Patchwork Hat Design project

Design Research

The creation of these hats came through the natural process of need and the access to the material I had on hand. The “boonie” style hat with the mesh top was the first one to come to fruition. I wanted to make something that was breathable and had the ability to be secured to the head. Using a poly tricot for the top base I started adding strips of linen, poly tricot, woven cotton from b.d.u. pants and nylon ripstop to create the crown of the hat. Once I had a shape that was deep enough for it to sit comfortably on the head I started to piece blanket wool, b.d.u. cotton, woven linen, nylon ripstop, poly tricot together to create a brim. All fabric choices were based on weight and color to create some kind of unison amongst the varieties of materials. I used the belt loops from the b.d.u. pants to to hold a para-cord rope with a cord adjuster around the crown of the hat to secure the hat in place. From what I learned making this hat I was able to use that knowledge to inform how I made the next three hats.

Patchwork Hat 001 “Boonie”

Materials: Poly Tricot, B.D.U. Cotton, Woven Linen, Nylon Ripstop, Vintage Blanket Wool, Para-Cord

“Boonie” style hat made to be breathable but hard wearing. Adjustable toggle with para-cord rope for a secure fit in windy conditions.

Patchwork Hat 002 “12 Fabrics”

Materials: Cotton Mesh, Cotton Broadcloth, Cotton Shirting, Indigo Dyed Silk, Cotton Bandana, Poly Scarf, Wax Print Cotton, Vintage Japanese Obi, Selvedge Denim, Cotton Velvet, B.D.U.Cotton, Indigo Denim

Bucket hat style with unique fabrics that I have collected over the last 10 years. Each piece of this hat contains rich personal history of my love for textures and colors.

Patchwork Hat 003 “Quilted”

Materials: Woven Nylon, Poly Flannel B.D.U. Cotton, Poly/Cotton Flannel, Cotton Mesh

Floppy Brim hat made from a square quilted patch work of natural and synthetic material that are pretty light weight.

Patchwork Hat 004 “Ronin”

Materials: Blanket Wool, Cotton Mesh, Woven Linen, Diamond Ripstop, Loop Terry Cotton Knit, Cotton Flannel, Poly Flannel, Woven Nylon, Poly Knit, B.D.U. Cotton, Cotton Broadcloth

Inspired by the sorting hat, fancy flat brimmed hats worn at horse races and wandering samurai. The shape of this hat is what is really important. It is a large fitting hat that can be adjusted in size. When the back is fastened to the smaller snap the shape of the hat will also change.