Sun protection is a must for summer here in NZ, and with the change of season fast approaching we decided to make a couple of hats using patterns from Elbe Textiles. We chose the Serpentine, which is a favourite here at TFS previously featuring on the blog (here in our Gingham Linen!) and the Sorrento Bucket Hat. These projects are beginner-friendly and perfect for using up any off-cuts and scraps saved well as inspiring useful #MeMade gifting ideas! Kindly worn by David and Bianca from our HQ and Online teams, keep reading for more.
Pattern Review — Sorrento Bucket Hat
Sorrento Bucket Hat
We made the size L (24 inches / 61cm) for David, which fit nice and comfortably. We chose contrasting main and lining fabrics to add some playful interest to the hat which is fully reversible, giving you options for whichever mood you're in!
This took 0.35m of both of our 134cm wide Navy Vintage Finish Linen and 145cm wide Navy / Acorn - Awning Stripe Cotton Linen which are the recommended fabric amounts. We also used 0.35m of our Black Stayflex Fusible Interfacing (an optional step Elbe Textiles suggests if you'd like more structure in the brim) for our Navy Vintage Finish Linen brim pieces and found this worked well!
No pattern modifications or sewing adjustments were needed here! Following the concise instructions made this a straightforward sew, manageable for beginners that have a little sewing experience.
Pattern Review — Serpentine Hat
Serpentine Hat
Bianca wears the size M Serpentine Hat (23 Inches / 58.5cm) in our recent Carob Heavyweight Linen arrival, this hat took 0.6m of the 138cm wide fabric. This is a little more than suggested amount of 0.4m as we decided to add our own ties for a sweet and practical fastening option! For lining we used 0.4m of our Chocolate Cotton Shirting (141cm wide), as well as 0.4m White Stayflex Fusible Interfacing (107cm wide) to block fuse all the hat pieces. We also used 40cm of Viline (available in stores only), cutting two layers for the brim pattern piece to further stabilise it.
The finished hat ties we added measure 3.5cm wide and 60cm long, so to make these just add a 1cm seam allowance making each piece 5.5cm wide x 62cm long. Join them in between the brim and middle part of the hat at each side seam, or wherever feels like a comfortable placement! No other adjustments were made to the pattern or while sewing, we followed the instructions and the process was a breeze.
We'd also recommend this project for a confident beginner like the Sorrento, this is a satisfying project that is both useful and ultra-cute!
Fabric Recommendations
Sorrento — Navy Vintage Finish Linen + Navy / Acorn - Awning Stripe Cotton Linen
Serpentine — Carob Heavyweight Linen + Chocolate Cotton Shirting
It's best to use medium to heavyweight fabrics for these projects, Elbe Textiles suggest using denim, canvas, cotton drill, or other tightly woven structured fabrics. If you are not keen on fusing, try to choose thick and sturdy fabric. The Serpentine would also make a great rain hat for those drizzly months if made in showerproof fabrics!
See our selection of fabric suggestions below from our Online Store, or shop at your local store for a variety of suitable options!
From the top is Stretch Cotton Twill Suiting - Taffy, Stretch Cotton/Rayon Blend Twill - Soy, 11oz Upcycled Denim – Blue Fade, Olive - Heavyweight Linen and Cotton / Viscose Oxford Suiting - Cinnabar.
Whether you're planning DIY gift ideas or in need of a new sun-smart accessory we'd recommend whipping up the #SorrentoBucketHat or #SerpentineHat for an enjoyable make! Share yours with us by tagging @wearethefabricstore using #thefabricstore