Learn how to easily sew a cottagecore style bandana! A cottagecore bandana is a super simple, quick, and easy sewing project. Not only that, but bandanas are so cute AND functional!
I love wearing cottagecore style bandanas for so many reasons!
First off, they are very functional.
Bandanas do a great job at keeping hair out of the face while gardening, cooking, baking, or even while chasing little children around.
Not only that, but they are amazing at covering up a bad hair day! Greasy hair? Or is it just looking a little wonky today? Not a problem! Just put a bandana over it and no one will see.
Last, but not least, they are super cute and easy to style! Within minutes, you can have an adorable hairstyle… and who doesn’t love that!?
Materials
- Fabric (light-weight fabrics preferred)
- Matching Thread
- Sewing Machine
- Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter & Mat
- Measuring Tape
- Iron
Step One- Gather the Materials
First off, choose which type of fabric you would like to use. A light-weight fabric is preferred. I prefer a light-weight cotton or linen for a true “cottage core” look. Approximately 22 x 22 inches of fabric will be needed.
Next, choose a thread color that will compliment the fabric. The thread color can either match the fabric or it can be a complimentary color for an extra pop of detail.
Last, but not least, gather the sewing machine, measuring tape, iron, and fabric scissors (or rotary cutter & mat). This is a very quick and easy project, so feel free to gather all of the items at once.
Step Two- Cut the Fabric
The standard size for a bandana is 22 x 22 inches (note here). However, feel free to make it bigger or smaller according to your preference.
In this example, I used a bandana that measured 20 x 20 inches.
Use a fabric scissors & measuring tape (or a rotary cutter & mat) to cut out a square piece of fabric according to your preferred size.
Step Three- Iron the Seams
Once the fabric is cut, it it time to iron the seams in place.
Fold the raw edges of the fabric over by 1/8 inch and iron in place. Do this with all four edges of the fabric.
Next, fold each edge over by 1/8 inch once again. Iron in place.
At this point, all 4 raw edges of the fabric should be tucked under and not able to be seen by the eye.
Note: The corners of the fabric will be rather bulky as the layers overlap, but this is ok and normal. The sewing machine should be able to work through it.
Step Four- Sew the Cottagecore Bandana
Now, it’s time to sew the cottagecore bandana!
First begin by threading the sewing machine with the chosen thread color.
Then, sew along the ironed seam with a straight stitch. The seam is rather small, so I recommend lining up the center of the seam with the sewing machine needle.
Note: For the best results, back-stitch the first & final stitches.
I recommend starting the sewing process in the center of an edge of the fabric as opposed to a corner.
To stitch the corners of the fabric, simply allow the sewing machine to stitch as close to the end of the fabric as possible. Then, with the needle placed through the fabric, lift up the presser foot and carefully rotate the fabric 90*. Place the presser foot back down and continue stitching.
Feel free to give the fabric one last iron (if needed).
And, now, enjoy your brand new cottagecore style bandana!
How to Style a Cottagecore Bandana
There are several different ways that a bandana can be styled- which is just another benefit of them! Here is a small list of ways to style the bandana:
- Full Head Coverage (as shown in the pictures): Fold the bandana in half to form a triangle. Then, place the folded end of the triangle at the top of the head. Wrap the ends of the bandana underneath the hair and tie in place.
- Headband: Fold the bandana in half to form a triangle. Then, take the folded edge of the triangle and fold it over by 2 inches. Continue to fold the bandana until it is in a long strip of fabric. Place the bandana over the head in a headband fashion and tie the ends of the bandana in place (either at the top of the head or at the bottom of the head underneath the hair.)
- Ponytail Accent: First, pull the hair into a ponytail and tie in place with a normal hair tie. Fold and roll the bandana as instructed in the headband tutorial above. Then, wrap the folded strip of fabric over the hair tie once. Tie the two long ends of fabric underneath the ponytail. Let the extra fabric hang down with the hair of the ponytail.
- Use it for an Accessory: Bandanas don’t have to be just for the hair! They can be super cute folded and rolled, then tied onto a purse or bag as well!
