Bucket Hat Tutorial: Sew Your Own
Looking for a quick and satisfying sewing project? Making your own bucket hat is a great way to use fabric scraps, get your sewing mojo back, and create a practical accessory you'll wear all year round.
Whether you use leftover linen, repurpose an old pair of jeans, or sew a hat to match your favourite outfit, this is a fun project with endless possibilities. The Wardrobe By Me Safari & Bucket Hat Sewing Pattern includes sizes for both children and adults, fitting head circumferences from 52 cm to 64 cm.
Sew Along with Wardrobe By Me on YouTube
Prefer to follow a video while you sew? Join Christina in our step-by-step YouTube sew-along, where she guides you through every stage of making the Safari & Bucket Hat.
Watch the Safari & Bucket Hat Sew-Along on YouTube
Then come back to this guide whenever you need a quick reminder or a few extra tips.
One Pattern for the Whole Family
The pattern includes a wide range of sizes, making it easy to sew hats for everyone, from young children to adults.
Create a lightweight bucket hat for sunny days, a structured denim version for everyday wear, or a practical safari hat for outdoor adventures. Simply changing the fabric gives the pattern a completely different look.
How to Measure Your Head
For the best fit, measure around the widest part of your head where the hat will sit.
Keep one finger underneath the measuring tape so it isn't too tight, then compare your measurement with the size chart included in the pattern.
If your measurement falls between two sizes, we recommend choosing the larger size for a more comfortable fit.
What You'll Need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- Main fabric
- Lining fabric
- Interfacing
- Fabric scissors
- Pins or sewing clips
- Matching thread
- Sewing machine
- Safari & Bucket Hat Sewing Pattern
Bucket hats are perfect for using smaller fabric pieces, making them an excellent stash-busting project.
If you'd like to see the complete sewing process before you begin, our YouTube tutorial walks you through every step.
Choosing the Right Fabric
Your fabric choice has a big impact on the finished hat.
Cotton, linen, denim, canvas, twill, and corduroy all work beautifully. Use matching fabrics for a classic look or choose a contrasting lining to add a fun surprise inside the hat.
For a soft, casual bucket hat, use lightweight interfacing, or skip it altogether if your fabric already has enough body.
For a more structured safari hat, choose a heavier interfacing to help the brim keep its shape.
Take Your Time with the Curves
The secret to sewing a beautiful bucket hat is patience.
Some of the pattern pieces have opposite curves that naturally work against each other. This is completely normal.
Use plenty of pins or sewing clips, distribute the fabric evenly, and sew slowly around the curves. Taking a little extra time here will reward you with smooth seams and a professional-looking finish.
Add More Structure
Interfacing gives your hat stability and helps the brim hold its shape.
Choose the weight depending on the result you want:
- Lightweight interfacing creates a soft, flexible hat.
- Medium-weight interfacing adds gentle structure.
- Heavy interfacing creates a crisp, structured safari hat.
Whenever possible, test your fabric and interfacing together before cutting your final pieces.
A Quick Project You'll Sew Again and Again
Once you've made your first bucket hat, it's hard to stop.
This versatile pattern is perfect for seasonal wardrobes, handmade gifts, matching family hats, or simply making the most of your favourite fabrics. Every fabric creates a different look, giving you countless ways to personalise the design.
Ready to get started?
Download the Safari & Bucket Hat Sewing Pattern, then sew along with Wardrobe By Me in our complete YouTube tutorial.
