How to Make a Pirate Hat

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Avast! Prepare for International Talk Like a Pirate Day, for a costume party or just for some rollicking good play by making yourself a personalized pirate hat. Whether you opt for folding a paper tricorn or recycling felt headgear, you'll be ready for adventure on the high seas.

Pirates often wore stolen hats in a variety of styles.
Image Credit: geniebird/iStock/Getty Images

Things You'll Need

  • Tape Or Glue (Optional)

  • Newspaper Or Newsprint

  • Chalk Pencil

  • Felt Hat With Rounded Crown And 4-Inch-Wide Brim

  • Awl Or Ice Pick

  • 4 Shoelaces

Nautical Newspaper Headgear

Step 1

Tear or cut a 17-by-22-inch piece of newspaper or newsprint. For smaller children, a half-sheet of paper will do.

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Step 2

Fold the paper in half, matching the short sides to each other.

Step 3

Bend the left-hand corner to the center and crease the fold.

Step 4

Repeat the fold for the right-hand corner. You should have what looks like a large triangle with a rectangular band below it.

Step 5

Open the bottom edge of the band and fold one side up onto the triangle.

Step 6

Turn the hat over and fold up the remaining edge.

Step 7

Add some tape or glue to hold the hat together, if you like.

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Salvaged Swashbuckler Hat

Step 1

Fold up the brim of your hat to meet the crown.

Step 2

Mark the corners of a square on the upturned brim with the chalk pencil.

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Step 3

Punch holes through the brim and crown on the marked spots, using the awl or ice pick.

Step 4

Cut the shoelaces in half, leaving the aglets, or ends, intact.

Step 5

Thread the aglet of one lace through a pair of the holes, bringing it up from inside the crown, over the brim and back to the inside.

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Step 6

Tie a knot in the lace.

Step 7

Repeat the lacing for the other two holes.

Step 8

Turn the hat and fold up the brim on the opposite side.

Step 9

Repeat the punching and lacing process.

Tip

Add your own personality to your pirate’s hat with paint or stickers, along with a feather plume.

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references & resources