How to Make a French Maid Hat

Lace trim adds a frilly touch to a French maid hat.

The French maid wears a frilly hat that emphasizes her flirtatious nature. This hat can be created with no sewing from lace and black wool felt, and is perfect for the finishing touch to a French maid costume. Combined with a frilly white apron, a black sweater, skirt, stockings and a saucy feather duster, the hat will add the crowning touch to the French maid costume. Her costume party date could sport a tuxedo as a French butler.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4 yard black wool felt
• Salad plate
• White pencil
• Scissors
• 1 yard 3 inch wide gathered lace trim
• White glue
• Hat pin

Instructions

1. Draw around the salad plate on the black felt with the white pencil.

2. Cut out the circle of felt with the scissors.

3. Glue the lace around the edges of the black circle, 1/2-inch from the edge, using the white glue.

4. Trim the lace to fit. Let the glue dry for one hour.

5. Turn the circle over and attach the hat to the wearer's head at an angle with the hatpin.

References

• "The Fantastic Costume Book"; Michelle Lipson & Friends; 1992
• "365 Things To Make and Do"; Vivienne Bolton; 2003