How to Make a Sunbonnet

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Sunbonnets have been worn on farms for generations, and are still useful today!
Sunbonnets have been worn on farms for generations, and are still useful today!
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Our sunbonnet is both practical and easy to make.
Our sunbonnet is both practical and easy to make.
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Follow this sunbonnet pattern for a classic bonnet.
Follow this sunbonnet pattern for a classic bonnet.
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Begin by cutting out the pattern.
Begin by cutting out the pattern.
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Lay the pattern on the cloth, pin them in place and cut out.
Lay the pattern on the cloth, pin them in place and cut out.
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Sew all the pieces together.
Sew all the pieces together.
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Next, trace the pattern onto brown grocery bag or heavy wrapping paper.
Next, trace the pattern onto brown grocery bag or heavy wrapping paper.
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Bunching the excess CROWN fabric will create a nice
Bunching the excess CROWN fabric will create a nice "baggy" look.

Summer sunbonnets have been worn by the ladies in our family for the past six or seven generations. My 84-year-old grandmother — who taught me how to make the sunbonnets — used to handstitch hers up out of turkey-feed sacks back in the days when bulk grain came in fancyprint cotton bags instead of today’s “modern” paper containers. And she worked from a pattern — the very one I’m going to pass along to you now that was handed down to her ages ago by her mother-in-law.

I suppose I’m about the first member of our family to make a sunbonnet with the help of a sewing machine. You may use one too if you wish, but it’s certainly not necessary. And I’m sure you’ll have no trouble following my simple instructions on how to make a sunbonnet, even if you’ve never sewn before! Anyone can make a sunbonnet!

Washable Cloth Is Best for Sunbonnets

A sunbonnet may be made of most any washable cloth you prefer … such as common cotton, muslin, or even lightweight denim. The main requirement for sunbonnet material is the ability to withstand many washings and considerable exposure to the sun without becoming too limp or faded. Then too, since it’s difficult to iron a sunbonnet, the fabric used in one of these ruffled head coverings should also be fairly wrinkle resistant.

You’ll need 1 1/2 yards of a 36-inch-wide, brightly flowered print in your favorite colors plus a 36-by-18-inch piece of heavy muslin (or any other stiff, washable cloth that can be used as padding) to make a sunbonnet.

  • Published on Jul 1, 1978
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