When choosing a pre-patterned material, select one you think would look good as a bandana, like a paisley design, a checked pattern, a skull and crossbones theme, and so on. In some parts of the world, wearing a certain color bandana can be associated with a local gang. For example, blue and red bandannas are tied to gangs in the US city of Los Angeles. It can be dangerous to accidentally identify yourself with a gang, so be wary of this when choosing a bandana color or pattern.
It may be easiest for you to start your square in the corner of your material. This way, less of the cloth ends up as scraps. A felt-tip pen will show up more easily than pencil markings. A clear line will make it easier for you to cut your material in a straight line. A washable fabric marker is also a good choice for sketching out your square. When you wash your finished bandana, any stray marks will wash out. [2] X Research source The sketch doesn’t have to be perfect, but straight lines will result in your bandana being regular in shape and polished in appearance. It’s best to make your bandana larger than too small. It’s much easier to trim fabric off than it is to add fabric on.
If you are unsure of the blend of fabric used in your material, to prevent waste, you may want to use your scissors to completely cut your square free. Even with pure cotton fabrics, sometimes the tear will not be clean. If you are working with a limited amount of fabric, using scissors may be the safest bet.
Hemming your bandana will keep it from fraying at the edges. An unhemmed raw edge can fray easily. [5] X Research source
A hem can be any size you choose. You may find you like the extra thickness of the folded cloth around the edges of a longer hem, or a narrow, short hem. [6] X Research source
For larger hems, first fold and press ¾" (1. 9 cm) of cloth under your fabric. Follow this with a 1¼" (3. 2 cm) under fold of fabric and press again. Small hems can be made by first folding ¼" (. 64 cm) of your edge under your fabric and pressing. Then fold under another ¼" (. 64 cm) and press again. [7] X Research source
You may want to use a straight edge, like a ruler or meter stick, to check the evenness of your folded edge. [8] X Research source
When you thread your needle, double the thread so that your stitching holds up to wear and tear better. A very professional looking stitch you might want to use is called a slip stitch. This kind of stitch will be invisible once you’re finished, though it may take some practice before you get the hang of it. [9] X Research source You may also want to check out how to hem to learn the finer points of hemming. If hemming with a needle and thread seems a little daunting, you could try using iron on hem tape. This can be found at most craft and sewing stores, or at general retailers like Walmart and Target.
Wear your bandana around your neck so that it hangs in a triangular shape at the base of your neck. Fold your bandana into a long, narrow strip. Then wrap the strip around your head and tie it at the back to wear it like a headband.
It may help to put on your bandana and take a look at it in a mirror. Then you can mark the fabric with a pencil or washable fabric marker on the spot that best presents your decoration.
Your local fabric store may be a good place to look for patches, but for specific designs, an online retailer might provide the best selection. Some fabrics or blends may not be safe to iron. Be sure to check the fabric information before attempting to iron on a patch.
Many general retailers, art retailers, and craft stores have assorted fabric paints you can choose from. Be sure you choose one that won’t come out in the wash! You may want to use a fabric stencil so that your finished painted designs look more professional.
Depending on your fabric, you may also be able to use a pencil to sketch out your designs before using a more permanent medium.
