Your hat makes a statement and a beaded hatband can give it the hand-crafted character you have been missing. For projects like this, a wooden loom is recommended. By using a loom to weave your hatband, you can teach yourself a valuable craft that is a timeless part of the Native American heritage, passed down for generations.
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Things You'll Need
Scissors
Leather Needle
Leather Straps
Cured Leather
Measuring Tape
Beading Needles
Waxed Beading Thread
Super Glue
Awl
Beads
Template (If Desired)
Loom
Step 1
Measure how long your hatband will need to be. Start by attaching the waxed thread to the metal pin in the wooden screw. Run it across the loom and through a slot in the spring down to the other wooden screw. Turn the screw and wrap extra thread around for later beading. Allow enough wraps for the length of your band. Bring the thread back and wrap it around the pin. Repeat this process five times for a total of six threads. This will allow a width of five beads. Tie off thread on the pin and cut. These are called warp threads.
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Step 2
Cut another piece of thread to a length that is comfortable for you to work with, without getting tangled. This is the woof thread. If you run low on woof thread mid project, tie it off and start a new one. Tie this to the first strand of warp thread on the loom. Thread five beads and place them on top of the warp threads and then run the needle through the beads a second time underneath the warp threads. Repeat this process until you reach the end of your band. Tie off the thread to the warp threads and then weave through the last two rows again for support. Tie off and cut.
Step 3
To finish the weave, cut each warp thread one at a time and tie it to the one beside it. Repeat this until all threads are tied. Add a drop of superglue to each bead and trim remaining threads. Do not worry about aesthetics. You are going to cover both ends with a leather tie.
Step 4
Take your cured leather and cut two 1-by-2 inch pieces. Fold one piece, overlapping a 1/2 inch off the end of the hatband. Using your leather needle, sew straight onto the beads. Use the awl and punch a hole at the end of both pieces of leather, being careful not to touch the beads. Repeat on the other side.
Step 5
Take a leather strap and thread through the hole, tying a knot on one side. Repeat on the other side. Place you hatband on your hat and tie both straps together.