how to make a graduation cap

Cue "Pomp and Circumstance." Yes, it's that time of year again. Stacy's son and my son go to the same preschool, and today was their last day of school. Since there wasn't a formal graduation ceremony, one cute mom took it upon herself to plan a wonderful program, complete with little felt graduation caps. I believe she bought them from Oriental Trading Company, but when we saw them we thought, like we always do, "we could makes those!" And now you can, too. This size was perfect for our five-year-olds, but it also fit Stacy's little one and ME! The elastic is the key.

Felt Graduation Cap Tutorial

What you'll need:

*Felt (about 22" by 22")
*Needle and thread
*Small piece of elastic, about 1 inch long
*Sewing machine
*Embroidery floss or yarn
*Piece of light cardboard or heavy card stock (see link to video for more information)

1. Cut two pieces of felt that are 9 inches by 9 inches. Cut one piece of felt that is 2 ½ inches by 22 inches.

2. Sew the long band (2 ½ inches by 22 inches) together at the short side using a ¼ inch seam Turn inside out so the seam is on the inside of the band

3. Fold one of the 9 x9 squares in half to make a triangle and again to make a smaller triangle.



4. Measure 3 inches from the point of the triangle and make a mark on one side, again in the middle, and again on the other side of the triangle. Cut out the center of the triangle in an ice cream cone shape using your 3 inch marks as a guide




5. Pin the square piece with the circle cut out to the band. Sew together using a ¼ inch seam.




6. Place the whole square piece on top of the hat and sew all four sides together. Please note that I accidentally left my seam on the outside in this picture. Don’t do that or you will be able to see the seam. It should be on the inside of the hat.



7. Cut a piece of elastic about 1 inch long. Sew this to the inside of the hat over the seam. As you sew, pull the elastic as tight as possible. Really stretch it out. You want it to bunch back up when you are done sewing. This will help the hat stay on.



8. Make a tassel using your floss or yarn and piece of cardboard. You can use this great video tutorial (or watch it here) if you need help.


9. Using needle and thread, sew your tassel to the top center of the hat.


Congratulations Class of 2009!!!