How to make a baby hat (tulip hat)

1. Materials & tools

Materials (baby hat)

• Outer fabric (double gauze, light cotton) — about 50 cm square
• Lining (same; a contrast for reversible) — about 50 cm square
• Optional: twill tape or elastic for a chin strap, a decorative button

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Baby” → “Baby hat (tulip hat)” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the head circumference, crown depth and brim width. Presets cover ages.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Cut the petals
   Cut 6 petals. For reversible, cut 6 outer + 6 lining (12 total).
2. Cut the brim
   Fold the fabric in quarters and place the brim's fold edges on the folds so it opens into a ring; cut one outer and one lining.
3. Prepare curves
   Plan to clip the curved seam allowances so they turn smoothly.

4. Sewing

4-1. Make the crown

1. Sew the petals right sides together along their curved edges, one after another, then close into a ring to form a dome.
2. Clip the curves and press the allowances open at the top.
3. Make an outer crown and a lining crown.

4-2. Make the brim

1. Sew the outer and lining brims right sides together around the outer (large) circle.
2. Clip the seam, turn right side out and topstitch around the outer edge.

4-3. Join the crown and brim

1. Sew the outer crown's opening to the inner edge of the brim, right sides together.
2. Tuck the lining crown's allowance in and slip-stitch or topstitch it to finish (reversible). Press.

5. Tips & variations

• Reversible: two fabrics give two hats in one.
• Chin strap: add a tie or elastic so it stays on in the wind.
• Sun protection: a deeper brim shades little faces.