Sew a Turbee Headwrap Using an Old Towel

Repurpose a bath towel into a hair wrap that cuts frizz, saves space, and dries fast.

Do you have an old Turbee headwrap in the bathroom drawer that’s seen better days? Instead of tossing it—or buying a new one—why not use it as your perfect pattern and sew a fresh one from an old bath towel you already have?

This is a cozy, purposeful project that anyone, regardless of their sewing experience, can complete. It gives new life to your old towels while offering a daily-use item that actually improves your routine, especially if you have long hair or prefer not to blast your head with a hair dryer.

🧵 Why I Made My Own Turbee Headwrap

I had a worn-out Turbee wrap that I loved. The elastic was stretched, the towel was thinning, but the shape was just right, and it stayed securely on my head. Instead of replacing it, I traced around it to create a new one using a soft, used towel from my linen closet.

And just like that, my old Turbee became the perfect template for a new one—and probably more to come!

✂️ Materials You’ll Need

1 medium or large bath towel (cotton or soft terry works best)

Old Turbee wrap to trace

Scissors or rotary cutter

Sewing pins or clips

Sewing machine

Matching thread

1 elastic hair tie or a short strip of elastic (approx. 3")

1 medium-sized button

🪡 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Trace Your Old Turbee Headwrap

Lay your Turbee headwrap flat on the towel. Align one edge of the Turbee pattern with a finished edge of the towel to eliminate the need for extra hemming.

Use a fabric marker or chalk to trace around the remaining shape. If your old wrap is a bit frayed or uneven, trace one side, fold the towel in half, and cut along the fold to create a symmetrical cut.

2. Cut the Shape

Cut along your tracing lines, leaving ¼" seam allowance around any raw edges—except the one already finished by the towel hem.

✂️ Shortcut: If you can align two sides of the wrap along finished towel edges, you may not need to finish any seams at all.

3. Finish Any Raw Edges

If your wrap has exposed cut edges, fold them under twice (¼" folds) and sew with a zigzag or straight stitch to prevent fraying.

4. Attach the Elastic Loop

Instead of placing the elastic on the long tail, measure 4½ inches from the top center of the headwrap (the rounded edge that goes on your forehead). Securely stitch your loop at this point using a folded elastic band or hair tie.

🎯 This placement gives a more secure and centered wrap when twisted and fastened.

🌿 Why It’s Worth Making

Reduces breakage and frizz

Dries hair faster than regular towels

Fits securely and comfortably

Gives new purpose to an old towel

Costs nothing but thread and time

💡 Helpful Tips

Use lighter towels for shorter hair or children.

Add a decorative fabric band or binding for a custom look.

Sew a matching soap pouch or bath mat to complete the set.

These make great gifts for teens, moms, or anyone who loves a spa day at home.

☕ If you're like me, you love practical projects that add comfort and style to your everyday routine. Sewing a Turbee headwrap using an old one as a pattern is quick, helpful, and incredibly satisfying. You'll not only save money, you’ll also enjoy the luxury of a fresh, handmade wrap every time you wash your hair.

So go ahead—trace that favorite wrap and sew a few! One for you, one for gifting, and one just because you can. I sewed a handful of them for my linen closet.

Happy Sewing!