This DIY Ankara Head Wrap is an Elegant Twist on the Satin Bonnet
This Ankara head wrap is an elegant and classy twist on the satin bonnet, plus it's reversible and satin-lined, so it protects your natural hair. Follow this easy tutorial on how to make your own DIY Ankara head wrap, then change up your bonnet look by learning how to tie the Ankara head wrap.
What is Ankara fabric?
Ankara is an African wax print fabric, also known as Dutch wax print, and a common 100% cotton material used in clothing in Africa, especially West Africa. The textile is industrially produced and usually features colorful, batik-style prints. Other names include kente cloth and kitenge. The word Ankara can also refer to the traditional African style of clothing.
Tools and materials:
- Half a yard of Ankara fabric
- Half a yard of satin lining
- Elastic band
- Pins
- Chalk
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Safety pin
- Ruler
- Sewing machine
1. Cut the fabric
Create a full circle of Ankara fabric by folding it in half lengthwise once and then widthwise once. Mark your folded fabric at 12 x 12 inches from the four-fold corner.
Now, holding the end of your tape measure in the four-fold corner of your 12x12 square, pivot the other end of the tape measure all the way around your square, marking 12-inch points in an arc. Now you will have a large quarter-circle pie shape. Cut that arc and unfold your fabric and you have a full circle.
Repeat the same process with the satin lining.
2. Cut the head tie
Measure the circumference of your head, multiply that by 3 and add a few more inches to allow for tying.
Cut wide strips of the main fabric, doubled, to equal the triple-circumference of your head. Sew the short ends together so you have two long strips, each triple (plus a bit more) the size of your head circumference.
3. Sew the circle
Lay the main fabric on top of the lining fabric, with right sides facing in. Sew around the circle with a half-inch seam allowance. Leave a 3-inch opening so that you’ll be able to turn the wrap right-side out.
Snip notches all the way around within the seam allowance area to help the circle lay flat. Now, turn it right-side out and press it flat.
4. Create the elastic casing
Sew another seam around the full circle just slightly larger than the width of your elastic.
Measure the amount of elastic you will need by wrapping it around your head at the point that the front of the bandana will be, but not too tight. Add a half-inch to that measurement and cut the required length of elastic.
Thread the elastic through the casing using a safety pin and sew the ends together. Then, sew the elastic opening down.
5. Attach the wrap ties
Sew the front and back of the wrap ties together along one short and both long sides, right sides facing in. Turn the wrap tie right-side out through the opening using a ruler. Sew up the opening and press the tie.
Align the middle of the tie with the center back edge of the bonnet on the outside. Sew the wrap onto the bonnet with just a few stitches above the elastic.
How to tie an Ankara head wrap
Put the bonnet on your head with the tie at the back.
Wrap the ties up the front, back, and to the front once more, then tie the ends.
Ankara head wrap tutorial
I hope your DIY Ankara head wrap came out as beautifully as mine. Don’t forget - this African print head wrap is satin-lined and also reversible. Plus, you can wear it out in the daytime and no one will know you're actually wearing a satin bonnet!
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