Summer and sun hats go together like thread and needle, right? Sure, stores are full of all sorts of hats, but nothing beats having your very own, made exactly the way you want—something you can only get by sewing it yourself.
Now, in my case, things go a bit… backwards. Want a hat? Go to the store? Meh, too lazy. Wait—I have that awesome fabric just sitting on the shelf. I wonder how sun hats are made? No idea. I’ll look it up. Experiment. Sew. Swear a little. Finish it. Then I write you a guide. Digitize the pattern. Write a blog post. Share it on social media.
Probably not the most common chain of thought after realizing your head is frying on a hot summer day.
Anyway, I’ve now experimented and dug into this whole sun hat sewing—and honestly, if you follow my instructions, there’s really nothing too complicated about it. The only time you might need to take a deep breath is when you’re sewing the sturdy around the crown of the hat. That part can be a bit of a wrestle!
I had to do it twice with the hat in the photo, because I reinforced the brim quite thoroughly—maybe even a bit too enthusiastically—and it definitely put up a bit of a fight.
About the Hat
But about the hat itself—it’s a classic, simple sun hat, but with a lining, so it looks nice both inside and out. You can totally make the brim wider if you want a more chic, dramatic look (I definitely want to try another one with an even wider brim!).
You can also add decorative ribbons, embroidery, use different fabrics, draw on it (why not make a white hat and decorate it with fabric markers?), or even try botanical printing… I already have way too many ideas for unique hats.
By the way, I’ve noticed something: the more unique a handmade item is, the more likely it becomes your absolute favorite. And the fewer things you feel like you actually need. One great piece beats several so-so ones any day, if you ask me.
On hot days, this sun hat has become my irreplaceable companion during garden work!
If you’d like to sew one for yourself, you can find the pattern and instructions HERE.
Happy sewing! 🌞🧵
Ruth
