Creating a Lauhala Headband (Straight Edge)

The straight edge headband is sturdy and perfect to keep your hair up and out of your face. The same pattern used for this headband--using a smaller scale--can make earrings, bracelets, and napkin holder.

Some people prefer this headband style compared to other varieties like Nihoniho due to its versatility and durability. Its straight edge allows for it to secure nicely onto the brims of hats and its also great for the backings of feather leis.

Written Steps:

Starting with 2 strips of lauhala (24" in length and 1and 1/2" in width) Fold one strip into a 45° angle; making it into a "V" like shape.

Take your other strip insert it in between the "V" shape.

With Your rightmost strip, take it and fold it up over the strip closest.

Again from the rightmost strip, fold it up and over the strip closest to it and under the strip parallel to the strip you just folded. (Your strips should look like a double ʻVʻ)

Now, take your leftmost strip and fold it under the very two closest strips and over the last strip on the farthest right

Again, From the very right strip, Fold it under the closets strip to its left and over the strip parallel to the one you fold underneath.

Take the strip from the furthest left again and fold it over the very two next strips and under the last strip on the right.

Repeat steps over again until you reach your desired length

Pattern Simplified

Right: Over one Under one

left: Under two Over one

right: Under one Over one

left: Over two Under one

Repeat

(One or two refers to the amount of strips)

Adding Strips

You may find that your strips become shorter as you weave together your strips. If you see this happening and still need to make your pattern longer, grab a strip in relative size and color (to match) and insert it inside with your shorter strip. Continue to weave as normal.

Pictures below to show different insertion methods depending on where the strip is:

Ending It

Once you reach your desired length, end the weave with two pieces in the middle and two pieces sticking out towards the sides.
With the other end of your leipo`o (headband) take it and insert it between the two middle strips. One middle strip should be on the top and the other on the bottom.
With your strips, push it into the holes vertical in the pattern and tighten to secure.
With the side pieces follow its natural fold and tuck it into the holes horizontal in the pattern. You may need to cut the end pieces of each side piece at a diagonal slant so that it may fit snuggly into the existing weave.