Hello #needleworkers and #needleworkmonday community!
I just finished a super fast and essential project, a handmade hair bonnet! If you need a simple way to protect your hair overnight or just want a cute cap, this quick sew is for you.
You don't need a complicated pattern for this.
First things first, getting the right shape. I needed a nice, large circle for the top of the bonnet.
Instead of pulling out a ruler and chalk, I used the easiest tool I had, a big bowl. I simply placed the bowl on my fabric to trace and cut out a perfectly round shape. You can use whatever size bowl gives you the coverage you want for your hair.
Once the circle was cut, I needed to get that smooth, gathered shape.
I grabbed my hand needle and thread and ran a simple gathering stitch all the way around the raw edge of the circle. This stitch creates the volume and gives the bonnet its shape. Once you pull the thread, the fabric bunches up nicely, ready to be attached to the band.
The band is what keeps the bonnet secure and comfortable all night long.
I used a soft, black cotton rib fabric for the band. Cotton rib is great because it has a natural stretch and feels gentle against your skin and hair. I cut the rib to the length of what I needed, joined it together at the edge.
I lined up the gathered edge of my cap with the edge of the cotton rib band. While I was sewing the gathered cap fabric to the cotton rib, I made sure to gently stretch the cotton rib band as I sewed. Stretching the band slightly as you sew ensures that the finished bonnet will have a good, snug fit that won't easily slip off while you sleep.
That’s it! The simple, custom-made hair bonnet is ready to go. This whole process is so quick, and it’s a wonderful way to use up fabric scraps.