How to make an elf hat

1. Materials & tools

Materials (For the adult size (57 cm head))

• Main fabric (green felt or fleece) — about 70 × 60 cm
• Contrast fabric (for the cuff, red etc.) — about (head + 5 cm) × 15 cm
• Stuffing and a fabric circle (for the bell), or a store-bought bell — a little
• Sewing thread

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 “Accessories” → “Elf hat” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the head circumference, cone length and cuff width. Presets for child, adult and long. Measure the head and enter the real number.
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. Measure the head
   Measure and enter the real head circumference; add 1–2 cm for a loose fit. For a child, measure their own head.
2. Cut
   Cut one cone hat, one cuff band and one circle for the bell. Felt can be left with raw edges.

4. Sewing

4-1. Roll the hat into a cone

1. Sew the straight center edges right sides together to form the cone.
2. Press the seam open or to one side.

4-2. Attach the cuff

1. Fold the contrast band and sew the ends into a ring.
2. Match the ring to the hat's opening right sides together and sew all the way around. Fold the cuff to the outside.

4-3. Make and attach the bell

1. Gather the edge of the circle, stuff it and round it. A store-bought bell also works.
2. Sew it firmly to the tip of the cone.

✏️ In felt the edges do not fray, so you can attach the cuff as a single (unfolded) layer, or just stack circles for the bell. Let the point flop forward or to the side for a real elf look.

5. Tips & variations

• Change the color: green and red is classic; red and white leans Santa, striped fabric gives a toyland feel.
• Add ears: make pointed fairy ears and attach them at the sides for a more complete elf.
• Go long: with the long preset, a longer drooping point looks comical and cute.