December 19th, 2007
Knowledge makes the best gift.
They always say that knowledge is power. So that means to give someone knowledge is to give them power… and, in my opinion, power is a pretty cool gift.
So here is my gift to you readers–a tutorial on how to make a fleece hat! Have fun with this simple how-to and keep your ears warm this winter!
Supplies:
- 1/2 yard of fleece
- thread
- sharp scissors
- needle
- marker or fabric pen
- pins
- measuring tape
- two optional tools: sewing machine and/or rotary cutter (these aren’t needed but definitely make the task easier)
1. You’ll need to first measure your noggin. This will ensure you have a good fit. Measure from your forehead around to your crown. It’s usually in the 20″-30″ range. Whatever your measurement is, divide that by 2. (For example, if your head measured 24″, it’ll be 12″.) Remember this.
2. Cut your fleece into two pieces. Each piece will be 16″ by whatever your number was earlier. (Using the example from earlier, you’ll have two pieces that are 16″ by 12″.)
3. Fold them in half with the 16″ sides together. Make a half “U” in the top 4″ using a marker or fabric pen. (See photo.)
4. Cut along this half “U.” (This is easier with a rotary cutter, but can be done with a pair of regular scissors, too.) Use the newly cut piece as a template for the second panel. (Save the cut out pieces. You’ll use them later.) The two points are the “ears” of the hat.
5. Next step is to take your pieces and pin them together. Most fleece doesn’t have a right and wrong side. But if the fleece (or whatever fabric you’ve chosen) does have a clear right and wrong side, pin the right sides together.
6. It’s sewing time! Some people hate using a sewing machine or simply don’t have one. This is a simple enough project that it can easily be done by hand. But, if you have a sewing machine and use it, by all means… do it. Either way, sew along the outer edges (NOT THE FLAT BOTTOM) using a 1/4″ - 1/2″ hem. The points may require a smaller hem.
7. Once sewn, turn inside out and “pop” the points out. Now find those cut outs from Step 4. You’re going to use these as your poms for the tips. (This is optional, also. You can use anything you want on the tips… including nothing. Some popular options are bells, poms… even silk flowers.) Slice your fleece scraps into 1/2″ - 1″ strips. Stack into the shape of an asterisks and sew onto tips of points.
8. The final step is to roll the rim. You can adjust the height of the hat depending on the roll.
And you’re done! This super easy hat can be made in under an hour and personalized in many, many ways. You can make and sew a fleece flower onto the front, add appliqué–the options are endless! Let your creativity be the guide!
Happy holidays!
