How to Make a Pirate Hat Out of Paper Bags

Making pirate hats out of paper can save money while teaching children basic arts and crafts skills.

Pirate hats can be created out of paper bags and construction paper by following folding techniques. Paper pirate hats can be worn as part of children's pirate costumes, and are popular for parties, school projects, or Halloween. Pirate hats traditionally come to a point at the top and sit on top of the head. It is easy to create a pirate hat by cutting and flattening out a paper bag and following folding instructions.

Things You'll Need

• Paper bag
• Scissors
• Pen or pencil
• Stencil (optional)

Instructions

1. Take a small paper bag and use scissors to cut along the four vertical folds. The hat should be about half a page large for children's hats.

2. Place the deconstructed paper bag on a flat surface. Fold flat paper in half lengthwise.

3. Fold both edge corners in towards the middle and crease. The lines made will form a point at the top.

4. Fold the bottom of the paper in the front, about 1 inch, upwards. Turn the paper bag over and fold the bottom of the back up 1 inch.

5. Make sure a vertical line is going down the back of the hat, not the front.

6. Open the hat at the folds, including opening up the bottom so it is now three-dimensional.

7. Have the child use a pencil or pen to draw pirate markings, such as skull and crossbones, or have them place a stencil on the front of the hat and color it in.

References

• Fun Kids Birthday Party Ideas: Pirate Hat