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Washable & Reusable Bin Liner Sewing Tutorial

Washable & Reusable Bin Liner Sewing Tutorial

by | May 11, 2022 | My Makes, Project Ideas, PUL Projects, Sustainable Sewing, Tutorials

We’re always looking for new ways to go zero waste here at Plush Towers & one item we have been keen to ditch is the plastic waste-bin liner and we have been looking for a reusable alternative…

As the world, quite rightly, moves away from single use plastic bags that at one time many of us used to line small waste bins we have been pondering what a zero-waste replacement could be. We thought it was time to unleash into the world a tutorial for a reusable & washable waste bin liner!

This washable bin liner is the perfect zero-waste solution for all those light use bins in the bedroom, office or bathroom…

Reusable Bin Liner Sewing Tutorial

 

Anatomy of the washable bin liner

Outer Fabric: We’ve used waterproof PUL as the lining fabric in this project.

Why this fabric you might ask?! We figured it was the perfect fabric choice for handling lightly soiled bathroom items such as cotton pads or ears buds. Choosing waterproof PUL means there there won’t be any unwanted leaks through to the exterior of the bin liner…

It also means if you live with people that insist on chucking away their banana skins in their bedrooms that get buried & forgotten about you won’t get any leaky food waste either, ha!

Lining Fabric: For the liner outer we’ve used calico as it’s economical , but you can use any cotton. This part of the liner generally won’t be seen (unless your bin has lots of hole in it) so this is a great opportunity to use up your stash, or this as a great chance re-purpose or upcycle some other fabric.

Contrast Fabric: We wanted to give you the option to make it pretty so we’ve used a small amount of quilting fabric as an accent to give you the chance to match to your decor, or add a touch of personality to your bin. This fabric is actually part of the lining but appears on the exterior of the bin once folded over.

The whole liner is held securely in place by fold over elastic at the liner’s opening edge.

The method we’ve described in this tutorial would also work perfectly for washing baskets, laundry baskets, nappy bins, kitchen bins… You can use the same method for storage baskets (any size) to prevent leaking, damage, snags & scrapes!

We’re going to show you how to draft a pattern for a circular 3D vessel – in this case your waste bin – which you can apply to a variety of other storage projects! Follow along and you can draft your own pattern to fit any size circular bin or basket.

By using a liner you will be reducing your plastic use and waste, and become more conscious as to what waste you are producing, sewing a sustainable and useful project! 

How to launder your reusable bin liner

  • We recommend that your fabrics are pre-washed before you start this project.
  • This liner is designed for light use waste bins so it can usually be laundered at 30 degrees.
  • If you decide to use it for “messier” bins that might harbour higher bacterial growth, you can launder these fabrics at 60 degrees but it’s imperative you pre-wash everything at that temperature first. Washing consistently at 60 degrees may reduce the life of the cotton fabrics.
  • We recommend air drying this project after laundering. We do not recommend tumble drying PUL as regular tumble drying can delaminate PUL fabric over time.

A sewing project for Adventurous Beginners

Finished Dimensions: Depends on the size of your bin – we used this bin [affiliate link]

With the following dimensions: Dia 25.5cm x H 31cm / Dia 10” x H 12”

Approximate sewing time: An afternoon

Important Notes:

  • Pre-wash your fabrics
  • 1cm ⅜” seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
  • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
  • We have overlocked our seams but if you don’t have an overlocker you can check out this post for other seam finishing ideas
  • When top stitching – use a 3-3.5mm length & stitch approx 3mm from the seam
  • Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice
  • RST = Right Sides Together
  • WST = Wrong Sides Together
  • Read through the instructions fully before starting
  • Please note that pins can create permanent holes in PUL. we recommend using clips

You Will Need:

The requirements given below are enough for a similarly sized bin to this bin which measures Diameter 25.5cm x Height 31cm / Diameter 10” x Height 12”

If your bin is a different size draw the pattern out and then calculate what you need from the pattern.

Sewing Equipment You Will Need:

Draw Your Reusable Bin Liner Pattern

  1. Measure & draft the pattern pieces for your bin:

You need to take a few measurements to work out how to draw your pattern pieces. We realised this can seem daunting for some people so we’ve worked hard to make it as accessible and easy to follow as we can.

We’ve put together:

  • A video (below) for those that prefer visual instruction
  • Detailed written instructions & a handy printable which has a calculations table for you to complete with your own bin measurements. Use this for fool proof pattern drafting!
  • A worked example

The video & printable are designed to work together and compliment each other.

