I've also posted this here on my blog, but for the wonderful people of EGL I'm posting it here too! If that's a bad move, then the mods can feel free to delete this post.
I came to lolita fashion after rectangle headdresses went out of fashion, so I've felt a bit left out in that respect. So I decided to make this to go with my red velour dress. I'm planning to wear it to the V&A exhibition on Thursday so if you plan on being there the same day look out!
It's pretty simple to make, and to wear due to it's thinness. I've written this tutorial for classic lolitas, but it's so simple it can be adapted to other styles by changing the colours, style and decoration accordingly.
Click pictures for bigger version.
Step 1
Measure from just above one ear to the other and add 2cm seam allowance (by the way, that's 1 cm each end). Then half that. Decide how wide your headdress is going to be (no more than 5 cm is best, mine is 4) and add 2 cm seam allowance again. Then use the measurements you took to draw a rectangle on a piece of paper. Round off one of the ends. The angular end is placed to the fold, whilst the round end is the end of the headdress.
Step 2
Cut of your rectangles in fabric, and another in lining. You can make use of small scraps here. I used leftovers from the dress itself in this case. You could probably use waist ties to match a dress, and it'd be easy to use fat quarters and half meters and still have plenty left for other things. Don't forget to cut it on the fold (I'm forever forgetting to do this, ha ha). If you're planning to add any flat decoration to the fabric layer, do it now. I wanted to keep this simple so I didn't do it, but feel free.
Step 3
placing right sides together, sew around leaving a small gap. I did use my machine to do this but it could easily be hand sewn. Turn it right way out. You may want to iron at this point, but it's not really necessary as the lace edging should flatten it nicely (besides, my velour can't be ironed XD).
Step 4
Starting at the very end, hand sew some thin lace around the edge of the headdress: closing the gap you used to turn it with at the same time. Hand sewing is more accurate and will allow your stiches to blend in with the lace, but if you'd prefer you can use a sewing machine. It's quicker but can be messy.
Step 5
Make 2 modestly sized bows and hand sew them to the sides. You'll notice I've used satin ribbon, tied into a bow shape. You can also use any type of ribbon, tied or stitched into shape. Or use a fabric bow or corsage if you'd prefer. Even add some beads, whatever you fancy. Just try not to go too over the top! Simplicity is key. It's a bit inconvenient to machine sew these, and if you're fed up with hand sewing you can use a glue gun, just be aware they may become unattached.
Step 6
Use glue to attach the headdress to a headband, then stitch all around to secure. You can just sew if your headband has those little teeth on it, because with those the stitching will stay in place anyway. Alternatively, use ribbon ties, although a headband is so much more convenient.
Finished! Post a picture of your version in the comments if you'd like, plus any opinions and such.
Other than that, give a twirl and enjoy your new headdress!
