How to Make Mountain Man Hats

Faux fur makes great coonskin hats.

Re-enactors, modern trappers, mountain men, historians and children may find themselves with a need for a mountain man's hat. There are many events that require period costumes, including scouting activities, church activities and school plays. Making a mountain man's hat is easy and quick. A mountain man's hat can be easily made from any kind of faux fur.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Butcher paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• 1 yard faux fur
• Pins
• Tape
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Measure the circumference of your head across your forehead. Make sure that the tape measure is flat against your head and your hair is lying flat.

2. Lay the butcher paper onto a flat work surface. Draw a pattern that measures 3 inches in width and 2 inches longer than your head's circumference. Cut out the paper pattern.

3. Place the pattern onto the back of the faux fur. Pin the pattern onto the fabric. Cut out the pattern and remove the butcher paper pattern. Remove the pins.

4. Place the ends of the faux fur hat band together. Allow the ends to overlap each other. Pin the ends together. Place the band over your head and make sure that the band fits securely, but is not too tight. Sew the ends together, and remove the pins.

5. Tape the ends of the paper pattern together. Place the pattern onto another section of butcher paper. Outline the circle and remove the band. Measure 1/2 inch outside the circular pattern and mark the paper. Connect the measurement marks so that there is a larger circle on the paper. Cut out this larger circle to create a pattern piece for the top of the hat. Place the pattern onto the faux fur, and pin it. Cut the faux fur.

6. Turn the faux fur hat band inside out. Pin the hat band to the wrong side of the faux fur top portion of the hat. Sew the top of the hat band to the top of the hat. Turn the hat right side out and remove the pins.

7. Cut out another section from the faux fur to create the tail. It should measure 12 inches by 6 inches. Place the right sides together and pin the material in place. Sew the sides and one end together. Turn the material right side out. Carefully fold the open end of the tail inside, and sew it together using a blind stitch.

8. Pin the tail to the bottom section of the back of the hat and sew it in place.

References

• Coonskin Cap: How to Make a Coonskin Cap
• Moon Costumes: Image of a Coonskin Cap