Hats

Professional Patterns For Hats.

131/42). We are  often asked to make patterns for headwear of various types, from jockey hats to hoods and caps and all sorts of designer hat shapes. While we would not classify ourselves  as  experts in cutting hat patterns, we understand how patterns work.

Pattern cutting is about understanding how shapes work and how those shapes fit on the body, whatever part of the body it fits. Unlike the body however, the head shape does not change much from person to person, so the skill lies more in achieving pattern accuracy and understanding what 3D shape a flat pattern will make once sewn together.

Sometimes it is necessary to stretch one pattern piece on to another, while at other times it is necessary to ease rather than stretch to achieve the desired effect or to compensate for the way the fabric reacts to being sewn together.

Although sometimes  hat patterns appear quite straight forward, it is rarely a good idea to make the patterns yourself without a good understanding of pattern cutting and fabrics. Even using a pattern from a magazine or a pattern book is not generally a good idea as these are generally made for home sewing rather than for a professional hat making factory.

I believe that niche areas such as millinery or hat making have far more potential for success than general fashion. There is far less competition and the products tend to be fairly compact and relatively high value.

Types Of Cut And Sew Hats.

Snapback hat

Beach hat

Bucket hat

Flat cap

Dad hat

Fitted hat

Newspaper boys cap

Combat cap

Boonie hat

Baseball Cap.

A baseball cap is made up of a number of  panels forming a rounded crown. There is a button at the top which tidies up all the connecting seams.

In order to form a good shape at the seam junction, the angles of the panels need to add up to 180 degrees, whatever the shape of the crown, unless it is to be pointed. Some shapes do not follow the head shape so closely, and may have a flat crown.

The front crown will often have an embroidered logo, with a stiff , curved  peak projecting forward. The cap may be fitted to the wearer`s head size, or may be easily adjustable to different sizes, using velcro , poppers, or elastic.

Although the baseball cap was originally intended to be worn by baseball players in order to protect the players eyes from the sun, they are now commonly worn as a fashion item.

Pattern Cutting Classes.

If you would like to learn how to make your own hat patterns, we run one-to-one pattern cutting classes in London.

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