Make Your Own Henry VIII Tudor Renaissance Hat
Sew a Renaissance Festival Costume Topper for Kids or Adults
Sewing Supplies for a Renaissance Hat
1 yard soft fabric
¼ yard fabric for contrast hatband
1 yard 1" wide elastic
1" Decorative button
3-4" feather or plume for trim
Tape measure, thread, scissors, sewing machine, safety pin, string, chalk, iron
Cutting out the Renaissance Hat
There are only two main pieces to this Renaissance hat. The main fabric is cut into an approximate circle. Fold the fabric for the main part of the hat in half one way, then the other. The fabric is now folded into quarters. Cut a piece of string 9 inches long for a smaller, less puffy Tudor hat, 11 inches long for a floppier, larger hat typical of the Italian Renaissance. Tie one end of the string around the chalk and hold the other end of the string at the center fold of the fabric. Holding the loose end in place, use the chalk to draw a quarter-circle arc on the fabric. Keep the fabric folded and cut on the line. Unfold - the fabric should now be a circle. Perfection doesn't matter; any flaws will disappear during the sewing process and your garb will look great!
Preparing the Hatband
The hatband is a simple casing, not historically correct for the Renaissance but easy to make for novice costumers. Measure the circumference of the head at the level of the eyebrows. For an adult, the measurement will be about 20-25 inches. Cut a strip of elastic that length plus one inch for ease. Cut the decorative hatband fabric into a strip four inches wide and the circumference of the head plus four inches long. Fold in ½ inch lengthwise on each side, keeping the "good" or right side out and press. Fold the entire strip in half lengthwise, good side out, matching the edges and pressing. You should now have a strip about 1 ½ inches wide, as long as your head circumference plus four inches.
Sewing the Renaissance Hat
Set the sewing machine to maximum stitch length and run two rows of stitching all around the edge of the circular hat body as close to the edge as possible. Pull the threads to gather the material.
For all further sewing, seam allowances are ½" and stitch length is normal. Unfold the hatband and stitch the two short sides together, right sides facing. Press the seam open and press the edges back in place, then unfold the hatband. Pin the gathered edges of the hat to the hatband, matching edges and putting right sides together.
Stitch the hatband to the hat along the ½ inch foldline. Press the seam towards the hatband with the tip of an iron.
Fold the hatband and stitch in place to the inside of the hat along the ½ inch foldline. For the best appearance, sew by hand. Whipstitch works well. Leave a two inch gap to insert the elastic.
Push the safety pin through the end of the elastic and thread it through the hatband casing. Pin both ends of the elastic together and try the hat for size. Adjust the elastic length if needed to a comfortable tightness, and then sew the elastic ends together using a zigzag stitch on the machine.
Close the two inch gap in the hatband casing using a whipstitch.
Trimming Your Renaissance Hat
Stitch the base of the feathers to the hatband. A very small sharp needle is helpful for piercing the feathers. Stitch the button over the base of the feathers. Your Henry VIII Renaissance hat is ready to wear to the Faire or the party!
Variations
A softer fabric that drapes well can accommodate an even larger circle with a 13 or 15 inch diameter for a really floppy Renaissance hat.
Use a stiffer brocade fabric and a smaller diameter circle, perhaps 9 inches, for a dressier look for the Henry VIII Tudor Court.
Add a full-sized ostrich feather instead of a smaller feather for a Renaissance Dandy look. Or use a jeweled brooch instead of a button.
After pressing the hatband, stitch a row of gold braid around the hatband for trim.
Your Majesty, please enjoy the festivities at the Faire or Halloween party!
Published by Susi Frock
Susi is a midwestern native now living in the mid-Atlantic. She left her professional life as a practicing small animal veterinarian with 12 years of experience to focus on family responsibilities, her love... View profile
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1 Comments
Post a CommentGreat project idea!