Learn How to Sew a Bucket Hat With This Free PDF Printable Bucket Hat Sewing Pattern and Tutorial in Sizes Adult, Child, Toddler, and Baby.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of JOANN. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bucket hats are all the rage right now! I have to admit, it took me a minute to come around to this trend because it feels SO 90's but once I put one on my head I was totally sold.
Warning, once you make one you won't be able to stop! Lucky for you, I'm sharing this pattern in every size so you can make them for your whole family!
I teamed up with JOANN, to bring you this pattern for free! JOANN, is my one-stop shop for all of my sewing needs.
Bucket hats are great for a day at the beach, or for playing outside. The brim gives a little extra protection to your neck, ears, and face and I'm all for safe sun exposure!
Now, let’s talk about all of the details of this Bucket Hat sewing pattern.
Bucket Hat Sewing Pattern
This sewing pattern download includes a professionally drafted Bucket Hat pattern. There are four sizes: Adult, Child, Toddler, and Baby. This Bucket Hat sewing pattern features instructions for a fully lined reversible bucket hat.
You can also refer to the video tutorial for extra help if you get stuck on any steps.
FABRIC REQUIREMENTS
This hat pattern is perfect for using up scrap fabric as it doesn’t take very much fabric to sew!
To start, you’ll want to use cotton fabric. This pattern works best with a light to medium weight fabric. In this tutorial, I’ll be using quilting cotton.
SUPPLIES
- 1 Yard Woven Fabric for Main Fabric (1/2 Yard for Main and 1/2 Yard for Lining)
- Shop the balloon fabric here
- 1/2 Yard Interfacing
- Sewing Machine
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter & Mat
- Thread
- Pins
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Sewing Machine Needle
- Fabric Pen or Chalk
- Printer
- Printing Paper
- Tape
- Pinking Shears
Download the Free Bucket Hat Sewing Pattern Here!
STEP 1: PRINT BUCKET HAT PATTERN & ASSEMBLE
Download the pattern to your computer and print the pattern at 100% with no scaling.
Trim one side and the bottoms edge using a paper cutter or scissors.
Align stars of each page and tape in place. Then, cut out the pattern in your desired size.
STEP 2: CUT OUT FABRIC & MARK NOTCHES
*PRO TIP: Make sure to iron your fabric before cutting it out to ensure the best results. This will ensure that your fabric cuts out evenly without any wrinkles or folds.
Lay the fabric out in front of you on a flat surface and fold the selvage edge of the fabric inwards to create a folded edge. This will allow you to cut two mirrored images at once.
Lay the patterns on the fabric taking care to align the grainline marking so they are running parallel to the selvage edge of the fabric. Pin the fabric in place and cut around the outside of the pattern pieces.
Before removing the paper pattern from the fabric mark all notches using a fabric pen or chalk. The notches are marked on the pattern pieces with a triangle and will help you to correctly align the fabric in the following steps.
Repeat the cutting and marking process with your lining fabric as well.
Now it’s time to cut out your interfacing for the Bucket Hat Brim. If you are using a very lightweight fabric you can add interfacing to the entire hat to give it more structure.
- (X1) Bucket Hat Top
- (X2) Bucket Hat Brim
- (X2) Bucket Hat Middle
- (X1) Bucket Hat Top Lining
- (X2) Bucket Hat Brim Lining
- (X2) Bucket Hat Middle Lining
- (X2) Bucket Hat Brim Interfacing
You should have a total of 12 pieces to complete the bucket hat.
STEP 3: ATTACH INTERFACING
Take main bucket hat brim and iron on interfacing to the wrong side of both pieces. You'll want to refer to the instructions that come with your interfacing for this step to make sure it's applied correctly.
Make sure to turn off the steam on your iron for the very best results!
STEP 4: SEW BRIM SIDES AND BOTTOM
Place the main bucket hat brim pieces (the ones with the interfacing) right sides together and pin them together. Sew the side seams with a 3/8" (1cm) seam allowance. Place lining bucket hat brim pieces together and sew side seams.
Iron the seams open.
*Optional: sew the seam allowance in place using 1/8" seam allowance on either side of the seam.
Place lining brim on main brim with right sides together, lining up the side seams. Pin the brims together.
Sew along the bottom outside edge all the way around using 3/8" (1cm) seam allowance.
Trim the seam allowance with pinking shears to minimize the bulkiness of the seam.
