Easy Tips for Making a Child's Cap

This hat can be made for boys or girls. Whether it is for a girl or boy depends on the color of material used. A denim type material is best for a sturdier cap. Items needed are one yard of cloth and a spool of thread. Also needed is a ½ inch wide elastic strip 4 inches long and measuring tape. Others are 1 poster board, pins, scissors and sewing machine.

To start making the cap, fold then measure 3 inches wide on straight edge for band. The band should measure 22 inches in length. Now cut out.

Next for bill, double the cloth then measure 8 inches on straight edge and mark. Then measure and mark 3 inches out from 8 inch center edge. Keep the measuring tape on the center edge. Measure out 3 inches clockwise back to fold marking each time. The other side measure out 3 inches back to center then cut. This should leave a half moon shape. Cut 2 pieces of poster board in the same shape.

Next, cut the top of the child's cap. Only one piece will be cut. This should be a circle. Then measure along the fold 38 inches and mark. Then mark from center (19 in) of fold out 12 ½ inches. Keeping type on center of fold repeat by turning tape clockwise measuring out 12 ½ inches. Continue on the other side to center marking each measurement.

To sew, place the right sides of the bill together then pin. Sew a seam ¼ inch from edge of the circular part. Turn cloth and place the board inside the bill. Afterward, sew straight edge along the board.

Now attach both of the ends of the good sides together of the band and sew ¼ inch seam. Leave the 22 inch sides open. Turn right side out place the bill in ¼ turning the raw edge under on both sides. After folding under for seam pin and sew.

Next darts will be sewn along the outline of the top. Turn the top part of the hat onto the right side of material. About every 4 ½ inches fold back 1 inch then pin. Repeat around the circle to have 8 darts. With sewing machine sew ¼ inch from edge on the folded part of all darts at edge. When finished it should measure 22 inches.

In the center back of band put the elastic stretched out and pinned. Now sew the outer edge of the elastic down. Repeat on both sides pulling each pin out. Place the raw edge of top inside of the band ¼ inches. Turn raw edges under on both sides of band and pin. Next sew ¼ inch seam all the way round. The cap is now finished.

The cap can be made a solid color for a girl or boy. Then add different items for a different look. It also can be made out of camouflage material for both. The pink can be used for girls. Any child will love this hat.