DIY Bonnet: Craft Your Own Charming Headwear

DIY Bonnet: Craft Your Own Charming Headwear

Ever wanted to channel your inner Laura Ingalls Wilder or protect your luscious locks in style? Well, grab your scissors and let’s dive into the delightful world of DIY bonnets!

I’ve whipped up bonnets for everything from costume parties to bad hair days, and let me tell you, it’s easier than falling off a log. Whether you’re after a pioneer look that screams “I just churned my own butter” or a silky dream to keep your curls intact, I’ve got you covered.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Fabric (cotton for pioneer vibes, satin for hair pampering)
• Scissors (the sharper, the better)
• Sewing machine (or nimble fingers for hand-stitching)
• Thread
• Pins
• Measuring tape
• Iron (optional, but great for crisp edges)
• Elastic or ties
• A can-do attitude (most important ingredient!)

Now, let’s dive into creating two types of bonnets that’ll make you the talk of the town – or at least your bedroom.

The Classic Pioneer Bonnet

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

Measure around your head and add 2 inches. This is your brim width. Now, cut:

• Two brim pieces: rectangles of your brim width by 5 inches
• One back piece: 1.5 times your brim width by 9.25 inches
• Two ties: 1 inch by 21 inches each

Step 2: Shape the Brim

Place your brim pieces right sides together. Sew along the curved edge, leaving the straight edge open. Turn right side out and press. Voila! You’ve got a brim!

Step 3: Gather the Back

Take your back piece and gather or pleat one long edge to match your brim width. Pin and sew this gathered edge to the open edge of your brim.

Step 4: Add the Ties

Fold each tie in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew along the long edge and one short end. Turn right side out, press, and attach to the sides where brim meets back.

Step 5: Finish Up

Hem the raw edge of the back piece. Add any frilly bits you fancy – lace, ribbons, tiny cowbells (kidding, unless you’re into that).

The Silky Smooth Hair Bonnet

Step 1: Cut Your Circles

Cut two circles of satin fabric, about 20 inches in diameter. If your head’s on the larger side (no judgment here), go up to 22 inches.

Step 2: Sew the Circles

Place circles right sides together. Sew around the edge, leaving a 2-inch gap for turning.

Step 3: Turn and Press

Turn your bonnet right side out through the gap. Press flat, tucking in the raw edges of the opening.

Step 4: Create the Elastic Channel

Sew around the edge about ½ inch from the edge, leaving a small opening for inserting elastic.

Step 5: Insert Elastic

Thread elastic through the channel using a safety pin. Overlap ends, sew together, and close the opening.

Tips and Tricks:

• For a reversible bonnet, use contrasting fabrics for each circle.
• No elastic? Use a fabric tie instead for an adjustable fit.
• Add a silk or satin lining to your pioneer bonnet for extra hair protection.

Safety First:

• Mind your fingers when sewing – no one wants a pioneer bonnet baptized in blood.
• If working with kids, supervise closely or opt for no-sew options.

Styling Your Bonnet:

• Pioneer bonnet: Pair with a gingham dress and an air of moral superiority.
• Satin bonnet: Rock it with your pajamas and dream of waking up to perfect hair.

Remember, a homemade bonnet is like a hug for your head. It might not be perfect, but it’s made with love (and possibly a few curse words).

So there you have it, folks! Your very own DIY bonnet guide. Now go forth and bonnet with the best of them. And if anyone gives you funny looks, just tell them you’re bringing bonnet-chic back. You trendsetter, you!