Easy Fleece Hat Tutorial

I recently had the opportunity to test the pattern of an adorable Ruffled Collared Cape from Seamingly Smitten.  The Cape was very easy and only took about an hour to sew together.  I had some leftover fleece fabric, so I decided to make a easy fleece hat to go with the cape.

Making the hat was so easy, I wanted to share the tutorial with everyone.

Here are the instructions, you will need:
Fleece fabric
Measuring tape
Scissors
Thread and sewing machine

To get the measurements for your hat, measure around your models head for the width.  (Mine was about 20 inches.)  Add half and inch for the seam allowance.  Then measure from the top of the head to where you want the hat to fall, as shown in the picture below.  (I wanted my hat to sit below her ears, that was 8 inches.)  Add 2 or 3 inches for the fringe. (However long you want your fringe to be.  More for a larger hat, less for a smaller hat.  I added 3 inches.)  Then add 1 inch for the hem.  So my fabric measurement was 20.5 inches wide by 12 (8 + 3 +1)  inches tall.

When cutting the fabric, you want the stretch of the fabric to be going side to side, so the hat will have a little stretch around the head.

After you have cut out your fabric rectangle, put the right sides together and sew up the side using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Next, Fold the bottom hem under 1 inch and pin in place.

Using a zig zag stitch or other decorative stretch stitch, sew over the edge of the folded hem.

I used stitch #47.

Next, cut the top end into an even fringe.  I cut mine about 2.25 inches long.  I figured I could always cut the strips longer or trim the tips if needed, but this length was perfect.

Cut a strip of fleece 11 inches long by about .75 inches wide, this is for the tie to gather the top with.

With your hand, gather the top of the hat, right under the fringe as evenly as possible.  Tie securely with the strip of fabric.

Ta da!  A cute fleece hat made in under 30 minutes!

If you are inspired to create something based on this tutorial, I would love to see it!  I have created a new Flickr Group for you to share your creations.  Here is the link: Creations inspired by Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom.  (Please share, you might get featured!)

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