How to Make a Bucket Hat

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 29, 2022 Approved

Bucket hats are a trendy accessory that can complete just about any outfit. They are also pretty handy at protecting your hair from the sun. Instead of running off to the store and buying one, why not make you own? They are fast and easy to make. Once you know what to do, you can make a new hat for every occasion!

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Cutting the Pieces

1
Choose your fabric. You will need two different colors, one of the outside of the hat and one for the inside. Consider using cotton for one side and canvas or denim for the other.
2
Cut two 8-inch (20.32-centimeter) circles. You will need to cut one circle out of each fabric. This will be the top of the hat.^{[1]
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Research source} You will be using ½-inch (1.27-centimeter) seam allowances. If you have a very small head, you might want to cut a smaller circle. If you have a bigger head, you'll need to cut a bigger circle.

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3
Cut the body pieces. You will need two 12 by 3-inch (30.48 by 7.62-centimeter) rectangles for each fabric. You should have four rectangles total.^{[2]
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- If you want a taller hat, make the rectangles 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) wide instead.
- If you cut a bigger/smaller circle, then cut each rectangle so that it measures half of the circumference.
4
Cut the brim pieces. You will need four identical pieces total, two from each fabric. The pieces need to be 3½ inches (8.89 centimeters) wide. They need to be 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) long along the inner curve and 18 inches (45.72 centimeters) long around the outer curve.^{[3]
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- If you want a wider brim, cut the arches 4½ inches (11.43 centimeters) wide instead.
- If you cut a bigger/smaller circle, match the inner curve of the brim to the length of your adjusted rectangle.
5
Consider cutting some fusible interfacing. If your fabric is thin, you might want to add interfacing. Cut the interfacing ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) smaller than your pieces, then iron them to the wrong side of the fabric. You only need to do this for the inner or the outer fabric pieces, not both.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Sewing the Hat

1
Pin and sew the rectangles together. Pin the two outer rectangles together, right sides touching. Sew up both of the narrow ends using a ½-inch (1.27-centimeter) seam allowance.^{[4]
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- Repeat this step for the two inner fabric pieces.
2
Pin and sew the brim pieces together. Pin the two outer brim pieces together, right sides facing in. Sew along just the narrow, straight ends. Use a ½-inch (1.27-centimeter) seam allowance.^{[5]
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- Repeat this step for the two inner fabric pieces.
3
Press the seams open on the body and brim pieces. Place one of the body pieces on the ironing board with the seam facing you. Use your iron to spread apart the seam. Press the seam open and flat. Repeat this step for all of the seams on all of the body and brim pieces.
4
Pin and sew the body pieces to the circles. Pin the top edge of the outer body piece to the outer edge of the matching circle. Make sure that the wrong sides are facing out. Sew around the edge using a ½-inch (1.27-centimeter) seam allowance.^{[6]
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- Repeat this step for the two inner fabric pieces.
5
Pin and sew the brim to the body. Pin the inner edge of the matching brim all around the bottom edge of the body piece. Make sue that the wrong sides are facing out, then sew using a ½-inch (1.27-centimeter) seam allowance.^{[7]
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- Repeat this step for the two inner fabric pieces.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Assembling the Hat

1
Tuck one hat into the other. Turn one hat right side out; leave the other one as it is. Tuck the first hat into the second one so that the right sides are pressed together and the wrong sides are facing out.
2
Pin and sew around the outer edge of the brim. Sew using a ½-inch (1.27-centimeter) seam allowance. Leave a 4-inch (10.16-centimeter) wide gap for turning. Remove the pins as you sew.
3
Cut notches into the seams to reduce bulk. Cut a notch every ¾ inch (1.91 centimeter) to the seam around the top of the hat. Cut a notch every inch (2.54 centimeters) to the seam around the outer edge of the brim. The notches need to be just under ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) so that they don't cut into the stitching.
- You don't need to cut notches into the seam between the body and brim pieces.
4
Turn the hat inside out through the gap. Shape the hat so that one piece is tucked into the other. If you need to, use a skewer or knitting needle to help push out the seams along the brim.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Finishing the Hat

1
Tuck and press the gap shut. Tuck the edges of the gap in by ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) so that they match up with the rest of the brim. Press the brim flat with an iron when you are done.
2
Topstitch around the outer edge of the brim. Sew ¼ to ½ inch (0.64 to 1.27 centimeters) away from the outer edge of the brim.
3
Add more rows of topstitching to the brim. You don't have to do this, but it will make your hat look more professional. Simply topstitching around the brim for 4 to 5 more rows. Leave a ¼ to ½ inch (0.64 to 1.27 centimeters) gap between each row.^{[8]
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4
Topstitch the top and body of the hat, if desired. Again, if you don't have to do this, but it'll give you hair a nice touch. Topstitch around the top edge of the body part, ¼ inch (0.64 centimeter) away from the seam. Next, topstitch around the bottom edge of the body part, also ¼ inch (0.64 centimeter) away from the seam.^{[9]
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Community Q&A

Question

Where can I find the cord and attachments for the strap?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

Cord and attachments can be purchased at any fabric store, in the notions department. Some cord comes packaged or you can purchase by measured length.
Question

Can I make the hat reversible?

Lilylovers

Top Answerer

Sure! This would be a great way to make your hat unique and adaptable for different outfits.
Question

What type of material do you need to make this?

Athena21

Community Answer

Any sort of medium to heavy duty fabric should work - it needs to be stiff enough to hold the shape of the hat. So something like cotton, canvas or denim might be a good choice. If you choose a thinner fabric, you'll need to use fusible interfacing, as explained in the article.