Creating Beaded Headbands: A Step-by-Step Guide

Headbands serve more than just keeping hair tidy. In this guide, we’ll show you how to craft stunning beaded headbands fit for royalty. Follow these simple steps to build a dazzling collection perfect for any occasion.

Explore the following sections to master the art of designing unique beaded headbands that are sure to catch everyone’s attention.

Zigzag Delight Headband

Is this beaded masterpiece a tiara? Not quite, but it certainly resembles one! Dive into this guide to discover how to craft this extraordinary jeweled headpiece.

Ribbon Headband

Combine beads, polka dots, and floral accents to design the ultimate ribbon headband. Visit this page for detailed instructions.

Mystic Halo Headband

Children’s creativity will soar as they design this enchanting beaded hair accessory, featuring a vibrant spectrum of colors. To begin, head straight to this page.

Fit for a Queen Headband

With just a few simple steps, you can craft this vibrant, crown-inspired masterpiece that will make you look and feel like royalty. Proceed to this page for more details.

Rainbow Headbands

All you need are colorful glass beads and wire to weave a spectrum of hues into these radiant headbands. To add some brightness to your day, visit this page and start creating your rainbow headbands!

Move to the next page to start crafting your zigzag delight headband, or choose your favorite design and begin there. The choice is yours.

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Zigzag Delight Headband

With just a handful of materials and a touch of creativity, you can craft this dazzling zigzag delight beaded headband. Follow the steps below to turn a simple headband into a stunning jeweled masterpiece!

Materials Required:

One black fabric headband

75 to 100 round imitation jewels, each 4 mm, in assorted colors

Newspaper

A 2-liter soda bottle or a large can

Jewel adhesive

Step 1: Protect your workspace by covering it with newspaper or an old tablecloth.

Step 2: Position the soda bottle or large can on a flat surface in front of you. Wrap the headband around the bottle or can.

Step 3: Use the jewel adhesive to create a zigzag pattern along the headband. Carefully place each imitation jewel into the glue. Consider arranging your jewel design on a flat surface beforehand for reference.

Step 4: Allow the glue to dry completely before wearing your creation.

On the following page, discover how to create an elegant ribbon headband with just a few simple steps!

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Ribbon Headband

Vibrant polka dots paired with a hint of glossy purple will make this ribbon headband stand out! Discover how to craft this headband to add a playful flair to any day.

These headbands complement all hair types, whether short, long, thick, or thin.

Materials Required:

Plastic headband

Lightweight quilt batting

2x17 2-1/2 yards of ribbon, 7/8" in width

1/2 yard of scroll braid, 1/2" wide

1 yard of ribbon, 1-1/2" wide

6" plated beads

Step 1: Attach the quilt batting to the exterior of the headband using glue. Trim the batting to align with the headband's edge.

Step 2: Trim a 2" piece of 7/8" ribbon. Wrap and secure 1" of the ribbon around one end of the headband with glue. Fold and glue the remaining 1" to the inside of the headband. Repeat this process on the opposite end.

Step 3: Cut one end of the remaining 7/8" ribbon at an angle and glue it to the inside of one end of the headband. Wind the ribbon diagonally around the headband, overlapping by 1/4" each time.

Step 4: Keep wrapping the ribbon around the headband in this manner. Once you reach the other end, cut the ribbon at an angle and glue it to the inside of the headband.

Step 5: Secure the 1/2" scroll braid to the inside of the headband using glue. Set the headband aside.

Step 6: With the right sides facing up, position the remaining 7/8" ribbon on top of the 1-1/2" ribbon. Hold the ribbons together between your thumb and finger, about 5" from one end, to create a tail.

Shape the next 6" of ribbon into a loop and hold it between your thumb and finger. Continue forming loops as illustrated until you have two loops and one tail on each side.

Step 7: Pinch the center of the bow tightly and sew it securely in place.

Step 8: Wind and glue the plated beads around the center of the bow. Attach the bow to the top of the headband using glue.

Ready to add a touch of fantasy to your creations? Move on to the next section to discover how to craft a mystical halo headband.

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Mystic Halo Headband

Frame your hair with a vibrant halo of colors as you learn to craft this beaded headband. The mystic halo headband will captivate your friends with its dazzling rainbow pattern!

Materials Required:

13 inches of nylon line

16 crimp beads

7 iridescent faceted beads in various colors, 5mm

2 jump rings

2 fold-over crimpers

8-3/4 inches of flat elastic, 1/4-inch wide

Needle-nose pliers

Scissors

Step 1: Thread a crimp bead onto one end of the nylon line and secure it 1 inch from the end.

Step 2: Add the first faceted bead and a crimp bead, sliding them close to the initial crimp bead. Secure them tightly in place.

Step 3: Thread another crimp bead and secure it 1 inch from the previous one. Add the next faceted bead and another crimp bead, then crimp them firmly in place.

