How to Make a Jewish Kippah
A Jewish skull cap is called a yarmulke or kippah. As part of Jewish belief and tradition, men must wear a kippah to cover their heads because there is a divine presence over their heads. Men cover their heads to show respect to God. Depending on the particular synagogue tradition, the kippah may be required to be worn all the time or just during prayers. Kippahs can be made of velvet, suede or hand crocheted.
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Things You'll Need
- Fabric
- Lining fabric
- Pencil
- String
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Matching thread
- Sewing needle
Instructions
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Lay out fabric and lining, one on top of the other. Tie the string around the pencil, leaving a 3¼-inch tail. Hold the free end of the string on the fabric and use the pencil to draw a circle that is 6½-inches in diameter. Cut out the circles. Cut the circles in half, forming two semi-circles. Fold each semi-circle in half with straight edges together. Draw a line ½ inch in from the straight edge, tapering to the center of the semicircle. Cut along this line.
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2
Mark 3 inches from the outer edge along the fold. On the outer edge, mark 1 inch away from the fold and draw a straight line to the 3-inch mark that you just made. Cut a long, triangular shaped notch in the fabric. Repeat these steps with all four semicircles.
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3
Fold raw edges of the triangular notches together using the fabric pieces, with right sides of fabric facing each other. Thread the sewing machine with matching thread and stitch the notches closed. This creates the dome shape. Repeat these steps with the lining pieces. Press darts to one side. Lay the two fabric pieces together with right sides facing and stitch the center seam. Press seams open. Repeat this step with the lining fabric using a 3/8-inch seam. Press seam open.
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4
Stitch a vertical and horizontal line over the center seams to disguise stitching, if desired. Another option is to add decorative trim to cover the seams. Place the fabric circle over the lining circle with right sides facing. Stitch 3/8 inch all around the circumference of the circles, leaving a 1-inch opening for turning. Turn the kippah inside out. Hand stitch the opening closed, using needle and thread.
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Tips & Warnings
Rather than stitch the circles together, lay fabric and lining together with right sides out and sew seam binding all the way around the kippah. Add a piece of light interfacing sandwiched between the fabric and lining for a stiffer kippah.
Use fabrics that are masculine in color and texture.
Respect the requirements of each particular synagogue.
References
Resources
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