personal Experience
www.joann.com