FREE PATTERN : REVERSIBLE TODDLER HAT/BONNET

Remember these hats/bonnets I made a while back? I have been asked by many to put the pattern up here, and I finally got round to sorting that out!

You can download it by clicking here (PDF file)

You will need:
♥ Fabric of your choice. This is a good project to use up those remnants that you "just couldn't throw away".
♥ Matching thread
♥ About 10cm of 5mm elastic
♥ About 0.5m of bias binding, ribbon or similar for the ties.

1. Cut four of the side piece, and 2 of the top piece.

2. Sew one top piece to two of the side pieces so that the letters on the pattern match up. Repeat with the remaining pieces, so you end up with two raw-edged single layered bonnets.

3. Place the two together, right sides facing, and with the ties sandwiched between the two layers as marked on the pattern. Stitch almost all the way around, leaving a 5cm opening at the back.

4. Turn inside out through the opening you left and topstitch all the way around, closing the opening in the process.

5. You can leave it like this, but I like to add elastic to the back to make it fit nicer, and to stop it from slipping forward when a busy toddler is in full play mode. Now, you could have added the elastic before stitching the bonnet together, but I prefer to add it at this point because I prefer being able to adjust it so it's just right for the person it's for. And to be honest, it doesn't take any extra time - just a couple of hand stitches. So... I get out my seam ripper and very carefully unpick literally just a couple of stitches where marked on the pattern. I insert elastic into the casing created by the topstitching and secure it with a few stitches before threading it through using a safety pin until it comes out at the second opening. I then adjust the elastic as best I can whilst running after a toddler in full flight, secure with a few stitches and cut off the excess. I then close the small openings with a couple of hand stitches - it's like keyhole surgery with fabric :)

Ta-daaaa! You're done. And you know what is fab about it being reversible? You can turn it inside out if it gets a little grubby!!! (Yes I do have a washing machine, but you know I'm just saying what 99% of you are thinking - admit it!)

EDIT: As it's summer and probably too hot for a double-layer bonnet, you could easily make just a single-layer non-reversible one, by just finishing the raw edges with bias binding.

This pattern is free for personal use, but please do not use it if you intend to sell the finished product. If you use the pattern I would love to see your creations, and appreciate a comment and a link back to my blog.