Sewing: How To Make a Homemade Hat

by Amanda Joyner on February 23rd, 2012 | 2 Comments »

Blame it on the Royal Wedding, Lady Gaga, or the rise of Pin-up in the world, hats are coming back. From quirky cocktail hats to feathery fascinators, it seems like everyone is wearing them. Even on TV, you can see stylish girls sporting something in their hair.

I've had a long time addiction to hats and just recently took up the art of millinery professionally to fill my hat needs. Years ago, I had no knowledge of hat making, nor the money to buy one. So, I did what any fashionista would do, I made my hats out of junk around the house.

How to Make a Homemade Hat

Supplies:

Glue Gun with lots of glue sticks
Cardboard (old cereal box)
CD
A old t-shirt, dress, or a fun material you're willing to part with
Pieces of felt
Hair clip or Barrett
Thread and needles (optional)
Scissors

Directions:

Take your CD and draw an outline of it on the cardboard. Cut the circle out as neat as possible because all edges show through the fabric.
Take your cardboard circle and use it to cut 2 circles out of your felt.
Glue on of the circles to the cardboard. I like doing this because it keeps the fabric from slipping and gives it a fuller look.
Use the other felt circle to figure out how much fabric you need. Cut about a inch or two bigger than the circle to give you enough fabric to pull over the cardboard.
Lay your fabric on a flat surface making sure the side you want scene is facing down. Take your cardboard circle and lay that felt down onto the fabric in the center. Start gluing the fabric around the cardboard with making sure your getting it as flat and tight as possible. I suggest taking two opposite points and gluing them first so you don't end up with a uneven side.
Take your other piece of felt and glue it to the back to cover up the last of the showing cardboard. With any scraps, make a little heart and glue down your hair clip.

If you want to add a little flair to your hat you can make a quick flower. Just cut a long strip of fabric about 5 inches long and 2 inches wide. Cut a wave pattern on the top and weave it onto a needle an thread to make a quick easy flower. You can glue or sew it onto the top of your hat.

I used this beautiful sequin top that was starting to fall apart. It's amazing how an old t-shirt can transform into a beautiful hat with a bit of glue. This hat came out as a perfect addition to my daughter's fairy costume. I'm sure I'll be stealing it for a night out, though.

What was the last thing you sewed? What hobbies do you have?

Amanda Joyner is a Pastry Chef turned Milliner from Texas. Now living in the Midwest she wrangles her 3 kids, messy Chef Husband, and her hat business while maintaining her sanity. You can find her on twitter as @chef_bizzaro or her blog Chef Bizzaro.