1. Measure your head where you want the hat to rest. My measurement was 22″

2. Cut your banding fabric 4″ by whatever you head measurement +1″  (4″x23″)
3. Sew the ends of your band together with 1/2″ seam
4. Figure out your circle radius:
-For a less floppy hat:      Band measurement divided by 3.14  and 1″ to that number
-For more floppy:              Band measurement divided by 6.14 then multiply by 2,3,or 4 and so on    and 1″ to that number
5. Cut circle of above radius (measurement from center of circle to edge). I used an 8″ radius
6. For this part you can either pleat or gather:
Pleat your circle pinning as you go until the opening matches the measurement of your band
7. Pin you band to the circle portion of the hat, right sides together.   For some reason I only took pictures of the checkered hat up to this point, the rest is a red hat. But it’s the same thing!
8. Sew at 1/2″ seam allowance
9. Fold the edge of the band to meet the opposite edge
10. Fold again so your first fold meets the seam
11. Pin in place and sew
All done!!!
Add flowers, change the fabric. There are tons of options. Here are three that I’ve made