Baby headbands with big, beautiful bows are one of the sweetest accessories for little ones. Whether you’re dressing up your newborn for a photo shoot, a birthday party, or just everyday cuteness, a handmade headband adds a personal and charming touch. Plus, making them yourself is easier than you might think and it can save you a lot of money compared to buying boutique versions.

In this guide, we’re going to walk through everything you need to know about making baby headbands with big bows. We’ll cover materials, techniques, simple tricks for getting that perfect bow, and a few creative variations to try out once you’ve got the basics down. Whether you’re brand new to DIY projects or you’ve been crafting for years, you’ll find helpful tips to make your baby headbands not just beautiful but also comfy and safe for little heads.

Let’s get started!

Essential Materials and Tools: What You’ll Need

Before you start crafting, it’s a good idea to gather all your supplies. Here’s a simple table showing the essentials:

Once you’ve got everything ready to go, you’ll find the process much smoother. Having all your materials within easy reach saves time and helps keep your project stress-free.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Baby Headband with a Big Bow

Now for the fun part: actually making the headband. Here’s a simple list to walk you through it, step-by-step.

Step 1: Measure the Baby’s Head

First, you’ll want to measure the baby’s head to get the right size. If you’re making it for a newborn, a standard size is about 13 to 14 inches. For older babies, it could be around 15 to 17 inches. It’s always better to measure if you can for a snug but comfy fit.

Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of the baby’s head — usually around the forehead and the base of the skull — and note the measurement. Subtract about 1 inch from that number to allow for the elastic stretch.

Step 2: Cut the Fold Over Elastic

Using your measurement, cut a piece of fold over elastic. For example, if you measured 14 inches, cut the elastic to 13 inches.

If you want the ends to be really neat and prevent fraying, you can lightly run the cut edges close to a flame from a lighter. Just be quick — it only takes a second. Alternatively, use a dab of Fray Check.

Step 3: Join the Elastic Ends

Overlap the two ends of the elastic by about half an inch. Use your hot glue gun to glue them together securely. For extra strength, you can also sew a few stitches through the overlapped section. Make sure the seam is strong because you don’t want it coming apart when the headband stretches.

Once the elastic is joined, you should have a continuous loop.

Step 4: Make the Big Bow

There are lots of different bow styles you can make, but let’s start with a basic, beautiful one:

• Cut a strip of fabric or ribbon about 18 to 24 inches long and 3 to 5 inches wide. The wider the fabric, the bigger and puffier the bow.
• Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together (if your fabric has a right and wrong side).
• Sew along the long edge (or glue if you’re avoiding sewing), then turn it right side out to create a fabric tube.
• Fold the tube so the ends meet in the middle, overlapping slightly.
• Pinch the center together accordion-style and secure with thread or hot glue.
• Wrap a small strip of matching fabric or ribbon around the center and glue the ends at the back to hold the bow shape together.

There you have it — a big, puffy bow ready to attach!

Step 5: Attach the Bow to the Headband

Position the bow so it covers the elastic seam — that way, the seam gets hidden and the bow sits nicely centered.

Apply a generous dab of hot glue on the seam, then press the back of the bow onto it firmly. Hold it for a few seconds to make sure it sticks securely.

If you prefer sewing, you can stitch the bow onto the elastic by hand using a few quick stitches through the bow’s center wrap.

Step 6: Let it Cool and Set

Give the glue a few minutes to cool and fully harden before trying to stretch or move the headband. This ensures everything stays securely attached.

And just like that, you’ve made an adorable baby headband with a big bow!

FAQs

How big should a baby bow be?

The size of the bow is really a matter of personal preference. A good guideline is to make the bow proportionate to the baby’s head. For newborns, a bow width of about 3 to 4 inches looks great. For older babies, you can go bigger — around 5 to 6 inches wide.

Can I make a no-sew version?

Absolutely! If you don’t want to sew, you can use a hot glue gun for almost every step. Fabric glue also works but takes longer to dry. Just make sure you’re careful with hot glue around thin materials.

What fabrics are best for big bows?

Soft cotton, chiffon, tulle, velvet, and even stretchy knits work really well. Heavier fabrics like velvet give a plush, rich look, while lighter fabrics like tulle make for airy, whimsical bows. If you’re using ribbon, grosgrain and satin are great choices.

How do I keep the bow from drooping?

Choosing a slightly stiffer fabric or adding an extra layer to the bow can help it stand up better. Some crafters like to insert a little piece of interfacing inside the bow tube before sewing to give it more structure.

How can I make the headband adjustable?

You can make a headband adjustable by tying the elastic in a knot rather than gluing it closed. Or you can sew a small length of soft Velcro onto the ends, allowing it to grow with the baby.

Is it safe for newborns to wear headbands?

Yes, but always supervise. Make sure the headband isn’t too tight, too loose, or has any small parts that could be pulled off. Remove headbands during naps and bedtime to prevent any risks.

Making baby headbands with big bows is such a fun and rewarding project. Not only do you get to create something adorable and personal, but you also have the flexibility to match any outfit, occasion, or season. Plus, homemade headbands can become sweet keepsakes — little treasures that remind you of how tiny your baby once was.

With just a few simple materials and a bit of time, you can design countless styles, colors, and shapes. Play around with different fabrics, bow styles, and headband types to create a whole wardrobe of looks. Whether you make just one special headband or dive into a whole collection, the joy of seeing your baby wearing something you made with your own hands is truly priceless.

Now that you know how easy and fun it is, what kind of bow are you thinking of making first?