A solid sheet of newspaper makes for a large pirate hat. If you’d like a smaller hat, try cutting off about 1⁄4 inch (0. 6 cm) from one of the edges. [2] X Research source If you’re working with kids, try telling them to fold “hamburger” style to make sure they get the fold right.
You should have two triangles now, with the vertical edges lined up in the middle of the paper. For a good hat, try to keep the edges straight. Make good creases when you have everything lined up the way you want it. [4] X Research source Add some tape to the triangles if they start to unfold. [5] X Research source
Turn the hat over, and do the same with the remaining bottom flap.
You could also draw a skull and crossbones on a piece of poster board. Cut out the design and then glue it on to your hat.
Black poster board Scissors Glue A pirate hat template Spare sheets of white paper Pens, pencils, markers, or crayons
If you’re drawing your own template, you have some freedom when it comes to the shape of your pirate hat.
Draw features on the skull and crossbones using the markers. If you’re working with kids, have them try their hand at drawing the skulls. If you don’t have any spare paper, you can draw the skull and crossbones directly on the hat.
Allow plenty of time for the glue to dry before trying the hat on.
A pencil Twist ties Scissors Glue A bowl about the size of your head A ruler or other straight edge Brown wrapping paper or a grocery bag
Don’t worry if you have to glue 2 smaller pieces of paper together to form your band. [11] X Research source
If you want to add a leathery texture to your hat, soak the pieces of paper in water and wad them up. Remove them from the water and flatten them out to let them dry overnight. Be careful not to rip your paper if you try this![13] X Research source
You may have to use a lot of glue to properly secure the band to the bowl. [16] X Research source
To make cutting easier, slide the bowl over to the edge of a table and rotate the bowl as you cut. [18] X Research source Once you’ve cut away all the excess paper, remove the bowl. Test the fit of the cap by placing it on your head. If the cap is too large, crumple it some more and try adding another band for more support. If the cap is too small, you’ll have to start over with another bowl. [19] X Research source
Once you’ve measured the triangle, cut it out. [21] X Research source Make a mark halfway down the side of each triangle. Draw a line to the opposite corner of each mark to make two smaller triangles. [22] X Research source Using the bowl as a guide, trace a circle in the center of the triangle. You should now have a circle with six small triangles in the center of the large triangle. [23] X Research source Draw three lines in the circle to cut each of the six triangles in half, making twelve triangles. [24] X Research source Cut the inner triangles so that they spike up, but are still attached to the paper. Fold them upward until they resemble a crown. [25] X Research source
Let the glue dry completely before continuing. [27] X Research source
Round off the corners by cutting away the straight edges left from removing the tips. You should have three rounded triangles on your brim. [29] X Research source Wrap the rounded corners around a pencil and roll them up to the base of the hat. When you remove the pencil you should have a corner that stays slightly rolled. [30] X Research source You can even roll the tips of each corner if you like, to add even more character to your hat. To do this, use your pencil and roll the tips in the opposite direction. [31] X Research source At this point, you should start to see the pirate hat coming together.
Line up the brim a little higher than the cap and make a hole through them. Run the straight ends of your twist tie through the hole. Turn the hat over and flatten the two ends to secure the tip of the brim to the cap. Do this for the other brim tips. [33] X Research source
Glue a few real buttons over the brim connectors to give your pirate hat a more authentic feel. [35] X Research source
The color is really up to you. If you want to make a brightly colored pirate hat, go for it! Choose a material that is flexible. Felt or velvet hats are ideal.
Stitch the skull and crossbones design to the front of the hat if it’s made from fabric. If you’re using an iron on patch, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for attaching the patch.
