Tiny Steampunk Hat (And Costume Ideas)

In this instructable, I will take you through the process of assembling a simple steampunk hat, or, as I call it, the ✨tiny baby top hat✨.

This project took me about 3 hours across two days, but you could do it much quicker. Just remember: projects always take a little longer than you think.

Note:

Sometimes I have little notes that may be beneficial to you. I recommend reading them

1. Cardboard
2. Paper
3. Pencil
4. Hot glue gun (or normal glue)
5. Needle
6. Thread
7. Scissors
8. Fabric of your choice (I used black felt)
9. Clips or other Method of Attachment (I used alligator clips)
10. Stabilizer (optional)
11. Ribbon (optional)
12. Decorations of your choice (optional)

However you decide to do this, figure out the sizing and proportions of your little hat. I drew a lot of inspiration this pattern. I used cardboard and paper to draft mine.

Note:

I am using felt for my hat, so I will not be finishing the edges the same way would need to for other fabrics like cottong. If you have chosen a fabric that needs a finished edge, don't forget to consider that as you work. Regardless of fabric, remember to include a small allowance to fold over the brim for your hat.

When you cut out your pieces, make sure that you are certain of your markings. You can measure twice, but only cut once. If you choose to use a stablilizer, you ought to iron that on before cutting it out.

If your fabric needs finished edges, don't forget to include those. Remember, regardless of if you need seam allowences or not, include that small allowance to fold over the brim.

Note:

I forgot to include a small wave on the bottom of my hat for some shaping. You can choose to cut that later, like I did.

First, sew the top of the hat to the sides. By doing this first, it allows you a little more leeway if the circumference of your oval is a little off. Trim off any excess fabric.

Then, sew the sides of the fabric together to form some sort of cloth bucket. I don't recommend trying it out at your local well.

Cut out a brim from cardboard and bend it slightly to achieve a curved shape that fits the curve of the hat's bottom. Do not bend the sides of the hat up to shape it until the fabric is attached.

On the bottom side, use the pattern from the top of the hat to transfer an oval to the center.

Keep up the good work! You're doing great!

Glue the fabric on top of the cardboard base. Notch the allowance around every inch to half inch (more common on the curve) perpendicular to the surface of the cardboard. This is also sometimes called the normal.

Note: You may want to cut out the oval, but that is up to you. It will affect where you place your clips later on, but it may make it more easy to stitch together.

Starting at the back seam, use the oval you sketched as a guide to very carefully attach your "fabric bucket." Sew through the felt and into the cardboard. Please be careful. This is a little difficult, and I broke a cheap needle.

Note:

If you wish to only sew through your fabric, it may not be as stable. An upholstery or curved needle may be beneficial to this process.

Also, if you want to line the bottom of the hat so you do not see the cardboard, now is a good time to do it.

Glue your clips on the bottom of your hat. I glued one in the center and one in the back (halfway between the first clip and the seam). There is some amount of leniency in its position to find where it fits you best.

Note:

Different methods of attachment have slightly different locations. If you would like to do a horsehair mesh, for example, you may wish to place it where I put my second clip.

Pull any glue strings, trim any uneven edges, hide any tails, and make your hat look nice and even prettier. At this time, you may shape the sides by bending them up a bit.

I chose to pin my goggles on the hat, but you could also glue on some gears, little flowers, or even create a laced back. If you want to add a ribbon to make it look a little more classy, you may glue or sew that on now. The sky is the limit.

At the core of steampunk are two major themes: Victorian fashion and steam-powered machines. Since I am using clothes from my closet, I chose pieces with a Victorian feel and left the mechanisms to the accessories.

My homecoming dress had a lot of frills on it, and the ruffle pattern matched a blouse I got from a clothing drive at my college. To hide the end of the shirt, I used a little corset. Thankfully, my warm pants, boots, some warm fingerless gloves, and jacket matched my costume. Halloween is always celebrated where I live. Surprisingly, we did not have three feet of snow this year.

I made some gear earrings, as well as wearing a gold Victorian cross and a blue ribbon tied around my neck. If I had more time, I would have made LostWax's DIY Steampunk Shoulder Armor / Foam Armor Template.

Congratulations! You look awesome! Bask in the glory of your very own ✨tiny baby top hat✨!