How to Make a Frontier Hat

How to Make a Frontier Hat

• 1

  Measure the head 1 1/2 inches down from the peak of forehead (where the hair usually begins growing). This will provide the measurements for the hat circumference.

• 2

  Shop for imitation raccoon fur and sewing items. Any fur-type fabric will make a quality hat, so select something that looks interesting. The nap (texture) of the hat can be quite long or fuzzy because the construction will tuck the top down inside the exterior of the hat.

• 3

  Construct the main hat. Using the earlier head circumference, make a paper pattern for the circular portion of the hat. Add 3/4-inch seam allowance. Test the pattern on the head before cutting. Also, test the fabric selected since the nap may add an inch or two. To test, take the end of the fabric and wrap it around the head. Place a pin where the two sides meet, then measure the length of the fabric compared to the pattern. The difference between the two numbers will give a constant that will be used for all the pieces. This is the amount of inches (or fractions of inches) that will need to be added to each piece to account for a large nap or long fur extension. Cut the main circular hat piece using the pattern, remembering to add the seam allowance. Sew the main hat piece with a 3/4-inch seam allowance.

• 4

  Add the top of the hat by measuring the circumference of the main hat piece. Cut a circle to fit from the fur fabric. Don't sew the top in place just yet.

• 5

  Try the hat on with the top piece tucked in place to make sure the dimensions fit well. If they do, make a mark on the center back of the hat. This is where the raccoon tail piece will be attached.

• 6

  Construct the tail. If the hat were made from an animal, the tail would simply be attached to the rear of the hat. Since this is a fabric raccoon hat, a simulated tail will need to be made. Using the pattern paper, measure 12 inches long and, in the center of the strip, mark a line at 3 inches wide. Taper the top of the tail to 1-inch wide (so that it easily attaches to the back of the hat). The remainder of the tail will be 3 inches in width. Cut two fur pieces using this new pattern piece, adding the 3/4-inch seam allowance. Turn the right sides of the fabric together and sew the tail. Turn the tail so that the right side is now the exterior and use the fiberfill to fill the tail. It should be soft and lightly stuffed, not packed. A packed tail will be heavy on the neck. Attach the tail to the center back of the hat using a needle and heavy-duty thread.

• 7

  Finish the hem of the hat by turning the fur under all around the rim of the hat. Use the needle and heavy-duty thread to hand sew the hem in place. Try the hat on to make sure all edges are well tucked.