A bandana is a stylish accessory.You can wear it on your head, show your loyalty, or make a fashion statement.In a pinch, you can use it to blow your nose, replace a dust mask, wipe sweat off your face, prevent a sunburn, or bandage a wound.It is possible to make one yourself out of almost any type of fabric.You could have a bandana of your own in no time.
Step 1: Obtain a large piece of cloth.
The cloth should be larger than 61 cm.Cotton muslin is an affordable option that will hold up well to wear and tear, so you can choose whichever fabric you prefer.It's a good idea to avoid fabrics that are itchy.Pick a pre-patterned material that you think would look good as a bandana, like a checked pattern, a skull and crossbones theme, and so on.bandanas can be associated with a local gang in some parts of the world.In the US city of Los Angeles, blue and red bandannas are tied to gangs.When choosing a bandana color or pattern, be aware that it can be dangerous to accidentally identify yourself with a gang.
Step 2: There is a sketch.
You can follow straight lines in pre-patterned material, even if you want to use a straight edge.You can make your square larger or smaller depending on your size.It is possible to start your square in the corner of your material.Less of the cloth ends up being scraps.A felttip pen will show up more quickly than pencil markings.It is easier to cut your material in a straight line with a clear line.A fabric marker is a good choice for sketching out a square.Any stray marks will be washed out when you wash your bandana.Straight lines will result in your bandana being regular in shape and polished in appearance, even though the sketch doesn't have to be perfect.It's a good idea to make your bandana bigger.It is easier to trim fabric off than it is to put it on.
Step 3: Remove the material from your square.
It's possible to make the first cut with a pair of scissors if you're using cotton.You may be able to rip it along the rest of it if you draw a line.If you don't know the blend of fabric used in your material, you may want to use your scissors to cut your square free.Sometimes a cotton tear won't be clean.If you have a limited amount of fabric, scissors may be the best option.
Step 4: Try it on.
Try on your bandana to see if it fits.If it's too large, you can trim it down, but you should keep in mind that you'll lose fabric to hemming.It's a good idea to keep your bandana clean.There is an unhemmed raw edge.
Step 5: Determine the hem's width.
A bigger hem will create a double fold along the edge of your fabric.For your bandana, you should start with a medium hem, which is about 2 inches (5 cm) in length.It will be folded under the cloth to prevent it from getting damaged.A hem can be any size.You may like the extra thickness of the folded cloth around the edges of a longer hem or a narrow, short hem.
Step 6: Press your hem when you fold.
You will need to iron the cloth you fold if you want it to be straight and crisp.To make a medium hem, fold 12" (114 cm) of cloth beneath your fabric and press it with an iron.Then press it again after folding another 112" of cloth in the same fashion.Press 34" of cloth under your fabric for larger hems.Follow this with a 114" under the fold of fabric and press again.You can make small hems by folding 14 of your edge.Press again after folding under another 14" (.64 cm).
Step 7: Place the folded hem in place.
The double folded edge needs to be straight and neat.To correct crookedness, you may have to adjust the fabric.Pin the fabric to keep it in place when you are sewing.To check the evenness of your folded edge, you might want to use a ruler or meter stick.
Step 8: You should sew your hem.
The easiest way to do this is with a sewing machine, but if that isn't an option you can use a needle and thread.If you want the knot to be hidden, you have to thread the needle through all the layers of the folded over fabric.Feed the needle through the back and front of your fabric at regular intervals.Tie off your thread with a knot at the end.Double the thread when you thread your needle to make it hold up better.A slip stitch is a very professional looking stitch.It may take some practice before you get the hang of this stitch, but it will be invisible once you're done.You may want to learn how to hem.You can use iron on hem tape if hemming with a needle and thread is difficult.This can be found at most craft and sewing stores.
Step 9: It's time to show off your bandana.
There are many ways to wear a bandana.Try to see which one suits you the best.If you want your bandana to hang in a triangular shape at the base of your neck, you might consider wearing it around the neck.A bandana is folded into a strip.Wrap the strip around your head and wear it as a headband.
Step 10: The best places to decorate are prime locations.
The best location for your decorations depends on how you choose to wear your bandana.If you plan on wearing a bandana along your neck in a triangular shape, you'll want your design to be located in the corner of the fabric.Put on your bandana and look in the mirror.You can mark the fabric with a pencil or marker on the spot that best presents your decoration.
Step 11: Either iron or sew on the patches.
A patch is a great way to represent your favorite teams.Some of these are heat activated and can be attached to your bandana with an iron, while others may require stitching to be held in place.A local fabric store is a good place to look for patches, but an online retailer might have the best selection.Some fabrics are not safe to iron.Before attempting to iron on a patch, be sure to check the fabric information.
Step 12: To make designs, use wash-safe fabric paint.
You can use fabric paint to create unique designs.You might need a brush and water, but some fabric paints come in marker applicators.There are lots of fabric paints you can choose from.Pick one that won't come out in the wash.If you want your painted designs to look more professional, you may want to use a fabric stencil.
Step 13: Draw designs with fabric markers.
If you don't have much painting experience, fabric markers may be easier to use than paint.If you want the best finished product, you should first draw your design in a fabric marker and then use your wash-safe markers.You can use a pencil to sketch out your designs before using a more permanent medium.
Step 14: If applicable, give your designs time to dry.
Follow the directions on the products you use for decorating your bandana for the best results.Some fabric paints and markers may need some time to dry before they are washed.