Turn right side out and press the steam with plenty of steam to set it in place.
*PRO TIP: Taking the time to iron in between each step, helps you to achieve professional-looking end results. I recommend setting up your iron near your sewing machine so it's easy to access.
Increase your stitch length slightly for this next part. Starting 3/9" from the outside of the brim sew a stitch all the way around. Repeat sewing all the way around the brim every 3/8" to the top.
This gives the hat extra structure and makes it look more professional. Set the brim aside for now.
STEP 5: SEW MIDDLE PIECES
Place the main middle pieces right sides together, pin, and sew the two side seams.
Next, place the lining middle pieces right sides together, pin, and sew the side seams.
*Optional: Topstitch the seam allowance down using a 1/8" seam allowance on either side of the seam.
Press the seams open.
STEP 6: SEW MAIN CIRCLE TOP AND LINING
Take the main bucket hat (circle) and align the notches with the middle notch of each middle main and side seams. The fabrics should be facing right sides together. Pin the fabric in place. You'll want to use plenty of pins for this step to really line everything up.
Use the markings to easily align and evenly distribute the fabrics.
In this step, you are matching a concave curve to a convex curve. This can be a bit tricky and requires more pins than a normal seam to make sure you avoid making any tucks or gathers.
The middle piece is slightly smaller than the top so you'll want to ease the top in as you sew the pieces together. You can do this by gently stretching the fabric. I find it's easiest to sew these two pieces together with the circle piece facing downward.
Repeat this step with the lining.
*PRO TIP - If you have a pair of pinking shears, trim around the seam allowance to reduce the bulk of the seam. This will help the fabric to lay flat once it's turned inside out without puckering.
Press the seams inwards towards the top of the hat.
Press a 2" long piece of the edge of the hat (main) under 3/8". This will create a nice crisp folded edge for one of the next steps.
*Optional: Topstitch the seam allowance down using a 1/8" seam allowance.
STEP 7: ATTACH MAIN TO BRIM AND TOPSTITCH
Align the lining top hat side seams with brim side seams (make sure you having lining sides facing right sides together). Pin in place and sew all the way around.
Press well with plenty of steam.
Align the main bucket hat with the main bucket hat middle with right sides facing each other and pin around the hat. Sew around the hat leaving a 1" - 2" opening for turning.
Turn the hat right side out and press the seams with plenty of steam.
Top stitch along the seam to close the opening.
Now you have an adorable bucket hat!
Looking for more easy sewing projects? Check out my scrunchie post here!
Did you enjoy this tutorial? I’d love to see what you’ve made with it!
Don't forget to order or pick up all of the supplies for this tutorial from your local JOANN.
Join my crafting and sewing Facebook group where you can show us what you’re making, ask questions, and learn from others!
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Do you have any questions about this bucket hat sewing pattern? Let me know in a comment below!
I love all of what you do.
Paper crafting, sewing,, cricutting remodeling your house 🙂
Kind eegards from Costa Rica. ❤
Thank you SO much! 🙂 I'm glad you are enjoying it!
I am in Australia and with two little grand daughters and two little grand sons I am just loving your patterns, thank you so much. The little bow turban is adorable, my daughter loves it for new baby girl. Looking fwd to more patterns.
I'm so glad you are enjoying it! I have a few more sewing patterns coming out soon so stay tuned!
Thank you so much for the lovely bucket hat pattern. I also live in Australia and have 1 grandson and another one on the way in December. I love all of your patterns and tutorials and I would like to have a go at making a few of these hats and other items from you.
Thank you, Jill! I hope you enjoy this pattern. Congrats on the grandchild on the way!
Awesome . Thanks so much. This is a great see hat .
You're welcome! I hope you enjoy the pattern.
Can’t wait to try this pattern. We’ve got a heatwave in Scotland right now so it will come in very handy. Thank you.
You're welcome! I hope this pattern helps!
Thank you for the wonderful pattern, I can’t wait to make it!
You're welcome! I hope you love it! Be sure to let me know how it turns out!
my granddaughter just made one in Kenya, She used old jeans for one side and some scrap fabric for the other.
How fun! I would love to see a picture. If you have one, tag me on Instagram or Facebook so I can see!
Absolutely love this! know what I will be doing this weekend.
Thanks!
You're welcome! How did the hat turn out?
