DIY Little House on the Prairie Costume and Bonnet Tutorial
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I’ve got a great pioneer bonnet tutorial and free printable pattern to share today! I made this bonnet as part of my daughter’s Laura Ingalls Wilder costume for her biography fair, but it’s also perfect for a Little House on the Prairie costume, a pioneer costume, a book character day, or a Halloween costume.
No printer? No problem! You don’t have to print the pattern to make the bonnet. The original tutorial shows you how to measure and draw the simple pattern pieces directly on your fabric. If you prefer a ready-to-print pattern, I’ve now added that option too.
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Biography Fair / Laura Ingalls Wilder Costume
I put together this pioneer/Little House on the Prairie costume for my lil’ missy’s biography fair last spring.
Since I’d already put so much effort into the pioneer costume, I told her she was wearing it for Halloween too, lol.
She originally agreed, but then changed her mind and decided she wanted to be a zombie. I suggested an 1800s zombie so she could still wear the costume, but in the end we saved the pioneer outfit and reused the angel costume for her zombie-bride costume instead. * Update: Here she is as a zombie bride. (makeup courtesy of dad.)
Fun Fact for Little House Fans:
If you’ve finished Laura Ingalls Wilder’s original books and wish there were more, there are! The eight-book “Rose Years” series carries the Wilder family story forward through Laura and Almanzo’s daughter, Rose. Roger Lea MacBride—a close friend and heir of Rose Wilder Lane—wrote them using Rose’s own diaries, letters, and stories. They’re fictionalized, but based on the real Wilder family, with that same cozy Little House feel.
The Accessories Absolutely Make the Pioneer Costume!
The bonnet is the finishing touch, but the skirt, apron, shirt, and fabric necktie are what pull the entire pioneer costume together. Here is what I used and how I made each piece:
Skirt:
For the skirt, I used my flat front skirt tutorial. Since I wanted the costume skirt slightly fuller, I added 6 inches to the width of both the front and back skirt panels, made it ankle length, and added an apron.
Another easy option is to use a simple peasant dress as the base of the costume. My free peasant dress pattern, available in sizes 12 months to 14 years, can be lengthened for a more traditional prairie-style look. Add a bottom ruffle, an apron or pinafore, and a pioneer bonnet, and it would be a perfect pioneer costume!
Apron:
I don’t have an apron tutorial for the skirt yet, but you can easily DIY one following the instructions on my free Knot Dress Pattern and Tutorial. (The apron is added the same way.)
Shirt:
We got lucky, and I already had this button down from H&M in her closet, but almost any (not too modern) white or off-white button down would work.
Fabric Neck Tie:
If you use a button-down shirt, the little fabric necktie is an easy addition. Cut a strip of fabric 2¼ inches wide and about 20 inches long. Fold and press it like bias tape, then sew around the edges.
Try it on your child, trim it to the right length, and secure it with a small safety pin or a sew-on hook-and-loop dot.
Fabric for a Pioneer Costume
Small florals, calico prints, gingham, and simple quilting cottons all work well for a pioneer or prairie costume. Quilting cotton is especially easy to cut, press, gather, and sew, making it a good choice for the bonnet.
For the child-size bonnet shown here, you will need about ¾ yard of 44-inch-wide quilting cotton and ¼ yard of medium-weight interfacing.
The Little House on the Prairie Costume
The pioneer costume really turned out well. You totally knew she was Laura Ingalls Wilder, don’t you think?
I love how the apron looks with the skirt. The eyelet-lace trim adds the perfect old-fashioned detail.
Ready to make the bonnet? Keep reading!
Choose Your Pattern Method
No printer needed: Follow Steps 1 and 2 below to measure your child and draw the bonnet pieces directly on the fabric. This is the original method, and it also makes it easy to customize the bonnet for another size.
Using the printable pattern: Download and print the free child-size pioneer bonnet pattern, assemble the four pages, and cut the fabric and interfacing according to the labels on each piece. Once your pieces are cut, skip to Step 3: Putting the Bonnet Together.
GET THE FREE PIONEER BONNET PATTERN
The printable pattern is designed to fit approximately ages 7 to 11. Print at 100% or Actual Size and check the 1-inch test square before cutting your fabric.
Little House on the Prairie Bonnet Tutorial
Materials needed to make a Pioneer Bonnet:
- Bonnet Pattern
- ¾ yard of 44-inch-wide quilting cotton
- ¼ yard of medium-weight fusible interfacing or sew in interfacing
- Coordinating thread
- Fabric Marker
- Iron
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Sewing machine
- Basic sewing supplies
- Optional: loop turner, safety pin, or blunt pencil for turning the ties
Products used and recommended in this post
- My Sewing Machine: SINGER 9960 Quantum Stylist, my coverstitch: Janome Cover Pro 1000cpx. My Serger: Brother 1034D 3 or 4 Thread Serger (or you can just use Pinking Shears)
- Rotary Cutter
- I love my large ruler and large cutting mat, but you may prefer to start off with a smaller Cutting set
- Wonder clips (I didn’t use these in the post, but they are just awesome!)
