There’s something undeniably sweet about a baby wearing a delicate, fluffy headband. Whether you’re preparing for a newborn photoshoot, a special occasion, or just want to add a stylish touch to your little one’s outfit, a handmade tulle headband is a perfect choice. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional crafter to make one. With just a few supplies and a little patience, you can create a beautiful, soft, and comfortable headband for your baby.
Why Make a Baby Headband with Tulle?
If you’ve ever shopped for baby accessories, you know that headbands can be surprisingly expensive, especially the fancy ones with tulle, bows, or embellishments. But when you make them yourself, you get to choose the exact colors, textures, and sizes. Plus, there’s a special kind of joy in creating something unique for your baby or as a thoughtful handmade gift.
I remember making my first tulle headband for my niece’s first birthday. I had searched everywhere for the perfect one but couldn’t find the right shade of pink. That’s when I decided to make one myself. The process was easier than I thought, and the final result was even more beautiful than anything I had seen in stores. If you’re feeling inspired, you can do the same.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather the following materials:
- Soft elastic band (5/8 inch wide works well)
- Tulle fabric (in your preferred color)
- Scissors
- Needle and thread or hot glue gun
- Measuring tape
- Felt circle or fabric for backing
- Decorative embellishments (optional – pearls, rhinestones, fabric flowers)
If you’ve never worked with tulle before, don’t worry. It’s a lightweight, mesh-like fabric that’s easy to handle. Just make sure to use sharp scissors to prevent frayed edges.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Measure the Baby’s Head
The first step is to measure the baby’s head circumference. Most newborns have a head size of around 13-14 inches, while older babies range from 15-18 inches. If you don’t have the baby nearby, you can use an approximate size chart:
Age Head Circumference (inches) Elastic Length (with stretch)
Newborn 13-14 inches 12 inches
3-6 months 15-16 inches 13.5 inches
6-12 months 16-17 inches 14.5 inches
12-24 months 17-18 inches 15.5 inches
Cut the elastic about 1 inch shorter than the baby’s actual head measurement to ensure a snug fit.
Step 2: Sew or Glue the Elastic Band
Take your measured elastic strip and overlap the ends by about ½ inch. You can either:
- Sew the ends together with a simple stitch for a secure hold.
- Use a hot glue gun for a quick, no-sew option.
Make sure the elastic isn’t twisted before securing the ends together.
Step 3: Cut the Tulle Strips
To create a fluffy tulle bow or flower, you’ll need to cut several strips of tulle. The length and width depend on how full you want the headband to be:
- For a small, delicate look, cut tulle strips 1.5 inches wide and 6 inches long.
- For a fuller, fluffier bow, cut them 2-3 inches wide and 8-10 inches long.
If you’re making a layered tulle flower, cut several circles of tulle instead of strips.
Step 4: Assemble the Tulle Bow or Flower
There are different ways to shape tulle on a headband. Here are two popular options:
Option 1: Classic Tulle Bow
- Stack 5-6 strips of tulle on top of each other.
- Pinch them in the center and tie a small piece of tulle or thread around the middle.
- Fluff out the sides to create a bow shape.
Option 2: Layered Tulle Flower
- Cut multiple circles of tulle, gradually making each one slightly smaller.
- Stack them on top of each other, largest to smallest.
- Sew or glue the center together to hold them in place.
Step 5: Attach the Tulle Decoration to the Headband
Using either a hot glue gun or needle and thread, attach your tulle bow or flower to a small felt circle or fabric backing. Then, glue or sew the felt piece onto the elastic band where the seam is.
This method keeps the headband soft against the baby’s head while ensuring everything stays securely in place.
Step 6: Add Embellishments (Optional)
If you want to add an extra touch of elegance, you can glue or sew small embellishments onto the tulle:
- Pearls or rhinestones for a fancy touch
- Mini fabric flowers for a more detailed look
- A button in the center for a polished finish
Just be sure all embellishments are securely attached to avoid any choking hazards.
Tips for Making the Perfect Baby Headband
- Use soft elastic to ensure it doesn’t irritate the baby’s skin.
- Stick to lightweight tulle so the headband doesn’t feel heavy or stiff.
- Test the stretch before finalizing the size to make sure it fits comfortably.
- Match colors with baby outfits for a coordinated look.
Personal Touches Make All the Difference
There’s something special about handmade baby accessories. When I gifted a handmade tulle headband to a friend’s newborn, she was touched by the effort and personal touch. She later told me that every time her baby wore it, people would ask where she got it. That’s the magic of DIY—you create something truly unique.
You can make these headbands for your own baby, give them as gifts, or even start a small business selling them. The possibilities are endless. Once you get the hang of it, you might find yourself making a whole collection in different colors and styles.