Make Your Own Hat: T-Shirt Transformation

There are many ways to make a hat out of a T-shirt. One way is to cut a long strip through both layers of the shirt, with the length depending on the circumference of your head. Then, cut a circle for the top of the hat. Sew the two ends of the strip together, creating a tube, and then sew the circle to the top of the tube. You can also make a bill for the hat using heavy weight interfacing and sew it between the two layers of the cap. Finally, sew around the base of the hat.

Measure the circumference of your head

To make a hat out of a T-shirt, you will first need to measure the circumference of your head. This will be important to ensure that your hat fits you perfectly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

• Using a measuring tape, start by wrapping it around your head, just above your eyebrows. This is the area where you will want your hat to sit. Make sure the tape is flat against your head and goes around the widest part.
• Note down this measurement. For example, let's say your head circumference is 25 inches.
• Next, you will need to divide this number by 2 to get the radius. In our example, 25 divided by 2 equals 12.5.
• Now, you can add an extra inch or two to this radius measurement, depending on how much room you want in your hat. This extra allowance will also be useful for creating a seam. So, if you add two inches, your new measurement will be 14.5 inches.
• With this measurement, you can now determine the diameter of the circle you will cut for the top of your hat. Using basic geometry, you can calculate the diameter by multiplying the radius by 2. So, for our example, 14.5 x 2 = 29 inches.
• By following these steps, you have now calculated the necessary dimensions for creating a hat that comfortably fits your head circumference.

Remember, it is always better to have a little extra room in your hat, so don't be afraid to add a bit more to your measurements. You can also refer to online sizing charts to get a better sense of standard hat sizes and their circumferences. Now that you have these measurements, you can move on to the next steps of cutting and sewing your T-shirt to create a stylish and comfortable hat!

Cut a long strip through both layers of the shirt

To make a hat out of a T-shirt, you'll need to start by cutting a long strip through both layers of the shirt. This strip will form the main body of your hat and should be cut to a length that matches the circumference of your head, with an extra inch for the seam. For example, if your head circumference is 20.5", you'd cut a strip that's 21.5" long.

The width of the strip will determine the height of your hat, so cut accordingly, keeping in mind that you'll lose some of that width to the seam. A width of 4" is a good starting point, as it leaves enough room to fold and sew the fabric, resulting in a comfortable hat.

When cutting, ensure you cut through both layers of the shirt. This will give you two strips, one on top of the other. You can use any type of scissors for this step, but fabric scissors will make the job easier and provide a cleaner cut.

After cutting the strip, the next step is to cut a circle for the top of the hat. This involves finding the diameter of your head circumference. Using the previous example of a 20.5" circumference, divide that by Pi (3.14) to get a diameter of approximately 6.5". Add an inch for the seam, and you get a circle with a 7.5" diameter.

As with the strip, cut through both layers of the shirt to end up with two circles, one on top of the other. You can use a compass, a string tied to a pen, or a round object with the same diameter as a guide to draw the circle before cutting.

Cut a circle for the top of the hat

Cutting a circle for the top of the hat is a crucial step in ensuring a comfortable fit and achieving the desired look. Here's a detailed guide on how to approach this step:

First, you'll need to measure the circumference of your head. Use a measuring tape to measure around your head, just above the eyebrows. This measurement will be referred to as "A." For example, if your head circumference is 20.5 inches, as mentioned in one of the sources, that will be your value for "A."

Next, divide the circumference measurement by half. In the example, you would divide 20.5 by 2, resulting in 10.25. Now, add an inch or two to this number, depending on the desired seam allowance and how roomy you want your hat to be. This new measurement is referred to as "B." So, if you add an inch, your "B" measurement would be 11.25 inches.

Now, you'll determine the measurement from your eyebrows (or the point where you measured the circumference) to the top of your head. This measurement is referred to as "C." Stand in front of a mirror and turn your head slightly to the side to better identify the highest point of your skull. For instance, if your "C" measurement is 8 inches, and you want to add a rolled-up brim to your hat, you can add another two inches to this value.