Request the pattern drafting printable

Measure your bin

Cutting Out The Fabrics

Cut the following :

  • From Fabric A (Contrast Top): 4 x Contrast Top rectangles
  • From Fabric B (Calico Cotton) : 2 x side panels & 1 x base circle
  • From Fabric C (PUL lining): 2 x sides and 1 x base circle
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3. Constructing the reusable bin liner

  • With RST, sew the side seams of the 2 x calico side panels  together, using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance
  • Repeat for the PUL side panels
  • Mark the quarter points: On both outer & lining sewn side panels & the base circles, mark ¼ points :
    • On the side panels, fold the fabric on the seam & smooth & fold it across; the seam line is a one-quarter point & the fold crease is another. Bring those points together & smooth the fabric out to the sides; mark where the next 2 folds form.
    • For the base circle, fold it in half, make marks at each end of the fold line. Fold it in half again and mark both layers of fabric where they fold.
  • Take the PUL side panel & base & match up the marked 1/4 points & pin
  • Now pin the fabric between the ¼ points, using the snips to help ease the fabric around the outer edge if you need to. Align the fabric edges & pinning where the seam line will be sewn will help accuracy.
  • Sew in place using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance. If you have a walking foot use this as it will help if the fabric is slippery. You could also use your overlocker if you have one.
  • Repeat the same steps on the Calico side panels & base circle
  • Add the contrast panel: Take 2 of the top contrast panels & place RST. At the shorts ends sew in place using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance. This will create two fabric “loops”.
  • Repeat for the other 2 top contrast panels. You should now have 2 “loops” in the contrast fabric
  • With RST, pin one top contrast loop to the Calico part of the liner along the top of the exterior bin liner, matching at the seams. Sew in place around the loop.
  • Repeat, sewing the remaining top contrast loop to the the PUL part of the liner.
  • Put the PUL lining of the bin liner, wrong sides together with the Calico exterior. Line up the 2 x top contrast panels, match at the seams & pin. Baste the outer and lining together at the top
  • Attach the fold over elastic: Take your bin and pull the elastic firmly around the part of the bin where the top contrast fold over will sit. Measure where it fits comfortably and then take a few cm off this length so that when in place, the bin liner will fit snugly to the bin & keep the liner in place.

Measure Fold Over Elastic

  • Apply the fold over elastic using your preferred method: Please refer to our post here for detailed instructions on the different methods you can use to apply fold over elastic.

 

DIY Reusable & Washable Bin Liner

 

And you’re finished, well done!

Feeling proud? Show us your makes! Tag us @PlushAddict on your favourite social media channel!

Free Tea Cosy Pattern

by | Mar 23, 2022 | My Makes, Project Ideas, Sustainable Sewing, Tutorials

Hands up if you love a cuppa! Drinking tea is almost a compulsory part of being British, isn’t it?! I love a cuppa and can’t start my day without one. There’s just something about the ceremony of a pot of tea… So my blog wouldn’t be complete without a Free Tea Cosy Pattern, now would it?!

We get a lot of questions about the best choice of wadding for a tea cosy so we’ll be talking about that too…

 

Free Tea Cosy Sewing Pattern

When I was making up the samples of this I tried a couple of different tabs for the top and I couldn’t decide which to go for – so I’ve included both!

There’s a cute little folded grab handle, or a hanging loop – you decide!

The contrast band at the bottom is an easy way to elevate the visual interest of this tea cosy, and to use up some pretty coordinating fat quarters.

Equally, you could just use the lining pattern piece for both the outer and lining of the tea cosy if you wanted to simplify.

Request your free copy of the tea cosy sewing pattern here

Send me the Free Tea Cosy Sewing Pattern

Please note: This pattern has been designed to print on A4 paper

Sewing Skill Level: Beginner

Finished Tea Cosy Dimensions: approx 35cm wide x 25cm high

Approximate sewing time: a couple of hours

You will need

Sewing Equipment You Will Need:

Make Life Easier With

Important notes:

  • 1cm seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
  • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
  • When top stitching – use a 3-3.5mm length & stitch approx 3mm from the seam
  • Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice
  • WST = Wrong Sides Together
  • RST = Right Sides Together
  • Read through the instructions fully before starting 
  • Disclaimer:
    • Heat and steam will build up within the finished tea cosy, care should be observed when removing it and handling the teapot. To prevent mildew formation, turn tea cosies inside out to release condensation and excess moisture between uses.
    • Insul-Bright is heat resistant not heatproof.
    • Insul-Bright must not be used in the microwave
    • Insul-Bright may dull blades or scissors that cut it

What’s the best choice of wadding for a tea cosy?

