How to Make an Origami Pirate Hat

You can decorate your hat with a scull and crossbones.

The origami pirate hat is probably one of the first paper-folding crafts a child learns, even before she knows what origami is. Origami, the centuries-old Japanese art of paper folding, has the benefit of being an inexpensive craft. But as the designs become more intricate, the folds become more complicated. With regular practice and some thin squares of paper, just about anyone six-years-old or older can learn this craft.

Things You'll Need

• One sheet of thin 12-by-18 inch piece of paper or a full newspaper page

Instructions

1. Lay out the paper so that it is vertical on the table. Make sure the width of the paper is parallel to the edge of the table and the length of 18 inches goes from the bottom edge toward the top edge of the table. If you are using a wrapping paper, make sure that the design is facing the table.

2. Bring the top edge of the paper down to the bottom edge and fold it in half.

3. Fold the paper in half again so that the folded edge overlaps. Then reopen it so that you have only the original fold.

4. Fold the left corner to the center crease and then fold the right corner of the paper to the center crease. This will leave a triangular top with a three-inch margin at the bottom.

5. Lift up and fold over the bottom edge of the margin. The hat is almost ready.

6. Turn over the hat and fold up the back margin. The hat is now complete.

Tips & Warnings

• If the hat won't stay together, you can use a piece of cellophane tape to close the fold of the triangle and the corners of the hat.

References

• Kid Craft Central: Origami Hat
• DLTK Kids: Sailor Hats
• Uggabugga: Make Your Own Pirate Hat