How to Make Headbands Out of Shirts

Celtic knot headband

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Celtic knots represent infinity and eternity because they don't contain beginnings or ends. In ancient times, if a gift was adorned with a Celtic knot, it was thought to give the recipient longevity or good luck in new adventures. This no-sew headband is made with a Shannon knot, which symbolizes balanced creativity, a fitting emblem because it makes creative use of old T-shirts. You have to see how easy this is! Watch the video here.

Things You'll Need

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Choose a large T-shirt in your desired color.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Sharp scissors
Hot glue gun and glue stick
Measuring tape (optional)

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Step 1

Cut two strips from the T-shirt.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Use sharp scissors to cut two 1 1/2-inch wide strips across both layers of the T-shirt. Do not use the hemmed bottom edge of the shirt. Each strip will have two layers.

Step 2

Pull the strips tightly.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Stretch the strips. Do not unfold the two layers. Grab each end and pull tightly until the strip rolls into itself.

Step 3

Create a loop.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Create a loop with one of the strips by crossing the right side over the left side. Keep the loop at the top.

Step 4

Add the second strip.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Lay the second strip in a U-shape on top of the first strip. Place the ends at the top.

Step 5

Weave the right side of the top piece under the bottom piece.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Place the right side of the top piece under the right side of the bottom piece.

Step 6

Weave the left side of the top piece under the bottom loop.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Place the left side of the top piece under the loop of the bottom piece.

Step 7

Pull the right side of the top piece through.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Place the right side of the top piece over the loop of the bottom piece, passing under the left side of the top piece and then over the other side of the loop.

Step 8

Pull the ends to create the knot.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Pull on each end gently and slowly until a neat knot is created and you have loose strips of fabric on each side of the knot.

Step 9

Place the ends on top of the 2 1/2-by-3 1/2-inch piece.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Wrap the strips around the head of the person who will be wearing the headband to mark where to cut the ends. Or measure the person's head circumference and cut the ends to that length. Cut a 2 1/2-by-3 1/2-inch piece of T-shirt and place both ends of the headband on top.

Step 10

Use hot glue on the headband ends.

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Spread some hot glue onto the tops of the headband ends.

Tip: You could use fabric glue instead of hot glue, but it will take longer for the glue to dry.

Step 11

Roll the small piece of fabric around the glued ends.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Roll the 2 1/2-by-3 1/2-inch piece of T-shirt tightly around the glued ends of the headband. Use caution when rolling the fabric to avoiding burning your fingers.

Step 12

Celtic knot headband

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Let the glue dry for a few minutes, slip the headband on and enjoy some balanced creativity of your own.