In truth, you can use any kind of wadding in a tea cosy but I can highly recommend using thermal wadding like Insul-Bright. It’s clever stuff as it keeps hot things hot, and cold things cold!

I’ve used Insul-Bright in all of my tea cosies and can confirm that it definitely keeps a pot of tea at a hotter temperature for longer

1.    Print & Assemble The Tea Cosy Sewing Pattern

  • If you’ve not already got the free tea cosy pattern, you can request it here
  • Print the pattern on A4 Paper and tape the pages of the pattern together like the diagram below matching the circles

This pattern has been designed to print on A4 paper. Use the 1” or 2cm test squares to check the sizing. If the sizing is incorrect check your print settings. Depending on the device used, select ‘actual size’ or deselect the ‘fit to page’ option

2. Cut Out The Fabrics

Using the pattern pieces cut out the following:

  • Lining: Cut 2 x lining fabric and 2 x Insul-Bright
  • Outer Contrast: Cut 2 x Outer Contrast Fabric
  • Outer Main: Cut 2 x Outer fabric
  • Hanging Loop or Grab Tab : Cut one of either the hanging loop OR the Grab Tab from contrast fabric

3. Make the Grab Tab or Hanging Loop

You have a choice of top accent to make –

  1. A grab tab
  2. A hanging loop

Pick your fave option! But you only need to cut and make one…

Option 1: Make the Grab Tab
  • Fold the Grab Tab piece in half and press
  • Find the centre point along the folded edge and finger press
  • Bring the 2 outer corners at the folded edge to meet the centre crease line and press to make a point at the fold
Option 2: Make the Hanging Loop
  • Place the loop piece right side down, fold over and press 1cm of fabric along the two long sides
  • Fold the loop in half lengthways with the raw edges inside and press
  • Sew along the 2 sides of the loop, 2mm from the edge
  • Fold the loop in half and baste 1cm from the raw edges

4. Assemble The Outer Panels

  • One at a time, clip or pin the Outer Main and Outer Contrast pieces together, right sides facing along the straight edge
  • Press the seam allowances open
  • Fold one of the outer panels in half and mark the centre top
  • Clip the hanging loop (or grab tab) at the centre top of the prepared outer panel, raw edges aligned, loop (or tab) facing downwards and baste in place
  • Line up the 2 prepared outer panels right sides together and clip/ pin around the curved edge
  • Sew the 2 panels together, leaving the bottom open
  • Using pinking shears trim the seam allowance around the curved edge to 2mm from the seam line. Or cut the seam allowance to 1cm then clip small V shaped notches in the seam allowance at 1.5cm intervals. They should be 5mm wide narrowing to a point stopping just before the seam line
  • Turn out the right way and press the seam allowances open. A Tailors Pressing Ham can make pressing curves much easier

5. Assemble the lining panels

  • Clip 1 piece of Insul-bright onto the wrong side of each lining panel
  • Baste all the way round each panel with a 5mm seam allowance, stitch length 4 or 5 to hold the Insul-Bright in place
  • Sew the lining panels right sides together along the curved edge, leaving the bottom open
  • Clip around the curved edge 
  • Cut the seam allowance to 0.5cm with pinking shears/ rotary blade OR clip small V shaped notches in the seam allowance at 1.5cm intervals. They should be 5mm wide narrowing to a point stopping just before the seam line.

 6. Assemble the tea cosy

  • Take the tea cosy outer and place inside the lining, right sides together taking care to line up the side seams
  • Clip round the bottom edge of the tea cosy, opening the seam allowances at the side seams
  • Sew around the bottom of the tea cosy leaving a 10cm turning gap
  • Reduce the bulk at the bottom of the tea cosy by trimming away the Insul-Bright from the bottom seam. Applique Scissors can make this easier
  • Turn the tea cosy out the right way and clip the opening closed
  • Top stitch all the way round the bottom of the tea cosy 5mm from the edge

And you’re finished, well done!

