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Making a Pillbox-type Hat

Marilyn3239 | Posted in General Sewing Info on

HELP!  I need help desperately.  For Dad’s 80th birthday, we have a skit concocted.  My daughter will be the sign changer (as in old Vaudeville)/cigarette girl and for that part I’d like to make her a pillbox-type hat, like the type monkeys of organ grinders wear with a flat top and circular base.  I tried making one with foam to make it harder and stapling material over it, but that definitely did not work.  CAN YOU HELP ME QUICKLY????  Thanks!

Replies

  1. carolfresia | | #1

    Marilyn, you could try using a very stiff fusible interfacing, such as Acro. You can even fuse several layers one of top of the other for added body. Another stiffener that's used in handbags and purses sometimes is that plastic needlepoint grid stuff; you might even be able to do a quickie sewing job by stitching the fabric to it through the grid. I don't know how neat you can get it to look that way, but it should stay firm, at least.

    Carol

    1. ShannonG4d | | #2

      I'd even take it one step further in the simple department......make it of cardboard, cover it with felt applied with spray glue.  After all, it's a costume....not meant to be worn for very long.

      1. carolfresia | | #3

        Yup, that's the way I do costume things, too! Remember, the glue gun is your friend...

        Carol

        1. Tish | | #4

          I've made costume crowns out of layers of heavy fusable interfacing, and I've made a costume pillbox hat out of plastic needlepoint canvas.

          That one was for a poodle costume.  After joining the plastic canvas, I whip-stitched lace ruffles all over it.  I can't describe the costume really, but I took her to a party and the man dressied as Barbie confided to me that, "As soon as she walked in I said to myself, that's either a poodle or Audrey Hepburn!"

          1. carolfresia | | #5

            That's what I'd expect to hear from a man dressed as Barbie!!

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