Thread: Making cabaret headband

I'm looking for tips on making a more structured looking headband (I like the ones Ansuya wears) rather than just tying fabric around my head. Was thinking of cutting a pattern out of buckram, covering with fabric and adding coin decorations. Attaching with elastic to go under hair. Does somebody have a better idea or tips on doing this?

I have two of these in gold and silver, I don't know if it would be cheaper to make your own by the time you' ve bought the materials and put the time in.

Bellydancewear::Headbands

A simple way to do this would be to make a simple tube of fabric to match your costume and slide a commercial wide headband into the tube. Fold the ends under and hand stitch hem closed. Then decorate by using glue on rhinestones, sequin trim, metallic braid, beaded appliques, or attach a lovely jeweled pin.

You might also want to check out Bellydance Costume Goddess Tells All: Enter for her book on head pieces.


Souzan

I like to make my own. I put the fashion fabric over 2-3 layers of buckram front, snipping into the fabric about every 1/2" to fit around the fabric (same way you would do making band boxes).
Decorate the front as desired, add the elastic to the back side.
Now, finish the back with a coordinating felt, or more fashion fabric, carefully folding raw edges under, and slip stitch all around.
I hope this makes sense, I'm not good with instructions.

Jahbie - Are the headbands in the link you provided made to be worn as a regular headband is? Meaning, down the head from top to the bottom behind your ears? I can't quite tell with the angle of the picture, but they seem to be placed on the manequin in more of a crown position - wrapping around the head front to back. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Whisper

Jahbie - Are the headbands in the link you provided made to be worn as a regular headband is? Meaning, down the head from top to the bottom behind your ears? I can't quite tell with the angle of the picture, but they seem to be placed on the manequin in more of a crown position - wrapping around the head front to back. Thanks!

I second Whisper's comment. I like headbands but not the crown look - they don't suit me. But they are pretty.

Originally Posted by jahbie

Bellydancewear::Headbands

i've mostly seen this style worn flat to the head with the "point" side closest to the hair line.
you just have to be careful with these, that the beaded fringe is not the perfect length to smack you in the eye when you turn. yeah, i know this from personal experience it really stings..cr.:

i make headbands this way, and it's really easy:
1 rectangle of denim
1 rectangle of decorative/decorated fabric + decorations
1 rectangle of felt
2 long pieces of elastic

a. sew the decorative fabric to the denim, wrapping it under a bit to make a nice edge. decorate as desired.

b. hand sew [i just use a whip stitch] the felt to the other side as a no-slip backing.

c. sew a piece of elastic on either end of the headband and tie it under your hair. i find this easier than trying to pull it over your hair and messing up your do.

d. optionally, sew 2 toupee clips to the felt to help secure the band to your head

hope this helps

I think they are meant to wear as a crown, I wear mine like that mostly.They can be worn flat as well, but they don't look as good because the beads are hanging differently. They do have elastic on the back. More a headpiece than a headband really.

Originally Posted by Whisper

Jahbie - Are the headbands in the link you provided made to be worn as a regular headband is? Meaning, down the head from top to the bottom behind your ears? I can't quite tell with the angle of the picture, but they seem to be placed on the manequin in more of a crown position - wrapping around the head front to back. Thanks!

Originally Posted by deelight

I'm looking for tips on making a more structured looking headband (I like the ones Ansuya wears) rather than just tying fabric around my head. Was thinking of cutting a pattern out of buckram, covering with fabric and adding coin decorations. Attaching with elastic to go under hair. Does somebody have a better idea or tips on doing this?

No better ideas, your way sounds fine, it's exactly how I would do it.

Rather than just making a rectangle,I make more of this shape with extra beads and appliques:
ShakeMyDay.com :: Sarah's belly dance Costumes

Then I make several extra linings-even to the headpieces that are already made by the costume atelié-that is sweat absorbing (I sweat a lot!)and they fasten to the headband with touch´n´close so they can be easily washed.

Bumping this up in case others besides me are looking for good ideas for headbands!