How to Make a Lined Beret
The beret is a hat that never goes out of fashion. And because the basic beret is so simple, you can dress it up a number of different ways. Embroider or bead your lined beret, or trim it with lace or ribbon, or wear it plain as the perfect chic finishing touch. Making a lined beret is simple enough that you don't need a pattern, just a measuring tape and a little bit of math.
Things You'll Need
- 1/2 yard outer fabric
- 1/2 yard lining fabric
- Measuring tape
- Pins
- Chalk or pencil
- Scissors
- Thread
- Sewing machine
Instructions
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Measuring and Cutting the Beret
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1
Measure around your head, placing the measuring tape at the same line where you want the beret to fit. The tape should not pull tight enough to squeeze but should fit against your head while still being loose enough to slide back and forth. This is the circumference of your head.
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2
Calculate the radius of your head measurement using the formula: Radius = Circumference / 2π. There are circle calculators online which can do this math for you.
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3
Cut a strip of the outer fabric 2 inches tall by the circumference of your head plus 1 inch. If you are using felt, fleece or another non-raveling fabric for the outer layer, cut this strip only 1 inch tall.
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4
Lay out your outer fabric folded in half width-wise so that the selvages touch. Use the measuring tape to find the center point of the folded rectangle.
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5
Set a pin straight down through the hole in the metal tab at the end of your measuring tape and into the center point of the folded fabric. Hold your pencil or chalk against the side of the measuring tape at the radius you determined in Step 2 and rotate around the fixed center point of the pin to mark a circle.
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6
Move your chalk or pencil 4 inches out along the measuring tape and draw a second, larger circle around the first.
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7
Leave the fabric folded and cut out the larger circle, cutting both layers of fabric at once. Lift off the top layer only and cut out the smaller inner circle drawn on it, creating a "donut" shape.
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8
Repeat Steps 5, 6 and 7 for the lining fabric.
Assembling the Beret
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9
Pin together outer edges of the disc and the donut of the outer fabric with right sides together. Pin together the pieces of the lining fabric the same way.
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10
Stitch the short ends of the strip of outer fabric together to create a circle. Fold down the seam allowances and topstitch flat. If you are using a fabric that allows ironing, press the width of the fabric in half, then open up and press the top and bottom edges inward to meet the center line, creating a fold similar to double-fold bias tape.
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11
Fit the lining inside the outer shell with the wrong sides together. Pin the circle of outer shell fabric around the open circle to create the hatband. Topstitch the band in place.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you want to decorate your beret with beads or embroidery, apply them to the outer shell fabric before stitching it together.
If the beret fits too snugly, cut a small slit through the hatband in back and seal the edges with fabric glue to prevent raveling.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
