How to Make a Colonial Hat for Boys

Whether it's for a school play, project or a historical costume for Halloween, a colonial hat is a critical accessory for any men's or boy's attire in the colonial dress style common in the 1600s and 1700s. Also called a tricorne hat, it was worn at both casual and formal events by men and boys. Though authentic colonial hats were normally made from beaver skin, a fairly realistic facsimile can be created from construction paper.

Things You'll Need

• Pattern
• Black construction paper or black cardboard
• Scissors
• Stapler

Instructions

1. Follow a tricorne hat pattern (see resources for printable patterns that can then be traced) to trace the three different sides for the hat.

2. Cut the hat pattern that you traced in step one out of the black construction paper. You will then have three identical pieces of paper.

3. Move the three pieces of construction paper until they form a triangle shape. Gently hold the edges of the paper together, maintaining the triangle shape.

4. Staple the papers together so that a permanent triangle shape is formed. To make the hat as large as possible, the staples should be very close to the edge. For a smaller hat, place the staples closer to the center of the hat.

Tips & Warnings

• If making a tricorn hat is a project for children, be sure that children are supervised at all times, since creating the hat will require the use of scissors and a stapler, which could cause potential injury if used improperly.

References

• Franklin Institute: Tri Corner Hat Pattern
• Homeschool Rangers: Dressing The Part: Colonial Costumes
• Searington School: Passport To Colonial Times
• University of North Carolina: Colonial America, 1607-1783

Resources

• PBworks.com: Tricorn Hat Pattern
• Franklin Institute: Tricorn Hat Pattern