DIY Newborn Floral Tieback Headbands
Have you ever thought about making your own props for newborn photo sessions? If you're a newborn or baby photographer, chances are you already have the creativity and hands-on skill to craft beautiful accessories yourself.
Even if you’ve never made a headband before, this simple guide will walk you through everything you need to get started. Using recycled or new materials, you can create soft, delicate tieback headbands in your own personal style—perfect for newborn photography or thoughtful handmade gifts.
Materials You’ll Need
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A cotton T-shirt in neutral shades such as ivory, beige, tan, or gray. Soft pastel tones like blush, sage green, pale yellow, or dusty blue also work beautifully.
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A hot glue gun and glue sticks. A fine-tip glue gun allows for better precision, but if you're using a wider-tip version, simply work more slowly and carefully to avoid applying too much glue at once.
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Small artificial or dried flowers and leaves. You can reuse decorative flowers from photo props or home décor arrangements, or purchase them easily from any craft supply store.
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Scraps of lace or textured fabric. Small pieces are all you need—just a few inches per headband. Look for bits with texture and variation, which add visual interest to your design.
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Beads, pearls, or rhinestones for a touch of shine. Salvaged pieces from broken jewelry work well, or you can purchase them in small quantities. Neutral-toned pearls are especially elegant and versatile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
Cut a strip of fabric about 2 cm wide and 38 cm long (see image above). This will be the base of your tieback.
2. Stretch the Fabric
Gently stretch the strip. Most cotton jersey will curl at the edges, forming a soft, rounded band that’s perfect for newborns.
Alternatively, you can use pre-made nylon headbands, which are available in sets of 10 or more. Choose beige or another neutral color that matches a variety of styles—you’ll be glad to have them on hand for future projects.
Photographer’s Tip:
If you're using newborn fabric wraps in your sessions, made from 4-way stretch cotton fabric (the kind that curls softly at the edges), you can create a perfectly matching tieback by simply cutting a 2 cm wide strip along the length of the wrap. This won’t affect the quality or usability of the wrap, as removing such a narrow strip doesn’t noticeably reduce its size. It’s an easy way to create a coordinated set from the same fabric, ideal for styling consistent and cohesive newborn setups.
3. Select and Arrange Your Embellishments
Start by choosing a small piece of lace or textured fabric to serve as the backing for your decorative elements. Cut it into an oval, circle, or small rectangle—this creates a flat surface for gluing and adds some structure.
Then, select your floral and decorative elements:
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Use one larger flower as a focal point.
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Add smaller flowers, leaves, lace trims, or textured fabric pieces to build around it.
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Stick to two or three complementary shades to create a cohesive look.
For a fuller arrangement, consider using three or five flowers, as odd numbers tend to look more natural. Fill in any gaps with smaller accents.
4. Begin Gluing the Layers
Using your glue gun, begin with the base layer—typically lace or fabric.
Next, attach your focal flower, then gradually add the surrounding elements.
Let each glue point cool fully before continuing.
This quick step makes a big difference. Allowing each glue joint to cool ensures the tieback is stronger, cleaner, and longer-lasting.
5. Add Final Details
Finish your design by adding pearls, beads, or rhinestones as subtle highlights. These small additions bring light and texture to your piece and elevate the overall look.
Once the glue has completely set, your newborn tieback is ready to use. Whether you're creating props for your own sessions or crafting gifts for others, this simple project allows you to produce elegant, handmade accessories with a personal touch.
