Sweaty Bands knock off tutorial

How to Sew No Slip Sweaty Bands Knock Off Headbands


I run, but I don't like to call myself a runner. The way I see it is, I'm not a nudist just because I walk around naked in my house, so just because I log a dozen or so miles a week doesn't make me a runner. I think there has to be enjoyment in the act to claim the title.

I do work out 5 days a week for about an hour and a half a day. Part of my "gear" is a no slip pony tail holder and a black scrunci hair band. So when a friend of mine from college e-mailed me and told me about Sweaty Bands , I knew I had to try them out. Only problem...I'm cheap! Those bad boys are pricey and from what I am told, looked easy enough to replicate. So that's what I did.

Sweaty bands knock off


I thought I would try making two so below you will see the materials for making two sweaty bands. You will need: 3/8" elastic (I used black)
1" thick ribbon
Velvet ribbon (I think this was 5/8" thick)





Cut your elastic to 6 1/2" long and cut both ribbons to 15 1/2"
I singed the ends of the ribbons to keep them from fraying, just be careful when playing with fire!

I didn't pin anything, just tucked the elastic between the two layers of ribbon, backstitched several times over the short end to keep the elastic sturdy, and then continued to sew all the way around the ribbon making sure to catch the velvet ribbon into place, but sewing as close to the edge as possible. Don't forget to tuck the other end of the elastic in when you get to the other short side.

That's it!



Here's my typical hairdo for the gym. I wore it today for my workout and couldn't believe that it really does stay put. I didn't have to readjust it once. Don't believe me? Make one, put it on and go get sweaty!







14 comments

The Autocrat: Haley said...

What a great idea!! Looks fabulous!

Debbiedoos said...

That is adorable....my hair is just growing out now, so soon I will be able to use something like this. Did you see I have a new every other Wed party now going on...BEFORE and AFTER:) This is too cute! I can't believe you work out 5 days a week....YIKES! I need to.

Jill said...

Might have to give this a try. EVERYTHING slips out of my hair. Even the ones you buy with the sticky strip on hte inside!!

Cassie said...

I believe you. I don't want to move. Lol.
This is a fabulous idea!!!
=)

Heather said...

so the soft velvet side is against your head?

Nikki Isbell said...

Love it! Can't wait to try it! I have two sweaty bands and they are expensive. I have found a ton of ribbon I like better too, thanks for this!

simplyjoyish said...

I love this project! The next time I'm out and about, I'm picking up supplies to make some. Thanks for sharing! I was looking at their website last night and thinking to myself ... I don't really want to spend that much on one of these things. Glad I found your post. :)

BH said...

I love this!!! I just bought a sweaty band and it was $18.00!!! I love it and I need to make more.

Thank you for posting this!!! :)

Alex said...

I must have a huge head because I measured the 15.5 inches & wrapped it around my head & it seemed like at least 1/3 of my head was going to show elastic. I ended up cutting my ribbons to 21 inches so that the elastic will be just below the pony tail. Is there a certain reason that you picked the length you did or does it just fit your head the best? By the way, a big THANK YOU for creating this tut! I know its a simple project, but I pretty much don't make anything for the first time without a pattern or tutorial & yours was the best out there! Thanks again!!!

Michelle said...

Thank you, thank you for the tutorial on how to make these!!! I saw them at the running store and I just couldn't bring myself to pay the price they were asking for what to me looked like two pieces of ribbon and some elastic!

I also modified the ribbon and elastic lengths. I used 18 inches of ribbon and 2.5 inches of
"exposed" elastic.

I also used a slight bit of spray adhesive on the back of the velvet ribbon to hold it in place while I was sewing.

Thanks again!!

I'm going to try to resist making myself 1000 of these!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the instructions. I'm making sweaty bands for my church's gardeners. This looks very simple

Mallory Baker said...

Love, love LOVE it! Thanks for the tutorial. I bought a couple of the actual sweaty bands at a local running shop and they were freaking $16 bucks a pop! I found a local consignment shop that has a gal who makes them and sells them for super cheap. I might have to try it myself now! :)

Tina And Mark said...

Did you use any particular type of foot on your sewing machine? I would like to make these and a few tutorials have called for an "edging foot." I'm not great at sewing super close to the edge, so I am trying to figure out if this is something that would help me. Thanks! Tina

Stacie said...

Thank you for the tutorial! I am too cheap to pay the $15 for a sweaty band. My daughter got one for a gift and I love it. I want one too! :) Going to try this out.
Thanks again!!

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