Making this flapper style hat for your BJD is as easy as 1-2-3! There are only three pieces to sew together, either by hand or with a sewing machine. This tutorial shows how to create the body of the hat. Decorating the hat is left to your imagination!
This tutorial shows the project being hand-sewn. I find hand-sewing much more relaxing. It’s not about how fast I can make a hat, but how much I enjoy the process. And really, sewing the body of the hat takes no more than 15 minutes! I like to use embroidery floss to do the sewing because it’s nice and sturdy. If you prefer using a sewing machine with regular thread, that is fine too.
[600x900]
Materials
- One 9″ x 12” piece of felt
- Embroidery floss (use 3 strands) or sewing thread in a matching color
- Sewing needle
- Trims, beads, ribbons, feathers, etc…
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Paper
- Compass or ruler
Create the pattern
[300x222]
Measure the circumference of the ball-jointed doll’s head. (e.g., 8 inches)
Divide the circumference by 6.28. (e.g., 8 / 6.28 = 1.3) The result of the division equals the radius “r” of the circle that will form the top of the hat.
Using a compass, draw a circle with a radius “r”. (e.g., 1.3 inches)
(Note: If you don’t have a compass, you can draw lines the length of “r” radiating out from a center point, and then draw a circle by hand from point to point.)
Draw another circle around the first circle. To make a narrow brim, draw the second circle close to the first one. To make it wider, draw the circle farther out.
[150x237]
Measure your BJD’s forehead, from the eyebrows to just above the top of the forehead. This is going to be the depth of the doll’s hat.
[300x75]
Draw a rectangular piece whose length is the circumference of the head (e.g., 8 inches), and whose width is the depth of the forehead.
[300x201]
Cut the pattern pieces out. First, cut along the outer circle. Then cut out the inner circle. Then cut the band. You will end up with a doughnut and a band.
Cut the Felt Pieces
[300x201]
Pin the pattern pieces to the felt.
[300x201]
Cut the pieces out.
[300x201]
Fold the circular piece over in half. Make a little cut along the inner circle. Then open the piece again, and cut the central circle out.
[300x201]
You will have a doughnut, a circle, and a band.
Sew the Hat
[300x201]
Fold the band over, and sew the ends together using a whip stitch.
[300x201]
With the band still inside out (seam is still sticking out), sew the circle to the top of the band.
[300x201]
The top of the hat is complete.
[300x345]
Turn the hat upside down, with the top of the hat resting on the table.
[300x201]
Place brim on the hat.
[300x201]
Sew the brim on.
[300x201]
Trim any thread ends.
[300x201]
Turn the hat right side out.
[300x201]
Fold the front of the hat brim up, and sew it to the body of the hat.
[300x201]
This is the completed body of the hat. Now, have fun adding trims, beads, ribbons, and feathers…!
[570x810]
