How to Make a One-Pattern-Piece Reversible Sunhat

cal patch, contributor

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You can make a shady hat like this, from start to finish!

Cal Patch

Plot out the length and the half-width of the hat on folded paper.

Cal Patch

Draw a line straight up for half the length of the hat.

Cal Patch

You can make a shady hat like this, from start to finish!

Photo: Cal Patch

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I'm a big fan of sunhats; they keep my face from becoming one giant freckle. I like to make them in all different fabrics so there's one for every occasion, and they're even better if they're reversible! This is a very simple style that you can whip up the pattern for in a few minutes, and it works for any head size from baby to adult.

You'll need:

• A piece of paper, any kind will do (8-1/2 x 11 inches is plenty big enough; I used a scrap)
• A pencil
• A ruler (ideally one you can use for squaring)
• Scissors
• A tape measure
• Remnants of two different light- to medium-weight woven fabrics

1. Take some measurements. Measure the circumference of your head at its widest; just above the ears should work. Jot this number down, then divide it by 6 (it's a six-panel hat). Then divide that number in half because we're going to make this pattern on a fold, so we'll only draw half of it. This is the number you'll need. My head measures 22 inches around, a sixth of that is 3.66 inches, and half of that is 1.83, or 1-7/8 inches. (You could just divide the circumference by 12, but I want you to understand what you're doing and why.) Then measure the height, from the top of your head to the middle of your ear. Mine is 7 inches. Jot this down, too.

2. Let's draft! Fold your paper in half lengthwise, and orient it so the fold is at left, as shown. Near the top of the paper, make a mark on the fold to indicate the topmost point of the hat. Measure down from this point the height you measured from your head, and mark. From this point, square a line out from the fold. Along this line, measure out your (half of) one-sixth head circumference measurement, and mark.

Plot out the length and the half-width of the hat on folded paper.

Now find the halfway point between the top of the hat and the bottom. Draw a line straight up from the head circumference point to here.

Draw a line straight up for half the length of the hat.

Then curve the line to meet the top point (at the fold) as shown.

Curve the top half of the hat.

View 3 member project galleries

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Comments (27)

belleeven writes: what a gorgeous hat design!!! Thank you for posting this. :)
Posted: 5:54 am on September 6th

chelosunny writes: I have made five hats now. I found out that for me I prefer one that is an inch bigger than the size of my head. The last one I made was with fabric that I upcycled from a yard sale dress. The more challenging the fabric, be it stripes, motifs etc. the better looking the hat.
Posted: 1:12 pm on May 10th

craftdiane writes: This is exactly what I was looking for. What an excellent presentation! Your instructions are great. It is a pity that your comments got clogged up by that disgusting spam.......
Posted: 11:49 pm on April 29th

chelosunny writes: Sorry, I did not see the Next. Duh!
Posted: 9:30 pm on April 26th

chelosunny writes: Ok, this tutorial is incomplete. What do you do after you have drafted the pattern?
Posted: 9:30 pm on April 26th

Gift_wrapping_ideas writes: lovely hat and very shady too! It looks very simple to do. I always looking for new hat patterns for the summer. Here's a summer hat I've made last week,
http://tinyurl.com/dyzz9m9


Posted: 9:02 am on April 23rd

susan72 writes: WOW im just started learning more the a straight stitch, reading pattern etc. This will be a good start. I can use 1 for me out in the garden I have some cut material for that, maybe another one. Thank you
Posted: 9:37 pm on April 20th

KJRas writes: My mother worked with my sister, neighbor and me to make these one summer about 45 years ago! We loved them. Glad to see they've come back.
Posted: 3:05 pm on June 20th

mamasmiles writes: I used your tutorial to make a hat, and it turned out great! You can see the hat here:

http://mamasmiles.com/?p=1758

Thanks so much!
Posted: 12:56 pm on November 12th

Miranne writes: Thank you for a very instructive tutorial. I made seven last year, and one so far this year. Addictive, and you get to show off those cool quilt fabrics. Photos here:
http://miranne.blogspot.com/2010/08/solhatt.html

Posted: 4:54 am on August 16th

sunnyc writes: I am definitely going to make this. I usually wear a straw cowboy hat to do gardening, but this is even better! I might also try putting a small piece of elastic (1/4" elastic) in the back to make the brim fit tighter so the wind does not blow it away!
Posted: 12:43 pm on June 4th

WoodPondDesigns writes: Great project - I need a stylish and easy to make hat. Thanks for sharing!
Posted: 9:43 am on June 3rd

sewold writes: Forgot to add, in using old denim, leave the bottom edge unfinished. Sew layers together about 1/2 inch from edge with raw edge exposed. Fraying adds to character of the hat.
Posted: 9:22 am on June 3rd

CalPatch writes: JennieC: yes! this is the reversible tulip hat. good eye!
Posted: 10:49 pm on July 28th

JennieC writes: Is this the same as the reversible tulip hat you're selling on Etsy? I really want to try this. Maybe I can get my teen to make a hat and quit baking her face. She will SO regret it some day.
Posted: 10:54 pm on July 20th

Flippincool writes: Thanks so much for a great tutorial! I've linked to this in a summer tutorials post on my blog, The Handmade Experiment. Check it out at http://emilyflippinmaruna.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/must-make-monday-its-summer-tutes/

Thanks and have a great summer!
Emily
Posted: 1:34 pm on June 15th

MrsMessy writes: Your tutorial came at the perfect time. I was looking for a red hat for my baby and was not happy with what I found in the stores. Your directions made this project a snap. Thanks so much! You can see the hat I made on my blog, here.
Posted: 10:20 pm on June 2nd

sewold writes: I haven't made this one yet but I like the shape. I've made other anti-sun hats and use old jeans denim a lot for projects like this. Cutting from different pairs or different parts of a pair gives you a lot of variation in color but it all blends well. I use old denim a lot (I've kept a stash) for hats and purses. Incorporating details like pockets makes it fun, too.
Posted: 9:06 am on June 2nd

cherylzone writes: I can't wait to make this....and can't wait to buy your book. I noticed the fence in the background of the photos....did you make it too?
Posted: 12:23 pm on May 31st

goddessmichellev writes: Love it! can't wait to try this! Thank you so much!
Posted: 3:41 pm on May 30th

SweetbriarStudio writes: What a great tutorial on a cute and, dare I day, practical hat! Thanks for making it easy.
Posted: 10:30 am on May 30th

CynRed writes: Living in the Southwest I'm always looking for comfortable hats. I can hardly wait to make this!
Posted: 10:00 am on May 30th

TheStylishStudent writes: A nice, quick design. I'm looking forward to purchasing your book.
Posted: 9:53 am on May 30th

subloke writes: I love this and can't wait to try it out when i get home!
Posted: 11:52 am on May 28th

mommaviv writes: I think I can do this! Can't wait to try.
Posted: 3:30 pm on May 27th

garnetnm writes: Good tutorial. Thanks. A few years ago I said no more pattern drafting. This may make me change my mind. :)
Posted: 9:35 pm on May 26th

LindaPermann writes: Very cool Cal! I'm looking forward to your book, and I'll probably whip up this hat in the meantime.
Posted: 12:45 pm on May 26th

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