In this tutorial I’m going to show you how to make a bandana, for yourself or others. I’ve been growing out my hair, and during the hot months I have struggled with the back of my head getting really hot where my hair is thickest, so I thought I would make myself a bandana to see if that would help.
Yes I could have simply bought one at a local store, but I am trying not to buy anything new unless absolutely necessary, and as I have some suitable fabrics in my stash, I figured it was a good use of my time to make a bandana and share the process with you. Afterall it is really just a square of fabric with neatly finished edges right?
How Much Fabric Do You Need To Make A Bandana?
The amount of fabric you’ll need for your bandana depends on how big you want it to be. A starting point is a square that is 60cm / 24” along all edges, but if you have a smaller head you may need a smaller amount, and if your head is a tad bigger, you may want more fabric.
Another consideration is how often you might want to tie it around your head and other ways you might want to style it, but remember if it’s too big, it kind of goes from being a bandana to a large square scarf! 😉
For my bandana I’m using a square of fabric that is 60cm / 23.5” in both width and length.
What’s The Best Material For A Bandana
The best fabric for making a bandana is 100% cotton which will have the benefit of keeping your head cooler in those summer months than a fabric made from a synthetic fiber. Traditionally, silk was used for bandanas when they were first used as handkerchiefs in India, so you could also use any beautiful silk fabric in your stash as well.
What Is The Pattern On A Traditional Bandana Called?
The traditional bandana that you’re probably familiar with has a specific pattern – or print – on the fabric which is known as Paisley. I’ve covered paisley amongst over types of pattern in a previous article if you want to learn more about that pattern design.
How To Make A Bandana
Let’s dive into making our bandana!
Start by finding the fabric most suitable for you and a ruler. You’ll want your fabric to be pressed, and both the straight and cross grain edges to be straight – use a rotary cutter or scissors to straighten the non-selvedge edge of your fabric.
Measuring Out Your Bandana
To get the desired amount of fabric, you have two options.
Set Square Method
Use a set square to cut out the square of fabric – you can place one of the straight edges along the selvedge as shown in the image below, so that you have a true 90º angle, and then cut along the top straight edge the desired width for your bandana.
You then repeat this step at each of the corners. Be aware that it isn’t necessary for your piece of fabric to be perfectly square for a bandana – this is just me being my usual picky self!
Fold Over Method
If you’re not as picky / particular as I am, you can simply fold one corner of your fabric across to the opposite side of the selvedge, making a diagonal fold, until it is the size that you would like your bandana square to be.
Then cut along the two straight edges to complete the square!
Sewing The Bandana
The final step is to finish the raw edges of the fabric. There are two options depending on the fabric you chose to use.
Double Fold Hem
I have a full tutorial on how to sew a double fold hem on a sewing machine, but for a bandana made of cotton, I would suggest folding over the opposite fabric edges once, then the two remaining edges and pressing in place. My standard is about 5mm or ⅛” for each turn, but you can use more if you find smaller seam allowances fiddly.
Finally, fold the first two fabric edges the second time before the last two edges and press again. This will help ensure a tidier and less bulky finish on the four corners.
Pin Hem
Also referred to as a rolled hem to some – it isn’t, the two hem types are completely different! – a pin hem works the best on very fine fabrics like silk, but I have made beautiful pin hems on cottons.
I won’t go into the process of pin hemming here as I already have an in-depth sewing tutorial showing the process of making a pin hem.
But you would want to follow the same process of hemming two opposite sides first and then the remaining two.
Pressing The Bandana
It goes without saying that once you have sewn your hems, you’ll want to give each a good pressing. And then you can style and wear it however you like!
Here’s a look at me wearing my snazzy new bandana. I might make a few more up in silk to keep the hair off my head a little better during the hot nights.
Will you be sewing up a bandana for yourself or others? It’s a simple project I know, but also one that can work will with fabrics in your stash or even refashioning something you picked up for a dollar / pound / euro at the thrift store. If you give it a go, let me know how yours comes out!