Sew a Bucket Hat With All Materials You'd Find at Home

Tools and materials:

• Pattern
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Pins
• Seam ripper
• Bias binding
• Sewing machine

Find your pattern 

Google ‘Free Bucket Hat Pattern PDF’ and choose the Turner Publishing one. You’ll want to print in in actual size, so click ‘Print’, then click ‘Settings’, click ‘Scale’, and set to 100. Make sure the box on the side measures one inch by one inch (1x1). 

Prepare your fabric 

For my bucket hat, I like to use heavier materials so that they’re able to retain their shape. So, I chose to use a canvas curtain and a quilted pillowcase. For my canvas fabric, I’ll use both layers so that one can function as a lining, but with the quilted fabric, there’s no need since it’s already so thick and has a lining sewn in. Now, to get started, cut out your pattern, place it and pin it and trace out a seam allowance - I’m adding a quarter inch. 

Connect your band pieces 

Cut out two of each pattern piece either by folding over the fabric or using your first cutouts to guide your second. When you’re done, place your two band pieces right sides together and straight stitch at either end. This will give you a circular band. Next, finish the edges with a zigzag stitch. 

Attach the band to the crown 

Fold the crown in half and use the crease as your mark for placing the crown - you want to align the crease with the band's seam. Once you’ve aligned one seam to the side, pin the crown to the band, right sides together. Make sure to hold the fabric as you go to make sure it all lines up perfectly. Finish by sewing together using a straight stitch (remember to mind your seam allowance) and finishing with a zigzag stitch. Repeat this process to attach the band to the brim. 

Add binding 

Fold the edge of the binding and cut out small notches in the corner so that the ends don’t stick out. Next, fold the binding in half (length-wise) so that there’s a crease running down the middle. Pin the binding to your hat (with the seams aligned) and wrap the edge of the hat with the binding. I happened to have leftover binding from previous projects, but you can easily make your own from old clothes or sheets if you’re in a pinch. Sew the binding to the hat and then tuck and sew the edges to finish. 

I love this tutorial! It is so quick and easy and makes use of any old fabric you have lying around. This DIY bucket hat is the perfect accessory for a day in the sun so don’t let the weather keep you from getting out.