At this point, you have a few options to create your pattern. You can use a large sheet of paper or tape two smaller sheets together to create a pattern for future hats. Alternatively, you can use graph paper to ensure straight lines. If you prefer not to create a pattern, you can cut a rectangle of fabric using your "B" and "C" measurements and then round off the top edges.

Using your chosen method, make a line or mark the start and end of measurement "B." If you're using the edge of your paper, this will create a perfectly straight line. At the midpoint of this line, draw your measurement "C" perpendicular to the "B" line, forming an upside-down "T."

Now, it's time to add the curves to your pattern. Draw a curved line from each endpoint of the "B" line inward to the top endpoint of your "C" mark. These lines should start fairly straight and then gradually curve as they reach the top. You can ensure the accuracy of the curve by drawing a right angle with a ruler along the end of the "B" line, lying flat on your original "C" mark.

If you're using a pre-existing hat as a reference, keep in mind that you'll need to account for seam allowances, as the reference hat is already sewn together.

Once you're happy with your pattern, it's time to trace it onto your shirt. Use a fabric pen or washable marker to trace the pattern onto your chosen shirt. If your shirt has a bottom hem, you can line it up with your "B" line to save time and avoid having to sew the hem yourself. After tracing the curves of the "C" measurement, shift your pattern down about an inch to create a seam allowance, and then trace the "B" line, ensuring the ends match up with the curves.

Double-check that the shirt hasn't shifted before cutting out your first hat half. Then, repeat the process to trace and cut another hat half from the same shirt.

Now you have the pieces needed for the top of your hat! You'll sew these pieces together, and then attach them to the tube you've created for the body of the hat.

Sew the two fabric pieces together

Sewing the two fabric pieces together is a crucial step in creating your hat, ensuring a neat finish and a secure fit. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

Firstly, lay your two fabric pieces out flat, with the right sides of the seams facing each other. This means that the sides of the fabric that you want to be seen on the outside of the hat should be facing inwards, touching each other. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases so that the fabric pieces lie flat and even against each other. This step is important to ensure your hat looks neat and professional.

Next, pin the two fabric pieces together. Place pins securely along the edges of the fabric, keeping them perpendicular to the seam. Space the pins around one inch apart to hold the fabric pieces in place. This will make it easier to sew the pieces together and prevent them from shifting or moving during the sewing process.

Now you are ready to start sewing! You can sew the pieces together by hand or using a sewing machine, whichever you are most comfortable with. Start at one edge of the fabric and sew along the pinned seam, keeping your stitches small and even. Take your time and sew with care to ensure that your stitches are secure and straight. Go slowly, especially if you are sewing by hand, to avoid pricking your fingers with the needle!

Continue sewing along the pinned seam until you reach the end of the fabric. If you are using a sewing machine, remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam to secure the thread and prevent it from unraveling. If you are sewing by hand, tie a secure knot at the beginning and end of your thread to prevent it from coming loose.

Once you have finished sewing, remove the pins as you go. Be careful not to prick yourself with the pins as you remove them. When you have sewn the entire seam and removed all the pins, turn your tube of fabric right side out. You now have a neatly sewn tube of fabric that will form the body of your hat!

Decorate the hat

Now that you have the basic structure of your hat, it's time to decorate it! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Flowers: Cut long strips of fabric from the leftover t-shirt, about 1-1.5 inches thick. Twist them and then roll them up like a lollipop. Sew the flowers together by hand and attach them to your hat.
• Tassels, pom-poms, or ear flaps: Add some playful elements to your hat! You can sew on tassels or pom-poms, or even create ear flaps for a cozy winter hat.
• Animal ears: If you're feeling whimsical, why not add some animal ears to your hat? You can cut them out of the leftover fabric and sew them in place.
• Buttons: Sew on some buttons, either the traditional kind or the pinned variety, for a touch of whimsy.
• Ribbons, bows, or lace: Accent your hat with ribbons, bows, or lace for a delicate and elegant touch.
• Witty slogans: Get creative and add some funny or inspiring slogans to your hat using fabric paint or embroidery.
• Painted or embroidered designs: If you're artistically inclined, paint or embroider a design onto your hat to make it truly unique.
• Reversible hat: Sew another hat base and decorate it as well. You can have two different-colored hats in one, and it will also be warmer with two layers!

Frequently asked questions