DIY Guide: Creating your Own Graduation Cap

Graduating from school is an exciting time in anyone’s life. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. To make this significant moment even more special, many people like to decorate their graduation cap. A decorated graduation cap is a great way to show off your personality, stand out in a crowd, and make your special day even more memorable. In this article, we will show you how to make a graduation cap that is unique to you.

Making a graduation cap is a relatively simple process. All you need is a plain graduation cap, some materials to decorate it with, and a little bit of creativity. Whether you want to add some bling, show your school spirit, or convey a personal message, we’ve got you covered. In the following paragraphs, we’ll share some easy and creative ideas that will inspire you to personalize your graduation cap and make it truly special.

How to Make a Graduation Cap:
A Step-By-Step Guide

Graduating from school is a momentous occasion in anyone’s life, and it’s important to commemorate the occasion with all the pomp and circumstance it deserves. The graduation cap, or mortarboard as it’s commonly called, is an iconic symbol of graduation, and it’s one that you can make easily at home. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to make a graduation cap that you can wear on your special day.

Materials You’ll Need:
• Black poster board (22 x 28 inches)
• Scissors
• Ruler or straight edge
• Glue or tape
• Tassel (optional)
• Needle and thread (optional)

Step 1: Cut the Poster Board
Using your ruler or straight edge, measure and cut your poster board to be 9 x 9 inches. This will be the top of your graduation cap.

Step 2: Cut the Cap Base
Measure and cut a strip of poster board that is 3 inches wide and 24 inches long. This will be the base of your graduation cap.

Step 3: Fold the Cap Base
Fold the cap base in half lengthwise, making a sharp crease.

Step 4: Fold in the Sides
Fold in the two shorter sides of your cap base, so that they meet in the middle.

Step 5: Glue or Tape the Sides Together
Using glue or tape, secure the two sides of your cap base together.

Step 6: Attach the Top of the Cap to the Base
Glue or tape the top of the cap to the base. Make sure it’s centered and secure.

Step 7: Create the Cap’s Edges
Cut two strips of poster board that are 1 inch wide and 9 inches long. These will be the cap’s edges.

Step 8: Attach the Edges to the Cap
Glue or tape the edges to the top of the cap, one on each side.

Step 9: Attach the Tassel
If you have a tassel, attach it to the center of the top of the cap using glue or tape.

Step 10: Adding a Chin Strap (Optional)
If you want to make sure your cap stays on comfortably, you can create a chin strap. Cut a strip of poster board that is about 1 inch wide and 14 inches long. Attach it to either side of the cap near the bottom, and use a needle and thread to tie it together under your chin.

Congratulations! You now have a graduation cap that you made yourself. Wear it proudly on your special day and be sure to take plenty of pictures to capture the memory. With a little bit of time and effort, you can create a keepsake that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Materials You’ll Need

Now that we’ve covered the basics of why and when to make a graduation cap, let’s dive into what you’ll need to get started. The good news is that the materials required for creating a graduation cap are simple and easy to find. Here is a list of everything you’ll need:

1. Black Construction Paper

The most important component of your graduation cap is the black construction paper. You’ll need a large sheet of it to create the base of your cap. Make sure to choose a sturdy construction paper that can support the weight of the tassel.

2. Scissors

The next essential item is a good pair of scissors. You’ll need them to cut out the shape of the cap and its various components. Choose a pair of scissors that are sharp enough to cut through the construction paper.

3. Glue

In order to assemble the cap, you’ll need some glue. You can use any type of glue you have on hand, as long as it is strong enough to hold the paper together. A glue stick or white school glue will do the trick.

4. Ruler or Measuring Tape

In order to ensure that your cap is symmetrical and the correct size, you’ll need a ruler or measuring tape. Use it to measure the dimensions of the cap and to make precise cuts.

5. Tassel

No graduation cap is complete without a tassel! You’ll need to make one or purchase one in a color that matches your school’s colors. You can find them at most party stores or online.

6. Stapler

A stapler is a useful tool for securing the cap’s components together. You can use it to attach the brim of the cap to the top, as well as to attach the tassel to the top of the cap.

7. Cardstock or Poster Board

To add some stability to your cap, you may want to use a piece of cardstock or poster board. Cut a circle the same size as the top of the cap and glue it to the underside of the top. This will help the cap maintain its shape and prevent it from collapsing.

8. Pencil or Pen

You’ll need a pencil or pen to trace the shapes of the cap onto the construction paper. Make sure you have one on hand before you start cutting.

9. Decorative Elements

If you want to add some personality to your cap, consider including some decorative elements. You can use stickers, glitter, or paint to create a design that represents your personality or your accomplishments.

10. Patience and Creativity

Finally, remember that making a graduation cap takes a bit of patience and creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different designs and techniques until you find the perfect look for your cap. With a little bit of creativity and effort, you can create a graduation cap that is both unique and beautiful.

Materials Needed to Make a Graduation Cap

Making a graduation cap may seem like a difficult task, but with the right materials, it can be accomplished easily. Here are the essential items you will need to make a graduation cap:

Steps to Make a Graduation Cap

Now that you have gathered all the essential materials, you can begin making your graduation cap with these steps:

Step 1: Cut out the Cap Base and Headband

Using the cardboard square, measure out 9″ x 9″ and cut it into a square. Cut out a headband by using a ruler to measure the head circumference and cut out an extra inch to accommodate for the ribbon.

Step 2: Cut Cloth for Cap Base and Headband

Using the black cloth, cut out two squares that measure 13″ x 13″. These squares will be the top and bottom pieces of the cap’s base. Cut a 2″ wide strip of cloth from the remaining to form the headband.

Step 3: Sew the Cap Sides

To add structure to the cap, sew the black cloth that measures 13″ x 13″ together. Once the sides are sewn, turn the cloth inside out.

Step 4: Make the Cap’s Top

Making the top part of the cap involves creating four triangles. Cut out four squares that measure 5″ x 5″ and fold them in half diagonally to get four triangular pieces. Sew the triangles together, and then secure the top of the cap to the cap’s base with hot glue.

Step 5: Attach the Headband

Attach the headband by wrapping it around the head’s circumference and making it tight enough not to fall off.

Step 6: Make the Tassel

Create a tassel with black wool or string and attach it to the center of the cap’s top using a needle and thread.

Now that your graduation cap is done, it’s time to celebrate! Wear it proudly and celebrate your significant academic accomplishments.

That’s how you do it!

Now that you know how to make your own graduation cap, you can go ahead and personalize it in your own special way. It’s a great way to show off your creativity and sense of style. I hope you enjoyed this guide and found it helpful. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to come back for more fun DIY projects. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!