The Lyons Life: DIY HAIR TIE...Made from Fold Over Elastic

So I figure why waste any time? I should just get busy writing tutorials right?

So a little back story...when I found out I was prego with T, I decided we would cloth diaper, I would make all the diapers and I would be a better person for it! I bought everything I needed including a Serger (OK my dad bought that for me) but I bought PUL, Fold Over Elastic, Velcro, Snaps...the whole nine yards (Literally I am sure I bought well over 9 yards of fabric). At any rate I later decided that I didn't have to be a better person and it was just too much. I purchased some cloth diapers from a local friend, Goldie at Butzie Covers and I bought a bunch of G Diapers. In order to fund the purchase of all these cloth diapers and g's, I sold some items that were pricey. I didn't sell everything, I hung on to the Fold Over Elastic (here on out we will refer to it as FOE). I knew I would make something with it some day! (today is that day)

SKIP TO HERE IF YOU DON'T GIVE A RAT'S ASS ABOUT MY BACK STORY

So I have a trendy friend at work, that came in one day with a super cute hair tie that she just "loved". She explained how it didn't leave that famous "pony tail crease" in your hair and well it was just a must have accessory. Of course the craftaholic in me took one look and said "how much did you pay for that?" I'm pretty sure her response was so outrageous I quickly dismissed it because well it was outrageous. So I said (like I way too often say) "I can make that! No I really can I have the FOE at home!" Don't believe me that the price is outrageous take a peak here...Trendy Shop

SKIP TO HERE IF YOU JUST WANT TO KNOW HOW TO MAKE THE DAMN THING ALREADY

Before you start gather your materials...

(or as we go...if you work like I do!!)

Scissors...not the crappy kitchen scissors these bad boys need to be sharp

FOE...I bought my original stash from a yahoo group buy but I just purchased more from an Etsy shop ElasticByTheYard reasonable prices and super easy to work with.

Lighter...not mandatory but I'm a ribbon junkie and I hate frayed edges!

Ruler...you can do it without a ruler if you can't find one.

MATERIALS

STEP 1: I start by measuring my FOE, I have found 10-13 inches works best. It really depends on the angle of the cut on the end and how much you leave as a tail after the knot. If you don't have a ruler, wrap the FOE around your wrist and leave a few extra inches, I know your thinking how do I know what a few inches looks like I don't have a ruler.

Just leave a little extra to allow you to tie it.

STEP 1

STEP 2: I like to cut my ends differently each time, probably because I don't like to commit to one style!

You can cut them straight or at varying angles! I just suggest you cut both ends the same, for a more professional look.

STEP 2

STEP 3: Then I take a lighter to the ends to give them a quick singe/seal. Now...no pics of this step because lets face it I would easily burn the house down if I tried to take a pic.

STEP 4: Then decide what side you want to "show" I usually go with the shiny side. Leave the soft plush padded side on the inside. Fold the piece of FOE in half and line up the ends.

STEP 4 (shiny side out)

STEP 4 (with ends lined up)

STEP 5: After everything is lined up tie a knot. There is no wrong way just try not to pull on the actual ends or it will encourage fraying.

STEP 5 (the knot before I pull it tight)

I pull...and pull... and pull some more trying to avoid the very edge, please keep in mind I am taking these pics myself. Why don't I ask the hubs to help?? He is far too busy on the couch watching what sounds like a man film with cars squealing and men cursing!