I’ve made several of these hats and find it easier to join the middle pieces to the top/crown, then sew the bottom band/brim to that, trimming and pressing as you go. Make the whole outside that way, then the whole lining/inside the same. Join the right sides together and stitch around the bottom edge, leaving an opening for turning right side out. Then you can top stitch the bottom as many times around as you please!
Thank you. I'll have to try that out.
Is there a printable version of the instructions? I am going to try to make this soon but would really appreciate a hard copy of the instructions.
Currently, the printable, ad-free instructions are only available to purchase in my shop. If you'd like to get it, you can find it here: https://sweetredpoppy.shop/collections/sewing-patterns/products/reversible-bucket-hat-sewing-pattern
I would also like a printable version of the instructions. Could you possibly include a link?
Hey Diane! Currently, the printable, ad-free instructions are only available to purchase in my shop. If you'd like to get it, you can find it here: https://sweetredpoppy.shop/collections/sewing-patterns/products/reversible-bucket-hat-sewing-pattern
Hi, thanks so much for the free pattern, I’m planning to give it a go today. When I clicked on the “interfacing” link, it opens to Wrap n Zap, but I’m thinking you meant to use Pellon 101?
Love this HAT!! I printed the pattern, but there are no instructions with the pattern. Is there a way to print your instructions??
Where do you print the instructions to the bucket hat? I just downloaded it.
Love this pattern idea and will be great for summer here in Australia for my godchildren. Would love a printable pattern as well if possible.
The pattern when I tried to print it is cut up on different pages! Also when I tried to see the instructions it prints without the colored pages. It only has words! I need the visuals also, Please
Thanks for the pattern and tutorial. Excited to give it a try!
You're welcome! I hope you enjoy the pattern!
Hi! When connecting the pattern pieces should the edges of the paper just touch or should the colored lines touch? Should the stars match up in the complete star shape or will they appear distorted?? I don't want my pattern pieces to be off. Thanks for the pattern!
You should end up with a perfect star. 🙂
Do you know what size head equates to each size? Thank you!
In inches?
Thank you! I am enjoying this pattern but would love suggestions for making a larger one for my husband and son. The adult size is too small but I’m thinking of printing it at 110% and trying that. Does that sound reasonable or does anyone have a better suggestion?
Heather, I haven't tried that, but if you try it out, be sure to let us know how it works!
Enjoyed making myself this hat this afternoon. I change the method slightly and turned it into a reversible hat.
I’m confused. I cut out toddler pattern and the middle seems to big to go around the hat top help lol
Hi Kim
I sent you an email as I need some help with the bucket hat pattern. I have not had a response. could you please respond. thankyou
lorie
Great pattern, but I am lost in one of the last steps. You have said their is a video, but I can't find it.
Where can I find it please?
Here is the video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgPrbMt13lw
Let me know if you still get stuck!
Hi there, Would also love a printable step by step if possible? 🙂
Is there a printable version? it is very difficult to follow with all of the ads. Thank you
Greetings from Ireland,
Thank you so much for bucket hat pattern. I’ve just completed it for my grandson. The tutorial on it was perfect and once I started sewing, it only took a few hours. Brilliant!
Val
I'm so glad to hear that you loved it! Thank you!
I want to make this hat for a three year old. Would you use the toddler size or the child size?
It just depends on the size of their head, but I would say the child would probably fit best!
Love this hat! Grandsons love wearing my husbands’s purchased bucket hat. He tried to find ones like his but it’s a summer item and they were out. So I made two using their fabric for their favorite teams !
Thank you for the pattern.
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Hi. Thankyou for pattern!
I'm a visual person and would love a video to watch construction of your patterns as well as photos.
Thanks
You're welcome! I have a short video of the Bucket Hat pattern on my youtube channel. But, I have full length tutorials of other patterns on my channel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgPrbMt13lw
Beautiful hat pattern, I made one for my son but want to make one for my nephew, does the paid for pattern include head measurements to go with the sizing? Wanting actual inches for each size instead of just baby-adult.
Thank you
Made the baby size for a 6 month old. Turned out well but was way too big. Would it work if I just reduced the whole pattern to about 80%?
I'm having an issue with the last step with the bucket hat when adding the last main lining. I do not understand how to attach. From the fast paced video, it looks like it encloses the main brim of the hat and then you turn everything right side out. Please explain further how to attach. Thank you, Lynn