Quick and Dirty Sewing Project: Fabric Covered Bun Maker

 Some months back I started seeing ads for this cute hair-styling accessory called "The Carlin."
It's a quick and easy way to make a bun, and as I like to wear my hair up I was very tempted. But at roughly $27 after shipping, I could not justify it. 

Then I found these little guys at Claire's. They're also on Amazon. 

 

They do the job beautifully. Cheap. Easy to use, and they hold forever. 

But let's be honest, they aren't so pretty. In fact, they look a lot like something you might find on the lawn at the park and mentally berate the pooch owner for not scooping. 
Sure, not much of it shows when worn properly, but still!

Could I make a quick and dirty improvement that gave me the look of the "Carlin" without the expense? 

Well, yes, as it turns out!

Materials and Tools

• "Magic Bun" sponge / foam bun maker  
• Scrap of light, stretchy fabric, like this affordable Crushed Panne Velvet from Joann Fabrics. 
• Needle and Thread
• Fabric scissors
• Rotary cutter (optional) 
• Sewing machine (optional) 

 

How To 

1. "Measure" your fabric. Or eyeball it. Really, close is fine. Just be sure you have double the height (short side) of your bun maker, plus an extra 1/2 inch on all sides.
Mine ended up about 4.5 by 8 inches.

2. Get out your sewing machine. Or your needle and thread, That would work too. Matching thread really doesn't matter here.
Fold your fabric on the long edge, right sides together, to make a narrow tube.
Sew, leaving reasonable seam allowances, on all three sides.


"But," you say, "Now I can't turn it inside in!" 

Don't worry, we're getting to that!

3. Fold your tube on the short edge, matching the sewn ends.
Now, using your scissors or rotary cutter, make a 2 inch slice right in the center of the fabric, though both layers.

 

Turn your tube right-side in, using the hole you just sliced. 

5. Slide your ugly bun maker into the pretty tube.

6. Get our your needle and thread. (The thread should match this time!) You won't be able to use a machine for this step.
Carefully sew all around the slit on both sides, as if making a button hole. I recommend the Ladder Stitch.
This is the only hard part of the task, and it's really more tedious than hard. Try to avoid sewing into the sponge, 'cause I think that will end up tearing later.

7. You're done. Assuming some sewing confidence, this probably took you 15-20 minutes. And your hair will look great. Good job!