Is your child spending lots of time outdoors this summer? A reversible sun hat for kids is the perfect accessory to protect them from harmful rays while looking cute. This easy sewing project is perfect for both novice stitchers and seasoned makers. Today I’ll show you how to create a versatile bucket hat that works for all seasons and can be made in sizes from baby to adult. Let’s get started!
Why Make a Reversible Sun Hat?
A reversible sun hat for kids offers twice the style with half the effort. Your child gets two different looks from one hat, and you’ll love how practical it is for everyday wear. These hats provide excellent sun protection for little ones and can be easily tossed in the wash when dirty. Plus, with optional ties, you won’t have to worry about the hat blowing away on windy days.
Materials You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to create your reversible sun hat:
| Materials | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Two different fabrics (one for inside, one for outside) |
| Optional | Fusible fleece for brim structure |
| Pattern | Reversible bucket hat pattern (all sizes available) |
| Tools | Sewing machine, scissors or rotary cutter, iron, pins or clips |
| Optional | Fabric for ties if desired |
Preparing Your Pattern
Start by printing and cutting out your pattern pieces. The pattern will tell you exactly how many pieces to cut from each fabric. For my project, I’m using pink polka dot fabric for the inside and unicorn fabric for the outside of the hat.
If you want extra structure in your hat brim, add fusible fleece to both brim pieces. Cut the fleece about 1 centimeter smaller than your pattern piece and fuse it to the wrong side of both brim fabric pieces. This gives your hat a nice shape without making it too stiff.
Creating the Hat Brims
First, we’ll work on the brim sections for both the inner and outer fabrics. The process is the same for both.
Place the two brim pieces for the outer hat with their right sides facing each other. Using a quarter-inch seam allowance, sew across the top of both pieces. Once sewn, open up the pieces and press the seams flat. This creates a smooth brim with no bulky seams showing.
Repeat this exact process with your inner hat fabric. When you finish, you’ll have two complete brims – one for the inside of your hat and one for the outside. Pressing the seams flat is important for a professional finish.
Attaching the Brim to the Crown
Now comes the slightly tricky part – attaching the circular brim to the crown of your hat. To make this easier, we’ll use a quartering technique.
For your brim, fold it in half and make two small slits at the fold points. These markings split your brim into four evenly spaced sections. Do the same with the bottom of your crown piece, making small slits at the fold points. The crown’s side seams will serve as the other two quarter points.
With the brim’s wrong side facing up, place the crown inside the middle of the brim. Match up the side seams of the crown with your brim and pin or clip them in place. Then match the slits on the crown and brim together, pinning those as well. Add a few more pins around the circle and you’re ready to sew.
At your sewing machine, remove the accessory tray if possible so you can slide the hat over the arm of the machine. This makes sewing around the circle much easier. Using a 3/8-inch seam allowance, sew all the way around, keeping raw edges aligned. Always start and end with a backstitch for security.
Adding the Top Circle Piece
After attaching the brim, we need to add the circular top piece to complete the crown. Quarter this piece just like we did with the brim, making small slits at four equal points. Do the same with the top edge of your crown.
Place the crown right side out and lay the circular top piece face down on top. Match all four marking points and pin or clip around the circle. Sew with a 3/8-inch seam allowance, carefully keeping the rest of the fabric out of the way as you sew around the circle.
After stitching the seam, trim the seam allowance to reduce any extra bulk. Pinking shears work great for this if you have them, but regular scissors work fine too.
Optional Ties for Security
Want to add ties to keep the hat secure on your child’s head? It’s easy! Cut two strips of fabric about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Fold the short ends inward about 3/8 inch and press flat. Next, fold the strip lengthwise in half and press it to form a center crease.
Open the fabric back up, and fold each long edge inward so they meet at the center crease. Press these folds, then fold the strip in half again along the original center line. This creates a clean, finished strap with no raw edges. Topstitch about 1/8 inch from the edge along the entire length of both straps.
To attach the ties, place the raw edge of each strap against the side seam of your inner hat. Pin in place and secure with a basting stitch close to the edge. These will be hidden inside the finished hat.
Assembling the Final Hat
Now it’s time to put everything together! Turn your outer hat inside out. Keep your inner hat right side out and place it inside the outer hat, matching side seams. Pin or clip these points first, then work your way around the brim, securing with pins or clips.
Before sewing, tie the optional straps at the top of the hat to keep them out of the way. Sew around the brim using a 3/8-inch seam allowance, but leave a 2.5 to 3-inch opening for turning the hat right side out. Mark this opening with different colored pins so you remember not to sew it closed.
After sewing, turn the hat right side out through the opening. Use your fingers or a chopstick to push out all the seams neatly. Fold the raw edges of the opening inward and pin closed. Press the entire brim with your iron if needed for a crisp finish.
Finally, topstitch around the entire brim about 1/8 inch from the edge. This closes the opening and gives your hat a professional finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make a sun hat step by step?
Making a sun hat is easier than you think. Start by creating or buying a paper pattern. Cut your fabric pieces for the crown and brim. Sew the crown pieces together. Then join the brim pieces. Attach the brim to the crown. Add a lining if desired. Finally, sew on a chin strap. The whole process takes about 2-3 hours for beginners.
What is the coolest material for a sun hat?
Cotton is the best choice for summer sun hats. It’s breathable and absorbs sweat well. Linen is another excellent option. It’s lightweight and gets softer with each wash. Avoid synthetic materials as they trap heat. Natural fibers will keep your child cooler during hot summer days.
How to get baby to wear sun hat?
Start early and make it fun. Let your baby play with the hat during indoor time. Choose a hat with secure chin straps. Make hat-wearing part of your daily routine. Praise your little one when they keep the hat on. Consider getting a hat with their favorite colors or patterns. Some babies need time to adjust, so be patient.
How to properly wear a sun hat?
Position the hat so it sits comfortably on the head. The brim should shade both face and neck. Secure chin straps under the chin, but not too tight. Make sure the hat doesn’t block vision. Adjust the fit throughout the day as needed. The hat should protect ears and neck from sun exposure.
How to make Harry Potter hat at home?
While this differs from a sun hat, many parents ask about it. Use black felt or fabric. Create a tall, pointed cone shape. Add a wide circular brim at the bottom. Stiffen with interfacing to help it stand up. Make creases and folds to give it that magical look. This project is more advanced than a sun hat and needs different techniques.
Ready for Summer Fun!
Your reversible sun hat for kids is complete! This all-purpose hat offers great sun coverage and looks super cute at the same time. The reversible design gives you two hats in one, and the optional ties keep it secure even on windy days.
This project works for all ages from babies to adults – just adjust your pattern size accordingly. Make several in different fabric combinations for a complete summer wardrobe of sun protection options.
Have you tried making a reversible sun hat before? Will you be adding this to your summer sewing projects? Let me know in the comments below!