Learn to Make a Stylish Trilby Hat

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Pattern Options
3. Printing and Cutting the Pattern
4. Joining the Pattern Pieces
5. Cutting Fabric and Interfacing
6. Attaching Interfacing
7. Joining the Crown
8. Topstitching the Crown
9. Marking the Center Front and Back
10. Sewing the Crown and Top Together
11. Completing the Bias Covered Brim
12. Completing the Stitched Brim
13. Finishing the Hat

Introduction

Welcome to this tutorial for the trilby hat pattern that is sold on Etsy. This tutorial will guide you through the process of making a trilby hat in three sizes and two styles of brim. Whether you're a beginner or experienced sewer, this tutorial will provide you with all the instructions you need to create your own stylish trilby hat.

Pattern Options

When you purchase the trilby hat pattern, you will have three choices of pattern size. Each size consists of five pages that you need to print out. The pattern includes the trilby crown, the brim in two pieces, and the top in one piece. There is also an option to choose between a bias covered brim or a stitched brim.

Printing and Cutting the Pattern

To begin, you need to print and cut out the pattern pieces. Each size has its own set of pattern pages, so make sure you print the pages corresponding to the size you have chosen. Once printed, you will need to join certain pages together by cutting off the right-hand edge of one page and overlaying it onto the adjacent page. This ensures that the pattern pieces align correctly. After joining the pages, cut out all the pattern pieces carefully.

Joining the Pattern Pieces

Once you have cut out the pattern pieces, it's time to join them together. Start by joining the crown pieces at the back seam. Open the joined crown piece and press it flat. Topstitch the crown by running a stitch line on either side of the main seam close to the edge. This provides a polished look and extra strength to the hat.

Cutting Fabric and Interfacing

Now it's time to cut the fabric and interfacing according to the pattern pieces. The trilby crown will be cut on the fold, and you will need one piece in fabric, one in interfacing, and one in lining. The top piece will also require one piece in fabric, one in interfacing, and one in lining. If you are making the bias covered brim, you may choose to cut your own bias strip or use pre-bought bias binding.

Attaching Interfacing

Before assembling the hat, you need to attach the interfacing to the fabric pieces. Take each interfacing piece and place it on the corresponding brim edge or crown piece. Press the interfacing onto the fabric using a hot iron, making sure not to drag the iron which may cause stretching or distortion of the fabric.

Joining the Crown

To assemble the hat, start by joining the crown pieces at the back seam. Use a sewing machine to sew the two edges together, ensuring that the seam is straight and secure. Trim the seam close to the edge and then turn the hat right side out. Press the seam flat and topstitch around the top edge of the crown.

Marking the Center Front and Back

To ensure proper alignment, mark the center front and back of the crown and the top piece. This can be done using fabric pens or by using pins to indicate the center points. Matching the center back and front of the crown, pin the crown and top piece together, easing the fabric to fit as you go.

Sewing the Crown and Top Together

Once the crown and top pieces are pinned together, sew them together using a sewing machine. Be careful not to catch the crown into the seam while sewing. Trim the seam close to the edge and turn the hat right side out. Topstitch around the top edge of the hat to secure the seam and give it a neat finish.

Completing the Bias Covered Brim

If you have chosen to make the bias covered brim, follow these steps. Join the brim pieces at the back seam and topstitch them. Place the wrong sides of the brim pieces together, aligning the back seams. Pin the pieces together, starting at the middle of the fabric. Mark the sewing line on the brim using the pattern as a guide. Sew along the marked line and trim the excess fabric close to the stitching. Pin and topstitch the middle section of the brim to keep it in place. Cut and sew a bias strip to the outside edge of the brim, matching the back seam. Pin the bias strip in place and sew it to the brim following the stitching line. Roll the bias strip over the top edge and hand stitch it in place.

Completing the Stitched Brim

If you have chosen to make the stitched brim, follow these steps. Lay the brim fabric pieces right sides together, matching the inner edges. Mark the sewing line on the brim using the pattern as a guide. Sew along the marked line, trim the seam, and open it out. Pin and topstitch the outer edge of the brim. Clip the seam up to the stitching to aid in attaching the brim to the crown. Mark the center front of the brim and align it with the center front of the crown. Pin the brim to the crown, easing the fabric as necessary. Sew the brim to the crown, making sure to catch both layers of fabric securely. Press the seam towards the center and topstitch the crown to keep the inside seam flat.

Finishing the Hat

To finish the hat, complete the remaining steps. Turn the hat inside out and place the lining over the top, matching the center front and back. Pin the lining in place, turn under a small hem around the edge, and attach the lining to the hat using a slip stitch. If desired, you can add a piece of Petersham band to the middle or a band around the top of the hat.

FAQ

Q: Can I adjust the size of the hat pattern? A: Yes, you can adjust the size of the hat pattern by scaling it up or down when printing. Make sure to maintain the proportions of all pattern pieces.

Q: Can I use a different type of fabric for the hat? A: Yes, you can use different types of fabric for the hat, such as cotton, wool, or even leather. However, make sure the fabric is suitable for hat-making and can hold its shape.

Q: Can I add embellishments to the hat? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add embellishments such as feathers, ribbons, or decorative stitching to personalize your hat and make it unique.

Q: Is this pattern suitable for beginners? A: This pattern is suitable for sewers with basic sewing skills. Following the step-by-step instructions and taking your time will help you create a beautiful trilby hat.

Q: Can I sell hats made using this pattern? A: Yes, you can sell hats made using this pattern. However, please note that the pattern itself is copyrighted and should not be redistributed or resold without permission.