I credit this idea to my friend Jem who knitted hats like this for both my kids a couple of years ago and they wore them continuously through the Winter. I thought it would be fun to see if it was possible to stitch a jersey version. I let my mini super models be the judge of whether it worked out. As I got a thumbs up I decided to share the tutorial with you:
Pattern:
This is a really simple pattern that you can either draw directly onto your fabric or draw out on a sheet of paper so you can reuse.
Cut a rectangle for the front following these measurements:
Age 6-12 months = 26cm x 19cm
Age 1-2 years = 27cm x 20cm
Age 3-6 years = 28cm x 21cm
Age 6-8 years = 29cm x 22cm
Cut a rectangle for the back following these measurements:
Age 6-12 months = 28cm x 19cm
Age 1-2 years = 29cm x 20cm
Age 3-6 years = 30cm x 21cm
Age 6-8 years = 31cm x 22cm
For the back of the hat mark 1cm in from the side seams at the upper edge and draw a line from this point to the lower edge of the hat as shown in this diagram:
This pattern includes a 1cm seam allowance.
Materials:
25cm sweatshirt fabric
25cm cotton jersey fabric
30cm x 2.5cm elastic
Ball of yarn – I used cotton yarn.
Cut:
Cut 1 front in sweatshirt fabric
Cut 1 back in sweatshirt fabric
Cut 1 front in cotton jersey fabric
Cut 1 back in cotton jersey fabric
How to make:
1.Draw a chalk line 1.5cm up from the lower edge of the wrong side of the sweatshirt hat back and mark the centre point.
2. Cut the piece of elastic to the same width as the front hat. Mark the centre of the elastic. Place the two centres together, pin this centre point with the elastic matched to the chalk line.
3. Using a medium zig zag stitch, stitch the lower edge of the elastic keeping it matched to the chalk line. Pull the elastic to fit the space. Ensure you pull the fabric gently from both sides of the machine. Stitch the other edge in the same way.
4. With right sides together stitch the front and back of the sweatshirt fabric pieces together down the sides and across the the top. Leaving a small gap approximately 8cm long down one side or across the top (for turning through). Using a narrow zig zag stitch means the fabric will stretch a little if needed, you could also sew this together using an overlocker.
5. Sew the cotton jersey front and back together at the side and upper edge seam.
6. Turn one hat to the right side and place inside the other so that right sides are together.
7. Stitch around the lower edge of the hat. Keeping to 1cm seam allowance. There should be a 0.5cm space between the edge of the elastic and the line of stitching.
8. Turn the hat through the gap left in the lining. Push the lining inside the hat. Press the edge of the hat and press the turning gap. Stitch the gap closed.
9. Make two pom poms or let your kids make there own! Stitch the pom pom to the corners of the hat.
Printed jersey fabrics make fun hats for boys and girls. Plain hats with multi coloured pom poms might also be fun.
I made matching scarves too. I will share this as a tutorial very soon.
I think the hat or hat and scarf combo would make great simple, practical and individual gifts for kids. You can make two hats from 25cm of fabric. Bobbins and Buttons offers a great selection of best quality cotton sweatshirt fabrics, 300gsm weight to keep you toasty in the winter months and cotton jersey printed and plain fabrics ideal for this project.
