How to Trim a Gothic Top Hat

The mini top hat is a stylish retro trend. Made popular during World War I, this daring accessory is great for clubbing or nights out. Mini top hats are great accents for Victorian-themed outfits, Gothic ensembles and evening attire. This particular style, called a "fascinator," sits perched rakishly over the eye of the wearer.This tutorial illustrates how to trim and modify a basic felted mini top hat form with ribbon, a rosebud, netting and silver pyramid spikes.

Things You'll Need

• 5-1/2 inch mini top hat form
• Scissors
• Craft glue
• 1/2 yd of 1/2 inch satin ribbon
• Medium-gauge sewing needle
• Black thread
• 6-inch wide fine tulle netting
• Extra-large satin or silk rosebud
• Measuring tape
• Tailor's chalk or marking pencil
• 11 silver pyramid spike iron-on transfers
• 2 inches of 1/4-inch black elastic
• Clear plastic comb

Instructions

1. Cut about 14 inches of black ribbon to trim the lower part of the crown. Apply a medium amount of glue to the center back of the hat form. Paste the ribbon to the hat at its midpoint. Allow it to dry until set.

2. Apply glue in evenly sized dots around the base of the crown. Being careful not to smear the glue, guide the ribbon around the base and press it downward. The ribbon won't precisely follow the curvature of the hat brim. Ease the ribbon so that it falls on the curve as closely as possible. Once the ribbon ends meet, tuck the raw end under itself and glue it down over the opposite raw end. Allow this to set for several minutes.

3. Double-thread the needle with the black thread. Cut a 12- to 15-inch section of tulle. Grasp and twist the tulle in the middle. Holding the tulle piece over the ribbon ends lengthwise, sew several tacking stitches through the tulle at the top and bottom of the ribbon. It should be gathered in a narrow section in the center when done.

4. Apply glue to the center back of the satin rosette. Attach this over the stitched tulle section. Let it set for several minutes. Put several small stitches at the top and bottom of the rosette, being careful to fluff out the tulle before stitching it down.

5. Place the end of the measuring tape about 1/4 inch from the edge of the rosette. Use the tailor's chalk to mark off 1-inch intervals on the ribbon.

6. Peel off 11 pyramid studs. On each chalk mark, daub a little bit of glue. Holding the hat steady, apply a stud to each spot of glue, making certain the edges are even. Allow the hat to dry overnight for best results.

7. Turn the hat over. Place the elastic piece over the very back of the hat. It will be almost completely on the brim, but not quite. Tack down the ends with several stitches. Lace the teeth of the comb over the elastic piece to secure it to your head. Repeat this on the sides of the under-brim with smaller pieces, if desired; bobby or hair pins can be used to secure the hat tightly to the head.

8. Look in the mirror and flip the tulle layers downward. Trim them to the desired length.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use feathers instead of the rosette and tulle for a more dramatic look.

• Simple treatments for the raw edge of the tulle include rounded edges, serge stitching or lace.

• Fascinator hats are meant to be worn with an updo. Try a chignon at the base of the neck, or a French twist. Do an asymmetrical part in the hair and wear the hat over the wider section. Tip the hat down as low as possible over one eye.

• Ladies can wear hats indoors and still be within the range of proper etiquette.

• Don't use too much glue. Much of the pasting is precise, so smaller amounts are better.

• A needle with too small of a gauge won't break through the coated felt. Make sure to use the proper needle.