💡Pro Tip:
If your fabric has a directional print, double-check the direction of the design before cutting your bonnet pieces. It’s especially easy to accidentally cut the brim or ties with the print running the wrong way.
Step 1: Get your measurements for the bonnet.
If you are using the printable pattern, you can skip Steps 1 and 2. Cut out the printed pattern pieces as directed and begin with Step 3.
To make the bonnet without printing the pattern, decide where you want the front edge of the bonnet to fall. I went with right below the chin. Measure from that point on one side, over the top of the head, and down to the same point on the other side. Add ½ inch to the measurement for the seam allowances.
My measurement, with the seam allowances added, was 19¾ inches. This measurement should fit many children around ages 7 to 11, but measuring your child will give you the best fit.
Step 2: Creating the bonnet pattern and cutting fabric.
Bonnet brim:
Fold the bonnet fabric in half and lay it flat on your workspace. Using a fabric marker and ruler, draw a rectangle the length of your bonnet measurement by 5 inches wide.
Using the fabric marker (and the edge of a plate – if needed) draw a curve on both edges of the fabric.
Cut out the bonnet brim while the fabric is still folded so you create two matching fabric brim pieces. Use one brim piece as the template to cut one matching piece of interfacing. If you are using fusible interfacing, you can fuse it to the wrong side of one brim piece before cutting.
Back bonnet piece:
Multiply the brim measurement by 1.5. Cut one fabric rectangle that width by 9¼ inches high.
For example, with a 19¾-inch brim measurement: 19¾ × 1.5 = 29⅝ inches. The sample back bonnet piece is therefore 29⅝ inches wide by 9¼ inches high.
Bonnet ties:
- Cut two chin-tie strips, each 1 inch by 21 inches.
- Cut one back-casing tie, 1 inch by 37 inches
Step 3: Putting the bonnet together.
If you used the printable pioneer bonnet pattern, begin here after cutting all the fabric and interfacing pieces.
Layer the bonnet brim pieces in this order:
- 1st layer: Bonnet brim fabric right side up.
- 2nd layer: Bonnet brim fabric right side down.
- 3rd layer: interfacing. (if using sew-in interfacing)
Sew around the curved outer edge of the brim, ¼ inch from the raw edge, leaving the long straight edge open. Trim the seam allowance and clip the curves without cutting through the stitching.
Fold brim right side out and press. Fold the bottom edge of the brim in 1/4th inch and press (both sides)
Grab the back bonnet piece and fold side edges over ¼ inch and press, fold another 1/4 inch and press. Stitch along the pressed edge.
To make the casing, fold the bottom edge ¼ inch to the wrong side and press. Fold it over another ½ inch and press again. Stitch close to the inner folded edge, leaving both ends open for the back tie.
Sew a gathering stitch along the top of the back bonnet piece. Do not back stitch.
Pull the bobbin thread to gather the back piece until it is the same width as the straight opening of the bonnet brim. Distribute the gathers evenly.
Line the gathered edge along the folded edge of the bonnet brim. Pin in place and sew along the folded edge.
Bonnet ties:
- Fold chin ties in half, right sides together, and sew along the side and one short edge.
- Fold back bonnet tie in half and sew along the long side only.
- Use a turning tool, flip ties right sides out, and press.
Sew chin straps to edge of bonnet brim. (Both sides.)
Step 4. Add the Back Tie to the Bonnet.
Pull the back bonnet tie through the casing, tying a small knot at the ends of the tie.
That’s it – you are done!
Pioneer Bonnet FAQ’s
Do I have to print the pioneer bonnet pattern?
No. The printable pattern is optional. Follow Steps 1 and 2 to measure and draw the simple pieces directly on your fabric. If you use the printable pattern, cut the pieces as labeled and begin sewing at Step 3.
How much fabric do I need for the bonnet?
For the child-size bonnet shown here, plan on about ¾ yard of 44-inch-wide quilting cotton and ¼ yard of interfacing. You may need extra fabric if you are matching a directional print or enlarging the bonnet.
Can I make an adult pioneer bonnet with this tutorial?
Yes. Use the measurement method in Step 1 rather than the child-size printable pattern. Measure from one side of the jaw, over the head, and down to the other side, then follow the formulas in Step 2.
Can I use ribbon instead of sewing the ties?
Yes. Narrow grosgrain ribbon or cotton twill tape is a quick substitute for the fabric ties. Choose something soft enough to tie comfortably under the chin.
Do you have your costume planned yet?
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Thanks for a great tutorial. I sewed a sun bonnet for my granddaughter. Her class is visiting a one room school house.