Sew A Spa Set Series #6: Sew Reusable Cotton Pads

Sew A Spa Set Series #6: Sew Reusable Cotton Pads

by | Mar 5, 2022 | Bamboo towelling, Care and Repair, My Makes, Project Ideas, Sustainable Sewing, Tutorials

As we all start to look at simple ways we can reduce our waste, the bathroom is a great place to make some simple swaps! Did you know that disposable make up remover pads can often contain plastic?! Switching to reusable cotton pads is a quick and easy swap to help reduce your waste.

This tutorial is part of our  Sew A Spa Set Series – check the  Intro post  to see what else you can make for a relaxing day or evening pampering yourself, or a loved one and would make a great gift.

This project is also a great little scrap buster!

Reusable cotton pads

We’ve used bamboo towelling rather than cotton towelling here (but who’s heard of Bamboo Pads?!) so we’re using poetic license when we’re calling these cotton pads…

There’s a good reason why we’re using bamboo though – it’s far more sustainable than cotton. Read more about Bamboo Towelling’s eco-credentials in our full guide here

There are 6 items that make up the Spa Set and if you’re pushed for time, each of these handmade items would make a great small gift on their own.

Sew A Spa Set banner

You can use out template or size up, or change the shape to a square (and make up using the same process) to make reusable baby wipes or rounds.

We hope you enjoy sewing and gifting these handmade items!

Important Notes:
  • 1cm /  ⅜” seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
  • We used an overlocker to finish our seams. If you don’t have an overlocker check out this post for other seam finishing options
  • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
  • Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice – we recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

To make One Reusable Cotton Pad

Sewing Kit You Will Need:

Making the Reusable Cotton Pads

1. Pre-wash your fabrics

We recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

2. Print the cotton pad templates

Print off the Spa Set Templates ensuring you print at 100%. If you haven’t already, request your pattern here.

Please note: This free pattern has been sized to print on A4 paper.

3. Cut your fabrics & notions

To make one pad cut out:

  • 1x Circle from Bamboo Towelling
  • 1x Circle from Patterned Cotton
  • 1x Back loop from Patterned Cotton
4. Assemble The Cotton Round

Sew the loop

  • On the loop pattern piece, fold the long edges over 1cm / ⅜” and press.

Making the makeup rounds step 1

  • Fold the entire rectangle lengthwise again to the middle and press.

Making the makeup rounds step 2

  • Top stitch down both sides of the rectangle.

Making the makeup rounds step 3

Making the makeup rounds step 4

Assemble the pad

  • Pin the rectangle to RS (right side) of the Cotton fabric circle of your pad. Make sure there is a little space to slide your fingers between the loop and the pad, this will mean the loop is not flat against the pad.
Making the makeup rounds step 5
  • Baste the edges where the rectangle meets the circle edge.
  • Place the bamboo towelling circle RS together with the Cotton circle, sandwiching the loop in between. Pin in place and stitch around the circle with a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance, leaving an opening to turn it out the right way.
Making the makeup rounds step 6
Making the makeup rounds step 7
  • Pink or clip the seam allowance. Turn the pad out through the opening you left. 
Making the makeup rounds step 8
  • Fold in the seam allowance at the opening.
  • Top stitch 3mm / ⅛” around the edge of the circle to finish and close the opening.
Making the makeup rounds step 9
Making the makeup rounds step 10

And you’re finished, well done!

We’re nearly there! We hope you’ve enjoyed our Sew A Spa Set Series so far. The very last tutorial is a Round Makeup Bag to store all of your handmade goodies in!

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Sew A Spa Set Series #5: Make An Eco-Friendly Shower Puff

by | Mar 5, 2022 | Bamboo towelling, My Makes, Project Ideas, Sustainable Sewing, Tutorials

Did you know that shower puffs are generally made from plastic? Maybe you’re looking for an eco-friendly shower puff that’s kinder to the planet?

Well you’re in the right place! Our version of the Eco-Friendly Shower Puff is made from eco-friendly bamboo towelling and is super simple to make, and best of all it doesn’t take many supplies either!

Sew an eco-friendly shower puff

We hope you’re enjoying the  Sew A Spa Set Series that this eco-friendly shower puff is part of. It’s a set of simple sews you can put together and gift as a whole, or on their own.

We think the Spa Set would make a gorgeous handmade gift for Mother’s Day… Check out the Intro post to see what else is included in the Spa Set.

There are 6 items that make up the Spa Set and if you’re pushed for time, each of these handmade items would make a great small gift on their own.

We’ve designed these mini projects to be quick & easy, so you can sew a Spa Set that you could use on a relaxing day off, or as a last minute gift for friends or family.

