How to Make a Tricorn Hat

The tricorn hat was popular during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. At the height of its popularity it was worn by both civilian and military men. Following the steps below, you can make your own felt tricorn hat.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pins or tacks
• Spray starch

The Hat Band

1. Using the string, measure around the head of the person who will wear the tricorn hat. Once the string is around the head snugly, add about an inch so that you can fit a finger between the string and the head.

2. Cut the string at the point you measured.

3. Lay the string on the felt. You want to measure a piece of felt about 3 inches wide, and as long as your piece of string plus one inch extra.

4. Once your felt is cut, make it into a circle and apply glue to the extra inch. Hold the pieces together for a moment to allow the glue to set. This is your hat band.

The Top

5. Lay your hat band on the felt.

6. With your fabric pen, trace inside the hat band. Then trace another circle about 1 inch outside of the first circle.

7. 
   The top

   Cut the fabric as shown in the diagram. These tabs will allow you to attach the top to the band.

8. Fold the tabs and position them so they go inside the band. Glue the tabs to the band to attach the top.

The Brim

9. Draw a large oval on your felt and cut it out.

10. Place your band and top in the center of the oval and trace around it, then set aside.

11. Draw yourself a guide circle inside the circle marking the band.

12. 
    The brim

    Cut as shown in diagram.

13. Fold tabs up so and position so they are inside the band. Glue in place.

Cocking the Hat

14. Take one end of the oval of the brim and fold it to touch the band. Pin or tack it in place.

15. Repeat with other end of oval.

16. Repeat with one side of the oval.

17. Spray your hat liberally with spray starch and let dry.

18. You now have a cocked, or tricorn, hat.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to let the starch dry completely before wearing your hat.
• Do not let your hat get wet or the starch will come out and your hat will flop.

[MidniteWriter]

on 2/27/2009 Great craft for kids and adults, thank you for the hat trick!

[MidniteWriter]

on 2/27/2009 Great craft for kids and adults, thank you for the hat trick!