DIY Guide: How to make your own Derby Hat

If you have ever attended the Kentucky Derby, you know that the fashion at the event is just as important as the horse racing. One of the most iconic pieces of attire is the derby hat. A derby hat is a wide-brimmed hat that is traditionally made of straw or fabric. These hats come in different styles and colors, and they are a must-have for anyone attending a Derby event.

Making a derby hat from scratch may seem like a challenging task, but with the right materials and techniques, anyone can make one. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making a derby hat. Whether you are attending a Derby event or just looking for a new fashion accessory, this article will provide you with all the necessary instructions to make your own unique derby hat. So, grab a cup of tea, and let’s get started.

1. Gathering Materials

Making a derby hat is rather simple and straightforward, as long as you have all the necessary materials. Firstly, you need to gather all the materials that will be required before you begin creating your hat. The most important item will be the hat base, which is typically made of felt or straw. Other necessary materials include ribbon, feathers, artificial flowers, a hot glue gun, scissors, and a measuring tape.

2. Choosing a Hat Base

The hat base is the foundation of your derby hat. It is essential to choose a high-quality hat base that complements the design and style of your envisioned hat. Felt and straw are the most popular materials for the hat base. Felt hats offer a more classic and sophisticated feel, while straw hats give a more relaxed and casual vibe. Consider the color of the hat base as well, as it will affect the entire look of the hat.

3. Measuring the Head

To ensure your hat fits snugly on your head, measure it with a measuring tape. Place the tape measure approximately one inch above your eyebrows and around the widest part of your head. This measurement will help you determine the right size of the hat base that you should choose.

4. Preparing the Hat Base

Once you have selected your hat base, you need to shape it accordingly. Use a steam iron to soften the material and then shape it to fit the contours of your head. This process ensures maximum comfort while wearing the hat. You can also use a hat block if you happen to have one, to make the process easier.

5. Adding Embellishments

Embellishments add personality and flair to an otherwise plain-looking derby hat. Ribbon, artificial flowers, feathers, and bows are the most common embellishments used in making a derby hat. Choose embellishments that fit the theme of your outfit and the overall style of your hat.

6. Attaching Embellishments

Use a hot glue gun to attach your chosen embellishments onto the hat base. Begin with the largest embellishments and use a small amount of glue to ensure they remain firmly in place. You can then add smaller embellishments around the larger ones, gradually building up the overall look.

7. Trimming the Brim

The size of your derby hat’s brim is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a narrower brim, use scissors to trim it to the desired length. For a wider brim, consider adding support to prevent it from losing shape over time.

8. Adding A Hat Band

Hat bands are another popular addition to derby hats and can be made from a variety of materials, such as velvet or lace. Choose a hat band that matches the color and style of your hat, and then attach it securely around the base of the hat.

9. Adding A Feather

Feathers can add an elegant touch to your derby hat. Choose a feather that coordinates well with the hat’s color and design, and then attach it to the side of the hat. Feathers can be attached using a small piece of wire or a hot glue gun.

10. Adding Personal Touches

Adding personal touches is always a great idea. You can add your initials or a small emblem to your derby hat with a personalized pin or badge. This is a great way to add a unique and personal touch to your derby hat and make it truly one-of-a-kind.

Tools and Materials Required for Making a Derby Hat

The first step in making a derby hat is to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Here are some of the most important things you’ll need:

1. Felt fabric: You’ll need a pre-shrunk and stiffened felt fabric. You can get wool, rabbit hair, or beaver hair felt from fabric stores or online. Make sure the fabric is at least 24 inches in length and 12 inches in width.
2. Measuring tape: You’ll need to measure the circumference of your head, the width, and the length of the brim you want to make.
3. Pins: You’ll need these to hold the fabric in place while you’re working on the hat.
4. Thread and needle: You’ll need these to sew the hat together.
5. Scissors: You’ll need these to cut the felt fabric to the desired shape.
6. Marking pen: You’ll need a marking pen to mark the fabric before cutting it.
7. Iron and ironing board: You’ll need these to iron the fabric and make it stiffer and easier to work with.
8. Brim stiffener: This is a solution that you’ll apply to the fabric to make it stiffer and hold its shape.
9. Ribbon: You’ll need a ribbon to add a decorative touch to the hat and to cover any seams.
10. Decorations: You can add feathers, flowers, beads, or other decorations to your derby hat to make it unique.

Now that you have gathered the necessary tools and materials, you can move on to the next step of making a derby hat.

Section 3: Choosing the Right Materials

1. Choosing the Base

The base of the derby hat serves as its foundation. The most popular materials for the base are felt, wool, and straw. Felt is the most common material used for derby hats. It is durable, easy to work with, and allows for intricate designs. The wool base, on the other hand, is a great option for a warmer hat, while the straw base is a stylish choice for a spring or summer derby hat.

When choosing the base for your derby hat, keep in mind your personal style and the specific occasion the hat will be worn for. It’s also important to consider the weather when selecting the base material.

2. Picking the Right Brim

Brim size and shape is an important aspect of the derby hat. The brim serves to frame the face and can help accentuate your features. Typically, the derby hat has a medium to small brim that curves upwards at the edges. However, there are a variety of brim shapes to choose from, including wide, narrow, curved, or straight.

When choosing the brim size and shape, consider your face shape, the outfit you’ll be wearing, and the occasion. If you have a round face, opt for a narrow brim that creates an elongated effect. Conversely, if you have an angular face, a wide brim can help soften the features.

3. Deciding on the Decoration

The decoration of the derby hat can make or break its overall look. Whether it’s a simple ribbon or an elaborate feather arrangement, the decoration should complement the base and brim of the hat.

When deciding on the decoration, consider the occasion and your personal style. A classic ribbon in a neutral color can create a timeless look, while bold feathers or flowers can add a dramatic touch.

4. Choosing the Right Adhesives

Adhesives are an essential component in making a derby hat. The most common adhesives used in making derby hats are glue guns, fabric glue, and tape. When selecting the adhesive, consider the type of materials used in the hat and its durability.

Glue guns are great for attaching heavier decorations like feathers, while fabric glue is a useful alternative for sensitive materials like wool.

5. Adding the Finishing Touches

Adding the finishing touches is the final step in making a derby hat. This includes steaming the hat to shape it, trimming the brim and base for a neat finish, and adding any last decorations.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your derby hat is ready to be worn to your event, whether it’s a derby race or a special occasion like a wedding or formal party.

Overall, making a derby hat requires attention to detail and careful consideration of the materials used. By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and stylish hat that will turn heads and make a statement.

Happy hat-making!

Now that you know how to make a derby hat, it’s time to get creative and make your own unique version! Remember to have fun with it and don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials and designs. If you have any questions or want to share your finished hat, feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and be sure to visit us again for more crafting tips and tutorials!