3.03.2010

Tutorial: Infant Flapper-style Cloche Hat

As I mentioned earlier, my sister is expecting her 3rd child early next month. It is a girl, meaning crafty gift inspiration overflows (I love my nephews, but my mind completely goes blank when I consider making them something!).

A simple gift that I plan to give is this little hat.
I wish I had a baby to model this.
I considered using one of my girls' dolls,
but that just looked a little creepy (the dolls are especially life-like!).
It is hard to see when it is laying flat, but when worn it takes on a bell shape,
like the ones flappers wore in the 20's!

I began with a simple knit hat.


The "sweetie" detailing had to go.
I unfolded the cuff, and cut both layers of the hat to remove the embroidery.
Next, I cut the outer fabric and inch more to create a layered effect.

I then created a lettuce-edge hem by zig-zag stitching
(while stretching the knit) along both layers of the hat.
My results aren't perfect, but the fabric ruffled, so I'm happy!

The hat could be finished at this point....

But, a bow makes everything better!
I made it using the same ruffling technique on a strip of knit.

I can't wait to see it on Piper!

14 comments:

Janelle said...

Way cute! Do you attach the bow to the hat? Is it just tacked on, or it is free?

Kristin said...

Thanks Janelle! And yes, I should have mentioned, I attached the bow. It is just tacked on with little stitches on either side of the hat.

Lynne said...

What a great idea! I never thought of hat refashions before... so cute!

Krista said...

A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E!!! =)

Megan said...

How cute! And they just did a bunch of boy stuff last month at Made by Rae & MADE. This is the final post http://www.dana-made-it.com/2010/03/celebrate-boy-closure.html ... thought you might like it!

Anne said...

Wow! I would never have thought you could make such a cute hat from the one you started with.

I linked to your tutorial at Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-ruffled-edge-cloche-hat-for-an-infant/2010/03/04/

--Anne

Maggie said...

This is super cute! I love the lettuce edge ruffling!! And that bow...oh my heck, it's adorable!
-Mags

Toto said...

That is SOOO cute!!! I'm always so impressed by your creations or REcreations!!!

susan@tickledpaisley said...

Love it! Great idea and darling little hat! I really like the bow you added : )

Laura said...

I haven't checked your blog in awhile so I thought I would see what kind of craftiness you were up to. I love the hat! You can use Lillian anytime you want! Keep up the neat work. Laura S.

Christine said...

My goodness that is cute! I would love to see pics of it worn...

Jenn said...

So cute. So sad my little one is beyond this stage. However maybe I can make some for baby gifts.

Jennwith4 said...

Very cute!! Only wish I still had a baby girl now! lol I don't think my baby boy will appreciate me making him one.

Samantha @ The Douangphilas said...

I love your tutorials and ideas. Glad I found your blog :) I made one for my daughter. I used an old newborn hat to extend whatever life I could get out of it before she out grew them!

http://paperflowerdrive.blogspot.com/2010/05/flapper-hat.html