DIY Japanese Bunny Headband

The first time I saw the bunny headband (usamimi) was in anime, and I thought it was just one of those anime things.  You know, the kind that don't actually happen in real life?

(source) Tsukasa from Lucky Star sports a usamimi headband!

I was surprised how many people I saw wearing them when we were in Japan though! They are actually quite stylish.

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But seriously people - Beyonce has one too! She rocks an epic one in her music video "Party".  If that doesn't make them cool, I don't know what does.

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I bought one while we were in Japan, but since I gave it to my sister, I decided to try making my own.  (It would have been more useful if I had hers as a guide, but I figured the construction was simple enough.)

I started with some long scrap fabric and some floral wire.  I measured the floral wire around my head, and cut it at the appropriate length (about a yard for me).

I cut the fabric down into a long strip and sewed it in half lengthwise, right sides facing together.

This is only about an inch and a half thick, and in hindsight I think I should have tapered it so that the ends were a bit wider.  But it's okay for now.  Turn it inside out and press flat.

Sticking the wire through the tube, make sure the ends are bent back on themselves so you don't poke yourself in the head with sharp wire ends.

Then simply fold the edges in and sew it up!

Easy peasy usamimi headband!

I think next time I will make the "ears" a little wider, since they seem narrow to me.

Alternatively, you could also just use a standard headband and attach just the wired bow portion to it.

If I can find a decent outfit, I'm thinking of wearing one to to Thanksgiving. They are just so cute!  In the mean time, I'll wait for you fashion bloggers to help Beyonce out and bring the usamimi out as a major US fashion trend! :D