Step 4: Repeat the process from step 3 until all faceted beads are securely crimped.

Step 5: Set this piece aside until step 8.

Step 6: Attach a jump ring to the hole of each fold-over crimper.

Step 7: Insert one end of the elastic into the flat section of a fold-over crimper. Use needle-nose pliers to fold each side of the crimper. Repeat this process with the other crimper and the opposite end of the elastic.

Step 8: Connect the jump rings to the beaded line at both ends, ensuring a 1-inch gap between the jump rings and the faceted beads.

Proceed to the next page to craft a dazzling crown of jewels worthy of a queen.

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Fit for a Queen Headband

This 'fit for a queen' headband is one of our top picks for beaded headband projects. Adorned with pastel beads and shooting stars, this fun hairstyle will make you feel like royalty!

Materials Required:

Metal headband

3 yards of 28-gauge wire

50 to 60 pastel beads

15 to 20 pastel star beads

Scissors

Step 1: Trim a 36-inch length of wire.

Step 2: Starting a quarter of the way up from one end of the headband, attach the wire by placing 1 inch of wire along the band and looping it back over itself to secure it.

Step 3: Thread a bead onto the wire. Hold the bead in position on top of the headband with your finger, then loop the wire twice around the headband—once on the left side of the bead and once on the right. Repeat this process for each bead until 4 to 5 beads are secured.

Step 4: Attach a shooting star by sliding a star bead onto the wire. Extend the wire about 1/2-inch above the band. Lift the star on the wire, then fold and twist the wrapping end of the wire around the extended wire down to the headband. Continue adding beads as described in step 3.

Step 5: For double shooting stars, extend the wire 3/4 to 1 inch above the band. Slide the first star onto the wire and twist the wire halfway down the extension. Add the second star to the wrapping wire, extending this side wire about 1/4 inch.

Step 6: Fold and twist the wire around this second "branch," then finish by twist-wrapping the wire down the original extended wire.

Step 7: Continue adding beads, stars, and double stars by following steps 3 through 6. When the first wire is nearly used up, wrap the last 1 inch around the final 2 to 3 beads. Secure the end of a new wire as described in step 2 and continue until the headband is complete.

Now it’s time to craft the ideal hairstyle to complement your stunning headband. Follow the steps below to achieve the perfect look.

Step 1: Apply a defining cream to your damp hair, working it through with your fingers. Use a high heat setting on your dryer to add volume and movement to your hair.

Step 2: Position the headband in your hair.

Step 3: Along the front hairline, gently pinch sections of hair and lightly spray them to create defined ridges or "pleats."

Step 4: Use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to set the ridges in place. If you don’t have a diffuser, secure the front of each ridge with a hairpin, spray it, let it set briefly, and then remove the pin.

Step 5: Gently lift and spread the hair behind the headband with your fingers, then spray it to keep it in place.

In the final section of this article, discover how to use every color of the rainbow to craft intricate headbands. Keep reading to learn how to make rainbow headbands.

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Rainbow Headbands

Capture a rainbow and weave it into your hair—crafting these beaded rainbow headbands is as simple as threading beads. These headbands will add a radiant shimmer to this creatively tousled hairstyle. Embrace the natural look!

Materials Required:

12 to 15 inches of necklace memory wire (size depends on head circumference)

1 package of multicolored glass bugle beads

1 package of E beads

Wire cutters

Needle-nosed pliers

Step 1: Measure the wire around your head from ear to ear. Trim any excess wire if needed.

Step 2: Use needle-nosed pliers to create a loop at one end of the wire. You might need an adult’s assistance for this step.

Step 3: Thread 3 to 4 bugle beads onto the wire, followed by an E bead. Continue adding beads in this pattern until only 1 inch of wire remains unbeaded.

Step 4: Complete the headband by creating another loop at the wire’s end using needle-nosed pliers. Make several headbands—we recommend 3—to accessorize your hairstyle!

To achieve the "perfect" hairstyle, follow these steps:

Step 1: Begin with damp, towel-dried hair. Apply a molding cream (also known as molding mud) to create a slightly messy, textured look with separated strands. This will also give your hair a matte finish.

Step 2: Work the molding cream evenly through your hair.

Step 3: Use your hair dryer on a high setting to power dry your hair. Move your fingers through your hair to create texture and volume.

Step 4: Gather your hair at the crown area. Don’t aim for perfection—this style is meant to look effortlessly tousled.

Step 5: Position the first headband over the gathered hair at the crown.

Step 6: If needed, secure small sections of hair at the crown with bobby pins to add height and hold. Finish with a spritz of hairspray for extra hold.

Step 7: Place the remaining headbands in front of the first. Feel free to crisscross them or arrange them unevenly for a more dynamic and stylish look!

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ABOUT THE CRAFT DESIGNERS

Ribbon Headband by Janis Bullis and Mary Beth Janssen-Fleischman