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This is a craft that’s been floating around the Internet for a while, and I can in no way take credit for it. It’s also about the easiest thing in the world. Taking the time to drive to the craft store is the hardest part of this one. 
These hair ties are popular because the elastic doesn’t crease your hair, and it’s kind of cute and colorful so it’s not like wearing an old-fashioned hair elastic on your wrist when you aren’t using it.
I finally remembered that I wanted to make these when I was at the craft store yesterday. You can get a yard of elastic for less than you’d pay for one hair band if you bought it in the store, and you can make several smaller hair ties, or one headband and a tie or two, with a single package.
What You’ll Need
- foldover elastic (mine is 1-inch wide); my store also had ruffle elastic, which does not fold, so I picked some of that up, too
- ruler
- pinking shears, or regular scissors and fray check or a lighter
What You’ll Do
- Measure out the length you want for your elastic. I’d say between 7 and 9 inches, depending on the amount and thickness of the hair you’re trying to hold. Remember that an inch or so will get used up in the knots.
- Cut with pinking shears or scissors on an angle.
- Tie the ends together in a double knot. Pull on the band so the knot is as tight as you can get it.
- If you used regular scissors, hit the ends with some fray check or heat with a lighter just until they melt a little.
Design Options
If you want to make a headband, wrap the elastic around your head to measure the length (I got 22 inches). Trim and tie as usual.
Make smaller ones for your kid. Tying the knot will take longer than you can imagine, but I’m sure it will be cute if I can get her to wear it.
You can fold the elastic over or not as you like. For the headband I kept mine flat; the little tie for my daughter I folded over.
Because of the popularity of this DIY, you should be able to find foldover and other types of “fancy” elastic in different colors and styles where the regular elastic is in your favorite sewing or crafts store.
Have you ever made these elastics? If not, you should give it a try! Totally cute and easy and they make a great last-second gift idea.
