April Tutorial - How to Make a 1950s Hat for Spring

Since Easter is this month, which means it's spring hat time, I thought I'd show you how to make a cute 1950s style hat that anyone can make and customize and it fits any head size, using just 3 things.

 

I'm always on the lookout for smaller hats or head adornments to wear at restaurants or other formal occasions. I saw one on Ebay that was made of velvet covered wire twisted with 2 loops on either side and had just one strand like a headband to go over the head, and it looked so classy and easy, so I decided to make something similar for myself. I couldn't find a heavy gauge covered wire, so I decided to make my own.

You can see the classic 1950s silhouette.

 

You will need:

wire cutters

floral grapevine

wired 5/8 in. ribbon

 

1. Wrap the ribbon around one end of the grapevine several times to hide the end.

 

Keep wrapping, overlapping the edge so it starts to cover the grapevine. Since you are working with 2 wired substances, the best way is to keep the ribbon stationary and turn the grapevine as you cover it.

Keep on wrapping! It's amazing how much it takes to bend in a few loops.

When you get a lot wrapped, go ahead and start shaping it. I did mine in 2 loops of slightly different sizes. The smaller loops will go in the front. (Of course you can try bending it in all sorts of other shapes.)

Here it is a little farther along. By this time I held it on my head to determine how long the across piece should be, and started the loop for the other side. You want to make the loops like a figure 8, always crossing on alternate sides.

 

 

If you like it with a slightly rustic look, wind the ribbon loosely so the grapevine shows through occasionally.

 

Now it's wound far enough that I am ready to join the 2 ends.

 

 

With the wire cutters, clip the grapevine off and cut the ribbon with 4-5 in. extra.

Now hold the grapevine ends together and wind them securely with the ribbon to close over the join. Then you're all done!

 

2. There are lots of different ways to decorate. For this one I chose a vintage flower with a short wire stem, and wired it to one side of the hat.

It's light, cool to wear for summer, and can be bent to fit your head over your hairstyle, even if it's a new way each time you wear it!

 

Of course you can trim it in so many ways. Here's one with the top covered with a floral branch.

 

It makes a great base for a veil.

And I want to try it as a hat frame, too, to be covered with lace or fabric and decorated.

But for now, it's a fun spring accessory (Period correct for 1950s costumes, too) and only takes about a half hour to make!

 

Till next time,

~Kristen - Verity Vintage Studio

 

Look for my new tutorials posted sometime during the first full week of every month. Hairstyles, crafts, repurposing, etc.

 

Comments

[Dee]

Oh, I love this idea. I will be on the look out for wired grapevine. Very inspiring, thank you.

Just found your blog recently--you are a very talented seamstress. :) I like 1940s and 1950s clothing, but after seeing your 1930s dresses...I think I like the 1930s too. I appreciate the details such as the buttons, trim, collars and gauntlet gloves. Of course, hats!

[Elvira Berry]

Thank you for your tutorial. I love the 50s half hats and this "spring hat" you made would satisfy my new obsession for now. I am sure I can follow the directions as you gave them so thoroughly.