How to Make a Pilgrim Hat

A Pilgrim hat is a black top hat with a buckle around the base of the hat. The pilgrim hat is traditionally worn by children observing the holiday during a school Thanksgiving feast. The pilgrim hat can also be used as a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dinner table. Following are steps for making a pilgrim hat of your own.

Things You'll Need

• Large paper plate
• Black paint
• Gray or black streamers or crepe paper
• 10 by 13 black construction paper
• Glue
• Aluminum foil
• Glitter (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut a large hole in a paper plate. There should be two inches from the edge of the plate to the edge of the hole. The hole will be where the top hat portion is placed.

2. Paint the plate black. Set it aside and let it dry.

3. Use a 10 by 13 piece of black construction paper and wrap it so the two ends meet. The hat could be more cone shaped by overlapping one corner of the construction paper when it is wrapped. The base of the construction paper must fit into the hole you made in Step 1. Secure the ends with tap, glue or staples.

4. Secure the top hat portion to the rim of the hat with glue or tape.

5. Cut a strip of gray crepe paper streamer or construction paper two inches thick and the width of the top hat portion made in Step 3. Glue the decorative belt to the hat at the base of the construction paper. Cover the glue or tape used in Step 4.

6. Cut out a rectangle from a piece of aluminum foil. The rectangle should be three inches by two inches. Then fold the foil in half and cut a smaller rectangle inside the foil. Open the foil rectangle. This will be the belt buckle. Secure the buckle on top of the gray strip in the front center of the hat.

7. Let everything dry. Decorate with glitter to the silver buckle to add an individual touch.