On a bit of a whim I’m starting a Sew-long Summer sew-along for my Reversible Bucket Hat!

Starting today I’ll be sharing lots of great ideas, tips, techniques and variations of the tried and true bucket hat! This pattern is beginner level and is quick to make in an afternoon. It’s sized to fit babies, kids, women and men…so it’s great for anyone with a noggin to cover!

What do you need to do to sew along with us?

1. Get the pattern. If you don’t already own it, I’ve discounted the pattern to $6.50 (50% off!) in my Etsy shop from now until August 22, the duration of the Sew-along.
2. Join the Betz White Sewing Pattern Forum on Facebook. You can follow along, ask questions and share ideas.
3. Post photos of your finished hats for a chance to win 3 Betz White patterns of your choice! Each hat sewn during the sew-along and posted to the forum between now and 22nd counts as an entry into the contest. Winner will be chosen at random and announced on August 25th.
4. Not on Facebook? You can still enter the give-away by posting your photos on Instagram tagged #sewlongsummer Heck, post each photo both places for extra chances to win!

Fabrics:

I’ll kick things off right now by talking about fabric choices. Since this hat is reversible, it’s like 2 hats in one. Choose 2 coordinating or contrasting fabrics. You’ll need less than a half yard (about 18″ x 26″) of each fabric for one hat. The photo above shows a super bold large scale print with a natural linen used as the lining. Depending on your mood, you could wear either side out.

Go through your stash and audition different fabric combos. Canvas and home dec weights will give you a more structured hat while lighter weight fabrics like chambray and quilting cottons will make a softer floppier hat.

 

I really like these rich red prints paired with a natural or gray linen.

This pac-man inspired print would look cute for a little boy lined with a lime green solid. Or you could go double bold and combine a large scale canvas with a multi-stripe. (I used those 2 prints together in my Smile and Wave Tote. Is it tacky to match your hat with your beach bag?)

In the next post I’ll talk about the Reversible Bucket Hat pattern itself, sizing, interfacing, etc! Start thinking about who you want to make hats for and what fabrics are catching your eye!

 So let’s stretch summer out as looong as possible and whip up some great hats for the whole family!