How to Make a Sun Hat Colorful, Stylish and Fun

Protective Sun Hats for the entire family

Protective sun hats are a must for the whole family during summer outdoor activities. Whether your style is panama, straw, bucket or flap, you can customize, accessorize and embellish hats to suit your personality or fit the occasion. Look at your hat as a blank canvas, use your imagination and have fun!

Things You'll Need

• Protective sun hat
• Embellishments
• Fabric glue
• Glue gun
• Hook and loop fasteners
• Sewing needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Add a bow. Select wide or narrow colored ribbon or belting. Cut material long enough to wrap around the hat and to make the bow (like measuring for gift wrapping). Bows can be tied in the front, in the back or on the side. Use decorative tying techniques to get a formal or casual look.

2. 

   Make a hat band. Sew themed buttons, charms or beads onto bias tape, twill edging, ribbon or belting. Secure the band onto the hat using sticky-backed hook and loop fasteners or by overlapping the ends and stitching closed. By using hook and loop fasteners, you can make several interchangeable hat bands to go with any summer outfit.

3. Add a canvas belt with a decorative buckle to add color and interest. Buy canvas belts at your favorite clothing department store or make your own from supplies sold at the craft and hobby store.

4. Glue on tassel fringe, rick-rack or braiding. Apply by using fabric glue or a glue gun. Remember, the upholstery section of your fabric store is a good place to look for trim.

5. 

   Pin jewelry or artificial flowers on any side to add sparkle or dress up your summer hat for an outdoor luncheon or picnic.

6. Tie on a printed scarf or bandana to compliment a cute sun dress or that capri pant and tank ensemble.

7. Cross-stitch or embroidery your favorite pattern or quote to the front. Make your hat reflect your favorite past time, hobby or philosophy.

8. 

   Embellish children's hats with iron-on patches, photo transfers, merit award pins or let them personalize it with their own art work using permanent clothing markers and glitter pens.

Tips & Warnings

• Place backing material or a heat fusible liner inside the hat after sewing embellishments directly on the hat. This will prevent thread and knots from unraveling and hold your stitches in place.

• Place backing material or a heat fusible liner inside hat after you use decorative pins. This will protect the wearer if the pins were to accidentally come undone.

• Always use safety guidelines when using a glue gun.