 

We’ve used bamboo towelling to make most of these useful Spa Set accessories as it’s super soft, absorbent, lends itself well to reusable items & it’s also environmentally friendly!

Our guide is full of helpful info, as well as some top tips!

 

We hope you enjoy sewing and gifting these handmade items!

How to Sew An Eco-Friendly Shower Puff

Important Notes:
  • 1cm /  ⅜” seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
  • We used an overlocker to finish our seams. If you don’t have an overlocker check out this post for other seam finishing options
  • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
  • Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice – we recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

To Make The Shower Puff You Will Need:

Sewing Kit You Will Need to Sew a Spa Set:

Making the Eco-Friendly Shower Puff

1. Pre-wash your fabrics

We recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequentl

3. Cut & Edge Your Fabric

OR

If you’re not making any of the other items just cut from Bamboo Towelling two rectangles measuring 35cm x 8cm

  • Either overlock around all 4 the sides of both pieces of bamboo towelling rectangles, or finish with a zig-zag stitch
4. Sew your fabric
  • Place your main pieces, WS (wrong sides) together and create a channel 1.5cm / ⅝” wide in the centre of the strip.
  • You can either measure and mark where the channel lies on the main pieces, or lie your cord length across and mark where the channel lies by eye
  • Feed your cord through the channel.

Pull the ends of the main pieces together around the cord, gathering it along the cord. Shape this into a typical puff shape, tying a double knot in the cord when you are happy with the shape, to secure the puff. 

And you’re finished, well done!

There are just 2 more items in our Sew A Spa Set Series… Next up is a tutorial to take you through how to Sew Reusable Cotton Rounds

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Sew A Spa Set Series #4: Free Eye Mask Tutorial

by | Mar 4, 2022 | Bamboo towelling, My Makes, Project Ideas, Tutorials

Welcome to the next tutorial in our Sew A Spa Set Series! In this post you can download our free eye mask template and find a step-by-step sewing tutorial on how to sew your own eye-mask suitable for long and luxurious self-care baths!

Our Spa eye mask is backed in super soft bamboo towelling to make it the perfect companion for your next candle lit bath.

 

Sew an eye mask tutorial

To make this eye mask you’ll need a copy of the free eye mask template. Request the template here and we’ll send it straight to your inbox, along with the other patterns in the Sew A Spa Set Series

Be sure to check out the Intro post for the full lowdown on what other tutorials are included in our Sew A Spa Set Series

 

 

If you’re new to bamboo towelling you can learn more about it our full guide and gain some pro sewing tips too!

As well as using the Eye Mask template for bath time use you could omit the binding & layers and cut from felt and mark eye holes to make a simple kids mask! Or use different fabrics to make a sleep mask… the template can be used to make any fabric eye mask.

How to Sew An Eye Mask

Important Notes:
  • 1cm /  ⅜” seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
  • We used an overlocker to finish our seams. If you don’t have an overlocker check out this post for other seam finishing options
  • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
  • Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice – we recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently
  • Do not sleep with the eye mask on as there is a strangulation risk

To Make This Eye Mask You Will Need:

Making the Eye Mask

1. Pre-wash your fabrics

We recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

2. Print the Eye Mask Template

Print off your Eye Mask Template ensuring you print at 100%. If you haven’t already, request your pattern here.

Please note: This free pattern has been sized to print on A4 paper.

3. Cut your fabrics

Using the eye mask template piece cut out; 

  • 1x Mask front from Patterned Cotton
  • 1x Inner from Fusible Fleece
  • 1x Mask back from Bamboo Towelling
4. Assemble The Eye Mask

1. Mark the elastic points. Use pins to mark where you want the elastic to lie on the back mask (bamboo towelling) piece, using the notches on the pattern piece.

Assembling the eye mask - marking the elastic points of the eye mask

2. Cut the elastic to the desired length. This will vary depending on your head size. The formula we used was head circumference minus 19cm / 7”.

3. Pin the elastic in place. Pin the ends of the elastic RS (right sides) together with the back of the mask, pointing outwards at the points you marked.

