Hi friends! Today we're going to share some tips for sewing stretch fabric and teach you a fun D.I.Y. project to practice with! These velvet turbans were one of our favorite products to make and sell at Red Velvet last year. We've since sent them off to retirement, so I'm here to teach you how to make your very own today! But first...
-Use a ball point needle.
-Check your sewing machine manual for a "stretch stitch".
-Use a Serger machine for seams. If you don't have a Serger, use the Zigzag stitch.
-Make sure your fabric is free of wrinkles when cutting out pattern pieces.
-Cut directly on top of fabric, without lifting the fabric as you go. Use a rotary cutter, if you can.
-Start with skirts and scarves, work your way up to patterns with sleeves.
1. Cut Fabric 12.5 inches x 34 inches. 2. With right sides together serge the fabric into a tube. If you don't own a Serger, use your zigzag stitch. Turn tube inside out. 3. Tie a knot in the middle of the tube. 4. Whip stitch three of the four layers together from edge to edge, knot and cut off. 5. (You can see here what the finished whip stitch will look like on the inside) Take the remaining loose layer and flip it over the stitched three layers. Tuck the raw edge under and blind stitch to the turban. The layer should lay right side to right side and stitches should be completely invisible once finished. 6. Enjoy your new turban! It's easy to wear with your hair up or down.
Great tips! I'm sewing all day tomorrow. xo, rv
http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Rae Veda | January 19, 2012 at 06:23 PM
Ahh! Such a valuable tutorial!
http://thecharleygirl.com
xxoo
Posted by: Charley Taylor | January 19, 2012 at 06:35 PM
I love this turban! I cant wait to make one!
-Miranda
http://paperthoughtsfabricdreams.blogspot.com
Posted by: Miranda | January 19, 2012 at 06:38 PM
Awesome tips. I am so excited to make one of these
-Alyssa
www.pinchoflyss.blogspot.com
Posted by: Alyssa | January 19, 2012 at 06:45 PM
Very useful tips! I'm always intimidated when it comes to sewing knits. Thanks!
Posted by: Tori | January 19, 2012 at 06:56 PM
I never feel like I can handle sewing projects, but these turbans are just too cute to pass up! Maybe I'll give it a try this weekend...
Posted by: Jenna | January 19, 2012 at 07:03 PM
Oh, I've gotta try this. Time to dust off the ole Singer!
Posted by: Lauren | January 19, 2012 at 07:18 PM
Amazing tutorial; I always wanted to make a stylish turban and these tips are great!
Love this blog, Elsie.
xx,
Joana
P.S.: I just featured something delicious from your blog in mine. Hope you like it :)
Posted by: Joana | January 19, 2012 at 07:27 PM
Sempre Fabulosa!!!! Adoro o teu blog cada dia mais! Beijos Lola
http://www.antonellaesuaboneca.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Paola | January 19, 2012 at 07:48 PM
Very cute!
Lots of jewelry giveaway.
http://www.houseofavandan.blogspot.com
Posted by: Vanita | January 19, 2012 at 07:54 PM
Oh man. I needed these tips about 4 years ago when I let me Dad choose his own fabric for a pair of ridiculously stretchy pajama pants. This fabric is much cuter as a headband! :) I'll have to give this a try!
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 19, 2012 at 08:50 PM
I LOVE wearing velvet turbans (or velvet anything for that matter), but I've never made one of my own before! Fun!!
Kate :)
http://agreatmanythingsblog.wordpress.com/
Posted by: Kate | January 19, 2012 at 08:51 PM
cute idea! i love turbans...its unhealthy haha.
xoxo, Jjanga
www.sayhelloandsmile.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jjanga | January 19, 2012 at 09:02 PM
Sooooooo cute! :) I just love this series so much! I love how you empower people to create. Hearts, Janna Lynn
Posted by: Janna Lynn | January 19, 2012 at 09:22 PM
Gorgeous photos!!! I really want to do turbans for work! Is it inappropriate? I work at a magazine company!
xxx
-S
http://www.messylittlemonsters.blogspot.com
Posted by: Steph | January 19, 2012 at 09:37 PM
Steph, I don't think they are inappropriate at all. Especially one like this that is obviously a vintage styled turban (modeled after styles from the 1960s!). I've seen people all over wearing them. Very Audrey Hepburn, if you ask me!
XO.
Posted by: elsie | January 19, 2012 at 10:04 PM
aww they are adorable! i'm excited to try this. i'm always looking for new ways to hide unwashed hair because i go every other day to keep my hair from drying out:)
i don't think they're inappropriate. it's just hair accessory like a headband. hope you get compliments at work:)
Posted by: Laura | January 19, 2012 at 10:19 PM
nice.. :) http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/
Posted by: irene wibowo | January 19, 2012 at 10:25 PM
I agree with Laura...appropriate and perfect for hiding unwashed hair (my dirty little secret)!
Jonesy
Posted by: Jonesy @ misssavvychic.blogspot.com | January 19, 2012 at 11:40 PM
Good to know! Thank you for sharing!
http://www.mythriftychic.com/
Posted by: Tori | January 19, 2012 at 11:44 PM