how to make an easy vintage pillbox hat with Va-Voom Vintage

This tutorial for a very simple vintage hat originally appeared on The Vintage Post, which isn't around anymore but I was able to find the steps to share with you here! No expensive millinery supplies here, just some craft felt and very basic sewing skills!

Before I loved vintage clothes, I started collecting hats. I love crazy hats. They’re so unique and its an easy way to incorporate a little vintage in a modern wardrobe.
It wasn’t long before I started wanting to make a few of my own hats but millinery can be a very expensive hobby and supplies usually have to be mail-ordered.
Today I’ll show you how to make a very simple vintage style pillbox hat using craft felt. You can embellish this hat with millinery veil, flowers, little birds, ribbon- the sky is the limit!
You will need:
Craft felt by-the-yard cut in to a strip 26 inches long by 5 inches wide  and a circle cut 8 inches in diameter
scissors
thread
pins
how to make a simple vintage style pillbox hat 1
Pin the crown to the band, matching up the edges.
how to make a simple vintage style pillbox hat 1
Using the presser foot edge as a guide, stitch all the way around the hat
how to make a simple vintage style pillbox hathow to make a simple vintage style pillbox hat
When you reach the end, stitch the band edges together, trimming the excess.
how to make a simple vintage style pillbox hat
Line the crown seam up with the edge of the presser foot, using it as a guide and stitch a decorative line all the way around the band
how to make a simple vintage style pillbox hathow to make a simple vintage style pillbox hat
Turn the hat inside out and fold the band in half. Overlap the edge of the band with the raw edge of the seam and pin in place
how to make a simple vintage style pillbox hat
Use small invisible hand stitches to tack the band in place
how to make a simple vintage style pillbox hat
Turn the hat right side out and align the edge of the presser foot with the edge of the band. Sew a decorative line of stitching
how to make a simple vintage style pillbox hat
Press the hat and decorate as you like or leave it plain! If you’re looking for millinery supplies to decorate your felt hats, you can find wonderful vintage millinery fruit, flowers, feathers and veil on etsy and ebay.
Some fabric stores carry modern millinery netting and tulle. You can also check out millinery supply sites like Judith M or Hatters Millinery Supplies
how to make a simple vintage style pillbox hat
Be sure to follow my blog Va-voom Vintage for lots of vintage craft and more.
Until next time – Brittany
how to make a simple vintage style pillbox hathow to make a simple vintage style pillbox hathow to make a simple vintage style pillbox hat


Check out my other craft tutorials on The Vintage Post:

how to make a 1950s novelty brooch with Va Voom Vintage