How to Sew Elastic Band on Wig Easily (Frontal or Full Lace)
These days, wigs and hairpieces come in almost every style, length, color, and shade under the sun. The real difference between pieces, however, usually boils down to how they’re made, and what they’re made from.
Sewing Elastic Band on Wig 101
Common Types of Wigs
Human Hair Wigs
As the name implies, human hair wigs are made from human hair. Generally, they’re of a higher quality than synthetic varieties and have a much more natural aesthetic.
Although they require a lot of tender loving care, human hair wigs can be styled in much the same way as human hair, whether that be straightening, curling, or even bleaching. As you’d expect, high prices come with the territory; if you want a high-end human hair wig, be prepared to shell out.
Synthetic Hair Wigs
Synthetic hair wigs are available in a variety of styles and types and are typically made from synthetic materials like acrylic, polyester, PVC, or Kanekalon. Despite the obvious price advantage (synthetic wigs can be had for a fraction of the price of human hair wigs), they tend to be seen as the poor relation in the wig-world, lacking the styling options of their human hair equivalents, not to mention their natural aesthetic.
Wig Constructions
Once you’ve decided between a human hair wig or a synthetic version, the next decision you face will be what type of construction to opt for. To bring you into the picture, the most common varieties of wigs are “Full Lace”, “Lace Frontal”, and “Lace Closure”.
Full Lace Wig
On a full lace wig, the entire wig cap is made from lace, including the parameters. Hair is then woven into the lace by hand. Thanks to the mesh cap, full lace wigs tend to be breathable and comfortable to wear. Unlike certain other varieties, this type takes well to all kinds of style, allowing both extravagant up-dos and high pony’s.
Lace Frontal Wig
Lace frontal wigs feature a panel of sheer lace material running from ear to ear along the forehead. Hair is tied to the lace by hand, giving the appearance of a natural hairline. Thanks to their lightweight nature, lace frontal wigs have excellent breathability and a good level of comfort.
Lace Closure Wig
Lace closure wigs are installed in the “horseshoe” area of the head and are used, as the name suggests, to “close” off a style.
How Do You Make An Elastic Band Wig?
Regardless of the type of wig you have, be it a lace closure wig, lace frontal wig, or a full lace wig, an elastic band can make all the difference between a sloppy fit with a raised hairline, and a secure, comfortable fit with a flat, natural hairline.
Most wigs come with an elastic band that you can attach yourself. The process is simple, easy, and requires nothing more arduous than taking a few measurements, cutting to fit, and sewing a few basic stitches (best of all, as the stitches will be out of sight, you don’t even need to worry if your sewing talents are more pre-school than professional).
Not only does an elastic band ensure a secure, comfortable fit, it also makes taking the wig on and off a piece of cake. Best of all, it really works- it may seem too good to be true, but a piece of elastic (plus a needle and some thread) is really all you need to take your wig from “mah” to “wow”.
How To Use An Elastic Band On Your Wig
If you’re struggling to keep your wig secure and the hairline flat, an elastic band could be just the solution you need. Attaching the band to the wig is simple, and can make all the difference to your final look.
There are a variety of different methods you can use to attach the elastic to the wig, but this “sew-in with fold-up” method is one of the easiest.
Sew In With Fold Up Method
What You’ll Need
Extra Thick Elastic Band.
Scissors.
Needle and thread.
What You’ll Do
- Step 1
Measure the perimeter of your head (i.e. the distance between your left and right ears) using the elastic band.
- Step 2
Cut the elastic band to the length measured without stretching it.
- Step 3
Place the elastic band along the curve of the wig.
- Step 4
Sew the edges of the band to each side of the wig in the same position as the ear tabs.
Tip: Resist the urge to sew the band too tightly, otherwise you may be left with an uncomfortable fit. For a perfect fit, fold the band up by as many inches as needed for a secure but still comfortable fit. If the wig starts to feel too tight later on, you can simply unfold until comfortable.
How To Sew An Elastic Band On A Lace Closure Wig
Wondering how to sew an elastic band onto a lace closure wig? Then wonder no more…
What You’ll Need
Wig and wig cap.
Measuring tape.
Needle and thread.
Elastic band (ideally, this should measure around 1.5 inches wide).
Scissors.
Pen.
What You’ll Do
- Step 1
Place both the wig cap and lace wig on your head. Using a pen, mark on the wig cap where the closure starts on one side and ends on the opposite side.
- Step 2
Take the measuring tape and measure between the two marks on the wig cap, taking the measuring tape around the back of your head as you do.
- Step 3
Cut the elastic band around 1.5 -2 inches shorter (depending on how snug you like your wig to fit) than the measurement taken in step 2.