Assembling the eye mask step 1 - Pin the elastic of the eye mask in place

4. Adhere the fusible fleece. Iron the wrong side of the mask front onto the fusible fleece piece.

5. Baste your bias tape RS together on the front mask piece (optional)

6. Clip the curves. Clip or pink around the curved edge of the tape.

Assembling the eye step 6- clip the curves

7. Sew the layers.

  • Pin the mask front and mask back RS together, sandwiching the elastic head strap between the two pieces. 
  • Sew around the edge of the mask leaving a 5cm / 2” opening to turn the mask out. Clip or pink the seam allowance. 

Sewing the eye mask

8. Turn out the mask and press. Top stitch 3mm / ⅛” from the edge around the mask.

And you’re finished! Well done!

In the next sewing tutorial in our Sew a Spa Set Series you can learn how to Sew an Eco-friendly Shower Puff

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Sew A Spa Set Series #3: Bath Headband Tutorial

by | Mar 3, 2022 | Bamboo towelling, My Makes, Project Ideas, Tutorials

Welcome to our Bath Headband Tutorial – the second tutorial in our Sew A Spa Set Series This post contains all the sewing info you need to sew up your very own bath headband.

There are 6 of these handmade items for you to make! Check out the  Intro post for the full low down.

What’s a bath headband you may ask?! It’s a headband that’s suitable to be worn in, or after a bath or shower. It’s made from super soft, absorbent (and eco friendly!) bamboo towelling making it’s suitable to be worn whether your hair is wet or dry.

This useful headband would make a fabulous handmade gift, especially if paired with the other items in our Sew A Spa Set Series.

Sew a Bath Headband

To be able to follow our Bath Headband Tutorial you’ll need a copy of the FREE Spa Set templates. Request them here 

We’ve used bamboo towelling to make most of these useful Spa Set accessories as it’s super soft, absorbent, lends itself well to reusable items & it’s also environmentally friendly!

Read more about Bamboo Towelling in our full guide and gain some pro sewing tips too!

As well as a bath headband you could also use this tutorial to make a cute ear warmer if you switch out the towelling for some fluffy fleece!

We hope you enjoy sewing and gifting these handmade items!

Bath Headband Tutorial

Important Notes:
  • 1cm /  ⅜” seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
  • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
  • Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice – we recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

To make this Bath headband, You will need:

Sewing Kit You Will Need to Sew a Spa Set:

Making the Bath Headband

1. Pre-wash your fabrics

We recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

2. Print the headband templates

Print off the Spa Set Templates ensuring you print at 100%. If you haven’t already, request your pattern here.

Please note: This free pattern has been sized to print on A4 paper.

3. Cut your fabrics & notions
  • Cut 1 x Main Headband from Bamboo Towelling
  • Cut 2 x Main bow from Cotton
  • Cut 2 x Main bow from Cotton
  • Cut 1 x Bow Middle from Cotton
  • Cut 3 x 45cm long pieces of elastic
4. Assemble The Bath Headband
  • Overlock the edges of your towelling main headband strip. If you do not have an overlocker, then finish the edges using a zig zag stitch. 

Assemble the bath headband step 1
  • With RS (right sides) together, sew the two short ends of your main headband together. Overlock/ zig-zag finish the edges of this seam, and press flat.
  • Fold over both the top and bottom long edges of the main headband 0.5cm / ¼”  and then a further 1cm / ⅜”  to create a channel to feed your elastic into.
  • Pin and stitch in place, leaving several cm / inches open on each channel so you can insert the elastic. Pro-tip – Using a bodkin or Elastic Guide can really help here
4. Sewing the Elastic
  • Feed one piece of elastic through one channel. Pin the ends together and secure them, before closing your channel. Repeat for the other channel.
  • Create further gathers in your strip using the other two pieces of elastic. Pin in place equally on the width of the fabric, and stitch in place using a zig zag stitch along the length of the main headband.
  • Place the 2 x larger main bow pieces RS together & stitch around the edge using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance. Leave a small gap for turning.
  • Trim or pink the seam down, and turn out. Slip stitch the opening and press.
  • Take the bow middle piece & fold the fabric in half matching the long edges.
  • Sew down the long edge opposite the fold using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance.
  • Turn to the right side & press
  • Wrap the smaller rectangle round your main gathered headband
  • Slip Stitch the ends together towards the back. You may want to secure the band in place on your headband also with some small tacking stitches at the back.
  • Slide the bow in through the loop made by the smaller rectangle. Adjust until it looks voluminous and like a bow.
  • You may want to secure this in place with a few stitches. 

And you’re finished! Well done!

The next sewing tutorial in our Sew a Spa Set Series is an eye mask you can wear in the bath!

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