Want to sew the first hat for your child? It's easier than you think!
If you're a beginner at sewing and want to sew your child's first hat, you're in luck! A hat is one of the simplest projects you can start with. In this guide, I'll show you how to do it step by step.
Why start with a hat?
- Quickest project - done in 30-60 minutes
- Minimal material - only 30-40 cm of fabric needed
- Only 2 pattern pieces - it couldn't be simpler
- Basic seams - no complex techniques
- Practical - a hat is always useful
- Great gift - for babies and older children
What kind of hat to sew?
For beginners, I recommend a ribbed hat. Rib knit is:
- Forgiving material - small imperfections aren't visible
- Stretchy - fits well on the head
- Holds its shape - the hat looks professional
- Easy to sew - doesn't twist or slip
What you'll need:
Materials:
- Rib knit fabric - 30-40 cm depending on size
- Alternatively: cotton jersey with elastane
Tools:
- Sewing machine (ideally with an overlocker, but not essential)
- Fabric scissors
- Pins or clips
- Measuring tape
- Tailor's chalk or disappearing fabric marker
Pattern:
I recommend using a quality PDF pattern with a video tutorial. For example, our Ribb pattern includes all sizes from 0 to 15 years in one package and has a detailed video tutorial and photo tutorial.
How to choose the right size?
Measure your child's head circumference with a tape measure just above the eyebrows and ears. Then use this chart:
- 0-3 months - head circumference approx. 35-38 cm
- 3-6 months - head circumference approx. 38-42 cm
- 6-12 months - head circumference approx. 42-46 cm
- 1-2 years - head circumference approx. 46-48 cm
- 2-4 years - head circumference approx. 48-50 cm
- 4-6 years - head circumference approx. 50-52 cm
- 6-10 years - head circumference approx. 52-54 cm
- 10-15 years - head circumference approx. 54-56 cm
Tip: Rib knit is stretchy, so the hat will fit even if it's slightly larger or smaller!
How to sew a hat step by step
1. Pattern preparation
Print the PDF pattern at home on a regular A4 printer (or at a copy center on A1 format). Tape it together according to the instructions and cut out the pieces. Don't forget to check the test square!
2. Cutting the fabric
Fold the rib knit in half (right sides together), pin the pattern, and cut with a 1 cm seam allowance. For rib knit, sew across the ribs - this way the hat will be stretchy widthwise.
The photo here shows a pattern with darts only at the top and rounded at the bottom, but the pattern version already has darts on both sides. It's fine to do it either way.
3. Sewing the sides
Sew both side seams of the hat. If you have an overlocker, great! If not, use an elastic stitch on a regular machine (zigzag or triple stitch).
4. Sewing the crown
Fold the hat so the seams are aligned and sew the crown. You can leave it straight or create a point.
5. Hemming the bottom edge
Hem the bottom edge by 2-3 cm. Done!
Total time: 30-60 minutes even for complete beginners!
Tips for a perfect hat
- Iron before sewing - the fabric will be flat and easier to sew
- Test the stitch - try it on a scrap of fabric to ensure it's elastic enough
- Follow the rib direction - the ribs must run across (widthwise on the hat)
- Don't stretch while sewing - let the machine feed the fabric itself
- Use a needle for knits - Jersey needle 70-80
- Watch the video tutorial - a visual demonstration helps more than text; you'll find a detailed video with the pattern.
What fabrics to use?
Best choices for beginners:
- Rib knit fabric - TOP choice for hats
- Cotton jersey with elastane - stretchy, comfortable
- French terry - thicker, suitable for winter
Avoid:
- Very thin knits - difficult to sew
- Woven fabrics - not stretchy, the hat won't fit well
- Too thick materials - difficult to sew on a regular machine
Common beginner mistakes
1. Wrong rib direction
The ribs must run across (widthwise), not lengthwise on the hat. Otherwise, it won't be stretchy.
2. Inelastic stitch
A regular straight stitch will break when stretched. Always use an elastic stitch or an overlocker.
3. Too large seam allowance
For hats, 1 cm is enough. A larger allowance will unnecessarily increase the size.
4. Stretching while sewing
Let the machine feed the fabric itself; don't stretch it.
Hat variations for advanced sewers
Once you've mastered the basic hat, you can try:
- Hat with a pom-pom - add a pom-pom to the crown
- Reversible hat - sew two layers from different fabrics
- Hat with earflaps - for winter months
- Hat with a brim - for spring and summer
How much fabric do you need?
- Babies (0-12 months): 25-30 cm
- Toddlers (1-3 years): 30-35 cm
- Preschoolers (3-6 years): 35-40 cm
- School-aged children (6-15 years): 40-45 cm
With a fabric width of 150 cm, you can sew 2-3 hats from one meter!
Want to learn to sew professionally?
If you want to sew not only hats but also other clothing, I recommend our online course "How to sew on an overlocker" or "Sewing for baby". You'll learn all the basics and sew with confidence!
Conclusion: Sew your first hat today!
Sewing a hat is the perfect start to the world of sewing children's clothing. It's quick, simple, and the result will delight you. In an hour, you can have a beautiful hat for your child!
Ready to start? Download our Ribb PDF pattern with video tutorial and sew your first hat today. Thousands of beginners have already done it - you can do it too! 💪
Do you have questions? Write to us in the comments or join our FB group!
