How to Make a Chinese Hat Out of Oak Tag

Make a Rice Paddy Hat

Making a Chinese rice paddy hat out of oak tag is a fun craft that your children can do at school or home. This traditional Chinese hat is a replica of the rice paddy hat worn by Chinese men and women who harvested rice paddies. The hat was designed to keep the sun out of their eyes while working. Making rice paddy hats are also a good way for children to learn about Chinese culture.

Things You'll Need

• Piece of oak tag
• Large bowl
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Scotch tape
• Strip of elastic
• Stapler
• Markers or craft paints (optional)

Instructions

1. Place a large bowl upside-down on a piece of oak tag.

2. Trace around the bowl with a pencil and cut out the circle outline on the oak tag.

3. Mark the center point of the circle by drawing a dot on the oak tag.

4. Cut a straight line from the outer edge of the circle to the center dot.

5. Fold one flap from the cut under the other flap made from the cut until the hat is a shallow cone shape with a point.

6. Tape the seam together with scotch tape.

7. Cut a length of elastic to wear under the chin, staple in place with one staple on each end of the hat. The elastic should rest comfortably under the chin and stretch to take the hat on and off.

8. Decorate the hats with markers or paints if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep scissors out of the reach of children.

References

• ActivityVillage: Make a Coolie Hat

Resources

• CraftBits.com: Chinese Paper Hat