How to Make Newspaper Sailor Hats

Get crafty with your old newspapers.

A basic paper-folding activity such as the classic newspaper sailor hat is a simple, inexpensive craft project that is both entertaining and suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. This type of project works perfectly as an activity for a child's party or as a way to pass the time on a stormy afternoon; it may even come in handy someday if you ever need to put a last-minute final touch on a sailor or pirate costume.

Instructions

1. Lay out a single sheet of newspaper on a table top. A standard newspaper sheet is approximately 29.5 by 23.5 inches; fold the sheet in half so that the two 23.5-inch ends meet.

2. Grasp the two upper corners and fold them down diagonally until the points meet in the middle. Once the corners are folded down, it will create the appearance of a triangle shape with a rectangle underneath it.

3. Fold up one layer the rectangular bottom edge of the newspaper and crease it at the point where it meets the base of the triangle. The rectangle now overlaps the bottom portion of the triangle, creating the brim of the hat. Flip the hat over and fold up the rectangle on the other side to match.

4. Affix a small piece of scotch tape to each end of the brim to hold the two halves together.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use special sections such as the comics to make your sailor hat bright and colorful.

References

• DrJean.org; Sailor Hats; October 2007
• Kids Make Stuff: Newspaper Hat
• Paper Sizes: Newspaper Sizes