How to Make a One-Pattern-Piece Reversible Sunhat

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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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4. Add seam allowance. Measure out evenly 1/4 inch all around the pattern piece for seam allowance, and draw it in.

Add seam allowance and your pattern is complete!

That's it! You've made the pattern. Cut out the piece while still folded and you'll have a perfectly symmetrical pattern piece. Label it "Cut 6" and grab your fabric!

5. Cut the pieces. Cut six of the pattern piece from each of your two fabrics (remember, it's reversible: two hats in one!).

6. Sew them together. With right sides facing, sew two pieces of the same fabric together along a vertical seam. Add a third, and continue until all six are seamed together, then sew the final seam where the sixth piece joins the first. Repeat with the other fabric. Press seams open. Place the two hats together, one inside the other and with right sides facing. Sew along the brim edge, leaving a 3-inch to 4-inch hole to turn it right side out. Turn, press the brim edge, and edgestitch around, closing the hole.

Once you've done it, play around with different brim sizes and angles to see what kinds of shapes you get. Try cutting the pieces from assorted fabrics or alternating two or three colors. Add trims or appliqués, or embroidery...the sky's the limit, as long as the sun is off of your face!

If you thought making this pattern was fun, check out my upcoming book, Design-It-Yourself Clothes: Patternmaking Simplified, due out in September 2009 from Potter Craft! You can also keep up with me at my blog http://hodgepodgefarm.net and etsy shop http://www.hodgepodgefarm.etsy.com.

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Reversible Sun Hat
SweetPS

Reversible Sun Hat
mrsshelby

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Comments (20)

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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