How to Make a Sun Hat Colorful, Stylish and Fun

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!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

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. 
    
   Color coordinate or offset with complimentary colors

   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. 
    
   Ready for the picnic!

   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. 
    
   Children can add their own artwork

   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.

[amandaford]

on 6/9/2009 Fun! I pinned an antique rhinestone broach to my winter wool cap. It turned what was an ordinary article of clothing into a sparkling accessory that gets compliments every time I wear it. I do love hats, indeed!

[genesee]

on 5/26/2009 Great Article! 5*

[pamelaa75]

on 5/26/2009 Got to make sure that hat looks good with what you're wearing. Great article 5*s

[tracysmith159]

on 5/22/2009 Great way to make colorful sun hats and save money too. If you enjoy to do this you could make a site to sell your hats too. I know I can't make a fancy bow. I've tried it just doesn't work. So I would buy a hat with a fancy bow becuase I can't do it myself.

[credit4you]

on 5/22/2009 Sounds like this would be fun to do I'm a big arts and crafts fan. Great tips fun to read thank you 5* rec