by Judith Cressy
HEADS UP!: Make a Bandana Rose-Trimmed Headband
Class Description
Perfect for kids ages 9 and up. Younger kids can participate too with extra supervision.
Cover a headband and add a bandana rose -- or two or three -- to match any outfit. This project is quick and inexpensive and is a great way for kids to spice up their wardrobes or make gifts for their friends. Covering the headband requires precision with measuring, cutting, and gluing. Making the rose will show kids how to gather fabric with a simple running stitch.
By the end of class, students complete the project and use their new rose-making skills to decorate hats, lapels, bags, sneakers etc.
Class Length
1 1/2 hours is enough time to cover a headband and make several bandana roses
Class Supply List
Required text: Bandana-rama by Judith Cressy
Each student will need: a plastic headband, a bandana, a piece of nylon lace (optional), and a needle and thread
Communal supplies: a yardstick and measuring tape, tailor's chalk or fabric pen, scissors, craft glue and brush, and a glue gun
TIP: This project utilizes the familiar paisley patterns of a bandana, but it can be done with other cotton fabrics as well. Look at other fabrics with kids and discuss mixing and matching patterns, utilizing borders etc.
- Have a supply of plain headbands in stock.
- Pinking and fancy-edging scissors will give a different look to the bandana rose.
Classroom Preparation
- This project requires craft glue. You'll need water and paper toweling for rinsing and drying glue brushes and sticky fingers.
- Have a steam iron on hand to press the bandanas before cutting them.
- Before kids cut into their bandanas, discuss what section of the bandana they want to use. (Page 31 of the book shows a headband covered with a paisley border and decorated with 2 bandana roses made from the plain border.)
You can cover a headband and make several roses with a single bandana. Kids might like to share their leftover pieces so they can mix and match colors. (Page 34 of the book shows a headband with red, white, and blue roses.)
Class Agenda
Read and follow the instructions beginning on pages 24 and 28 first.
Start with the headband so that the glue has time to set up while you make the rose.
- This project requires craft glue. You'll need water and paper toweling for rinsing and drying glue brushes and sticky fingers.
- Have a steam iron on hand to press the bandanas before cutting them.
- Before kids cut into their bandanas, discuss what section of the bandana they want to use. (Page 31 of the book shows a headband covered with a paisley border and decorated with 2 bandana roses made from the plain border.)
