If you have accidentally washed a favorite sweater and it will never fit again--this guide will save the day!  Make a hat from your sweater!This detailed guide is an idea to use for making one of the popular knit hats such as BURDA pattern 7996.  I used this pattern to make my first hat to get an accurate fit.  If you already have a hat, cut a pattern from newspaper and you are off to a good start. 

Needful things list:  Pattern, Fabric or sweater that has been washed and dried, Pins, Yarn (if you want ties), Matching thread, Lining fabric.  You could use one of your t-shirts for this.

First select your sweater, or purchase fleece fabric for this project. Then lay your sweater or fabric out flat on the table.  If there is  a design in the fabric, pin it so it will line up--you want your lines to match. 

1. Lay your pattern piece out on the doubled fabric and pin it in place.
2. Carefully cut the pattern piece out.  You now have two identical pieces.
3. Pin and Baste the darts together.  Then stitch.  Stitch the seam.
4. Cut the lining pieces out just like the fabric pieces and make the darts in the lining pieces. Stitch the seams on the lining and leave a small opening to turn the hat right side out later on.
5. Now you have 2 hats.  Put the hats together matching the seams with RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER. If you want ties, make them from yarn or use cord and insert them into the seam.  They will be in the hat when you stitch--not outside the hat.
6. Pin the lining and the hat together matching the seams and stitch in a 5/8 inch seam.  Now turn the hat through the tiny opening you left in the lining.  Smartee!
7. If you are sewing machine savvy, carefully top stitch around the outside of the hat.  This will keep the lining in place and add some structure. It would also look great to use yarn here.  Use a yarn needle and yarn with large stitches around the outside edge.

Don't you just love it! 

Tips:  Use shampoo to wash if you have used wool to make your hat. Soak the hat squeeze to get the water out--don't wring this darling hat!  Then rinse and press the water out--use a towel.  If you are in a way cold climate-making an interlining (another lightweight layer of fabric)and you will be even warmer.  

Next time we will make recon mittens & scarf!    Happy New Year ! Claudia