Easy Gift: Haircut Hat

I really wanted to make this felt haircut hat from the great book Saturday Night Hat by Eugenia Kim, but I didn't want to invest in a hat block and millinery supplies. Instead, I improvised with fleece and another pattern from the book.

Mine isn't as nice, but for the cost of 1/4 yard of fleece and less than one hour, it's pretty good.

 

Construction details: 

I used the classic cloche pattern on page 138; reduce the pattern by 5% from the target size if the recipient has no hair. I eliminated the side bottom flares from the pattern and added 2" to the bottom length. The pictures immediately below show my first version, where I included the flares in the back and only added 1" to the length. I found that it works better to have the additional length so that the "hair" extends across the cheeks, and the flares are unnecessary once the face is cut out and that tension is released.

The hat is assembled from 6 wedge pieces by sewing three and three together, then uniting the two halves. Leave the bottom 3" on each side open when you sew this seam so the hat will fit over your face without suffocating you. *VERY IMPORTANT*: before pulling this thing over your face, remove all makeup, especially mascara, which will rub all over your face, unless you enjoy raccoon chic.

Next, use an erasable fabric marker to mark a reference point above the arch of your brow. Take the hat off and cut up to this point so you can see. Now just get your scissors and start cutting and trying on, using the book as a reference if you like.

Coming along, taking shape. Finish sewing the side seams and trim down the seam allowances. 

Finished! Admire your work, pack it up, and enjoy the smiles and laughs it brings. 

The recipient really liked it and asked for another one.

I highly recommend this book. Though some of the projects are only embellishments of already made hats, the creativity and originality of the book is incredible. And there are patterns for hats! Even if you wouldn't wear a Hello Kitty cocktail hat (or a cake, sushi, or toast cocktail hat, which are also included), you could take the idea and turn it into a flower or cover it in feathers. It's all about having fun.