This post is also available in: Finnish

I love creating new items for my shop. Sometimes it’s a challenge, if I’m making a completely new model and have to start from scratch with the patterns. That was the case with these newsboy hats; I simply started trying what might work out, made several prototypes, adjusted the patterns again and made new ones until I was happy with the result. It’s not exactly easy and definitely not fast, but it gives me so much information on how I can create different shapes for hats – in fact, after this process I’m able to sew at least 2 different variations of the newsboy hat. Time well spent!

These days you can probably find a new hat in an average store for $10. After making this hat I’m even more shocked about those prices. I know what it takes to make one, and believe me it can’t be done in 30 minutes. I’d be happy to discuss the patterns and the process with anyone who wants to try! For example, for this model I need to cut 18 different pieces. The visor alone requires 6 work steps. The final seams have to be sewn by hand to get a flawless result. Before all these steps I have, of course, gone out and searched for the perfect materials, inspected them, washed and ironed them. All in all, it takes several hours to make one of these hats from the beginning to the very end.

This is a classic newsboy hat with 8 panels. Once I have sewn them together, I top stitch each panel to create more structure and add a nice finish. One of my patterns is for a deep cut (wider on the sides, with full front) whereas the other one is a bit narrower and more of a flat cap style. I’m looking forward to continuing the pattern adjustments to make several different options for my customers!

There is a full lining on the inside, carefully stitched to stay in place. The top of the hat is decorated with a button, either made of the same fabric or something that suits the overall style of the hat.

This striped piece was a custom order but I will be adding some of these hats to my shop during the weekend. If you’re interested in having one made in your size and favorite color, contact me and we’ll make it happen!