I made this bonnet for my daughter’s 11th birthday today. She loves it. I’ll be making another for her almost 7 year old sister too, I just didn’t get it done for today. They love them and are so excited. Thanks for sharing the plans!
Blessings,
Babychaser
Your chin straps look wider than 1 inch folded in half which comes to around 1/4 inch once sewn and turned.
I used a smaller seam allowance, but make your chin straps however wide you want.
I tried and tried and tried to make the chin straps as shown here but they came out SO skinny I couldn’t turn them right side out (I made several and re-stitched a few trying so hard) and my turning tool actually ripped some seams ruining a few straps. So I gave up and used 7/8 of an inch grosgrain ribbon for straps and back bonnet ties and it turned out beautifully. I’m not a pro but definitely would try cutting 2-inch strips for chin straps and ties, or else go straight to using ribbon. I ended up making 4 bonnets (about to make a 5th) and 4 aprons and 3 rag dolls (total of 3 yards of fabric) for my nieces and my daughter as Christmas gifts. Thank you so much for the tutorial, I have read it soooooo many times now and am totally hooked on this blog. 🙂
These are definitely skinny straps, you need a tool turner like this to make this kind of strap. https://amzn.to/2NYdGMJ
Thanks I had tried using a different turner, it’s a bodkin…it’s a little wider than the one in your link, and it’s shorter. It clamps down on the fabric and has a little thing that slides up and down on the Turner. My porr little thin cotton was basically shredded by the time I gave up, I still have some ties turned inside out, maybe I will try the new turner and use the ties for a different project!
How fun! I’m trying to make this because our newspaper is having a contest for people to make something wearable out of newspaper. The gathering aspect is pretty tough, but I think it can be done. Thanks for your careful and specific directions!
We are planning a trip to visit Laura Ingalls home in DeSmet, SD soon and thought it would be fun if my 4yo daughter and I wore matching sunbonnets! hee hee! Thanks for the tute!
Jamie,
Thanks so much for your great instructions which helped a somewhat novice like me make a cute outfit for my daughter’s fieldtrip!
This is a very well laid out pattern. The measurements above worked perfectly for my 9 year old. Easy to make, very authentic. Thanks for sharing.
so glad it worked for you!
Thank you for this tutorial. It worked beautifully for me. The finished product with a link back here on my blog. Thanks again! http://www.ajacksonfamily.com/emilys-pioneer-bonnet/
Thanks for the ideas of how to do this. My daughter is Laura Ingalls Wilder in a wax museum and this will be perfect. I’m having a hard time, though, determining how much fabric I need to make the apron in relationship to the waist band. Thanks for your help!
For the gathering step, did you sew two rows of stitches or just one?
I typically sew only one row for gathering, but lots of people like to sew 2 rows of gathering stitches. It’s a personal preference.
I made your bonnet an I wanted to thank you for the tutorial. It was easy to follow and the bonnet turned out great! I’m going to check out your skirt tutorial next.
Awesome tutorial with excellent pictures and descriptions. Thank you for helping us have a fun time making the bonnets with 2 grandchildren. They were so pleased with their bonnets.
How much fabric did you start with? I would like to make a bonnet, but don’t know how much fabric to buy.
I’m sorry, I don’t really remember the exact amount needed. The amount of fabric is based on your measurements, but I’m sure I bought a yard of fabric for the bonnet.
I just made 2 bonnets and 2 small simple aprons for 2 size 4T children out of ONE $5 yard of fabric! With scraps leftover for little rag dolls! 🙂 Cut carefully and don’t waste anything. The heads measure about 15 inches the way the blogger measured, at the jawline. I cut the bonnets for 16 inches to allow for seams.
Where is your skirt pattern, how did you attach the apron
The skirt pattern is my flat front skirt lengthened: https://www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com/2014/10/free-flat-front-skirt-tutorial-pattern.html and for the apron, I sandwiched in inbetwwen the skirt and waistband while sewing them together. (similar to how I did the apron in my knot dress pattern: https://www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com/2013/01/knotdresstutorialwithfreepattern.html)
I’m making this for my girls. We’re going to do a pioneer unit for homeschool, and I am sewing them bonnets and aprons so they can pretend play. Thanks for the tutorial.
HI I made a adult size of the bonet it was easy and fun. Thank you.
That bonnet is adorable! I read all the Little House books once a year when I was younger and loved them.
I love this project, my girls when they were young would have loved this. I am going to keep this in mind as our family grows to the next generation.
Your pictures are beautiful.
what timing! My daughter will be Little Bo Peep this Halloween and we needed a bonnet or something. This came at the perfect time. YEAH!
I’m in love!!! I was obsessed with Little House on the Prairie when I was a kid! I’d pretend I was Laura somehow transported to the modern day. I was a weird child, I know. Anyway, I wanted to let you know I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for later today that features your bonnet tutorial: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=90003 –Anne