1. I always use jersey fabric because its nice and stretchy. I've had the best luck with using men's size large t-shirts because the width of the t-shirt perfectly wraps around my head twice OR once in a while I'll upcycle something that I have on hand- like this striped maternity dress.
2. I cut wide strips about 8-10 inches wide. I make use of the seam already sewn into the garment.
3. I cut 2-3 strips (which becomes the headband) so I can layer them together.
To wear I start by wrapping it around my head twice and then I layer the 2nd and 3rd once the same way. This creates nice volume and is the key to creating the look of a turban.
Start with a blank headband or even upcycle one that you are ok covering up.
Using fabric (pretty much anything), cut into strips a little longer than the headband and braid the strips.
Using craft glue or hot glue, wrap the headband with a strip of the same fabric.
Glue the braid to the top of the wrapped headband.
You could use just about any kind of fabric, fiber, lace, ribbon, etc to braid
What you'll need:
- Pair of clean tights or thick nylon stockings (I found of pack of three bright colors at Walmart for $2!)--you could also use knit fabric, like an old t-shirt
- Rotary cutter or scissors
- Sewing machine and thread
What to do:
Measure your baby's head circumference. As a general measurement, I use about 12" for newborns and 15" for 6-12 months. But every baby is different! The great thing is that the nylon is super stretchy and soft.
Using a rotary cutter or scissors, cut your length and cut off the toe of the tights (if necessary).
Tuck one open end into the other. If you want to get all fancy, fold over the raw edge and pin. I'm not very fancy.
Using a basting stitch (stitch length of 5), sew across where you overlapped the ends.
Pull one of the bottom threads to gather slightly.
Flatten out and, using a straight stitch with a normal stitch length (not basting), sew over the top of your basting stitch to secure the gather.
Cut another piece of your tights across the leg, about 1.5" to 2" wide.
Fold over this piece around the headband and stitch together. I used a zig-zap stitch.
Turn inside out so you can't see your seam and position over your gathered section. You can tack it down with a couple of stitches to keep it in place.
Supplies:
- Pair of jeans
- A belt
- Scissors
- Sewing needle and thread
- Sewing machine (optional)
- Measuring tape
- Chalk
Cut the jeans:
Lay the jeans out on the floor or on a table backside up so you are looking at the back pockets. You will be cutting the legs off right where they meet the crotch. Reach into the front pockets and pull them inside out so you don't cut them.
For a straight bottomed purse start at one side and cut all the way across in a straight line. To make a straight line you may have to cut off a bit of the crotch seam. Careful not to cut into the back pocket.
To make a purse that is shaped like a "V" not he bottom start at the crotch and cut an upward diagonal line to the leg seam. Repeat on the other side.
once your jeans are cut you can stitch up the bottom.
Sew the bottom of the bag:
Now that you have just the booty of the jeans left, you'll need to sew up the legs to make a purse shape. Break out the needle and thread or sewing machine. Start sewing with medium sized stitches (about 1/8" long) all the way across.
If you are using a sewing machine be careful of sewing through the seams. Thick seams can break your needle, so go slow or hand crank these parts. Be sure to use a thick needle that is intended for use on denim to avoid breaks.
Tie off the threads to prevent your new seam from unraveling
Now you are all set to make a handle.
Make a handle:
Make a handle lace the belt through the belt loops. Buckle it as though you would if you were wearing it. To make a handle you can use strips from the jeans legs.
For a handbag handle cut 2 strips that are 2" wide by 20" long. For a shoulder bag handle use one strap of 2" wide by 40" long denim. Cut the strips to the desired length and then attach them to the bag by tying them onto the belt on either side.
You can customize your bag in a lot of ways.
You can also use a scarf for a handle if you wish.