- Step 4
Using a basic stitch, sew the elastic band onto both ends of the lace closure. Keep the stitches as close together as possible.
- Step 5
Try the wig on for fit.
How To Sew An Elastic Band On A Frontal Or Full Lace Wig
Tired of your frontal or full lace wig slipping? Get to grips with these 5 easy steps and it’ll be snug in no time.
What You’ll Need
Wig and wig cap.
Measuring tape.
Needle and thread.
Elastic band (ideally, this should measure around 1.5 inches wide).
Scissors.
Pen.
What You’ll Do
- Step 1
Try on your wig. With a pen, mark the wig cap at the ear tabs of the wig before taking your ear to ear measurements.
- Step 2
Take the measuring tape and measure from the front of one ear to the front of the other ear, taking the measuring tape around the back of your head as you do.
- Step 3
Take the elastic band and cut it by around 2-3 inches, depending on how snug a fit you want.
- Step 4
Sew the elastic band at both ear tabs using small, simple stitches. Keep the stitches as close together as possible and try to avoid any gaps.
- Step 5
Try on the wig to test for comfort.
Sewing An Elastic Band On A 360 Wig
Before we address the question of how to attach an elastic band to a 360 wig, we probably need to answer the question on a lot of people’s minds… what exactly is a 360 wig?
Basically, a 360 wig is a hybrid version of a full lace wig and a lace front wig, with lace around the perimeter and usually 4 inches in the front, 2 inches in the back, and wefts at the crown. Those in the know are going crazy for the 360, and not only for the fact it can be worn with or without glue. As well as being cheaper than most full lace wigs, the 4 inches of lace at the front allows for deep partings just about anywhere you want them, while the 2 inches of lace at the back makes high pony’s and up do’s a breeze. If you want a wig that looks, feels, and sways like real hair, the 360 wig is the one for you.
So, now we know what a 360 wig is, how exactly do you attach an elastic band to it? As it turns out, the method is exactly the same as the one we used for frontal and full lace wigs – use the method outlined above, and not only will you have a crown of hair to be proud of, you’ll never have to worry about losing your wig again.
Where To Sew An Elastic Band On A Wig
Regardless of the method you choose, it’s important to remember that the place you sew an elastic band on a wig will never vary… nor should it. For a secure fit, always sew the elastic band onto both ends of the lace closure in the same position as the ear tabs.
Tips For Adding An Elastic Band To A Wig
- If you have a lace wig, don’t make it too tight or you could end up ripping the lace with repeated use.
- When sewing the elastic on, keep the stitches as close together as possible.
- Don’t make the stitches or knots too tight, as they could become uncomfortable over time.
- Although a snug fit is desirable, resist the urge to make the wig too tight as it could cause headaches.
How Can I Make My Wig Tighter?
Wigs are customizable: just as you can take in a dress to make it smaller, so you can take in a wig. If your wig is slipping, a few adjustments using one of the below methods will soon sort it out.
Method 1
- Step 1
Locate the adjustment hooks at the back of the wig. These are found in the section that sits on the nape of your neck, and are similar in size and shape to bra hooks. Once you’ve located the hooks, bring the wig to its maximum size by hooking them onto the most outward settings of the wig.
- Step 2
Flip the wig upside down, lower your head into it, then flip both your head and wig up at the same time. Push your finger between the edge of the wig cap and your head. If there’s too much wiggle room between the wig cap and your head, take the wig off and move the wig hooks in a notch to tighten. Repeat the step until you reach a snug, but still comfortable, fit.
- Step 3
Holding the inner cap on either side of your head, pull down on both sides using a downward motion. Repeat the same motion on the front and back sections of the cap to create a natural-looking top section.
Method 2
- Step 1
Work out how much of the wig needs to be removed for a secure fit. With the wig on, pinch it in to see how many rows need to be removed for a secure fit. As removing rows from above the ear tabs can create an unbalanced aesthetic, plan on removing rows from just beneath the ear tabs only.
- Step 2
Turn the wig inside out. If you’re happy to reduce the hair volume slightly, cut through the elastic between the rows (snip close to the center so you still have some elastic on both sides). If you want to maintain the volume as it is, take a few tucks instead of cutting the wefts – you’ll need to do a little more sewing in the next step than you would otherwise, but you’ll at least maintain the same volume.
- Step 3
Once the rows have been taken out, position the two sections back together where the rows were removed, being careful to match each with the same row. Use a few pins to secure in place.
- Step 4
Try the wig on to check for size. If it’s still sloppy, remove another row or add a further tuck.
- Step 5
Once you’ve achieved the perfect fit, sew the elastic together.
Hopefully, you’ve been inspired enough by today’s post to try the elastic band method for yourself. If you know anyone else who’s in danger of losing their wig, feel free to share.
