Sunbonnet How-to: Make Your Own Sunbonnet in Less than Two Hours

(Page 3 of 3)

July/August 1978
By Betty Callahan 
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[4] Scrunch up the DUCK TAIL by pushing both ends toward the center as you pull out on each end of the DRAWSTRING. This (a) will create decorative folds of cloth that will hang down around the nape of your neck and (b) will allow you to adjust the bonnet to ride either high or low on your head, as you desire. Try the cap on while holding the ends of the DRAWSTRING ... then loosen or tighten the folds for a comfortable fit. Finally, pin—and then stitch—the edges of the DUCK TAIL to the DRAWSTRING . . . then tie the "leftover" ends of the DRAWSTRING off into little bows.

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[5] The last items you should add to your new sunbonnet will be the two chin-strap TIES. First, fold each one lengthwise twice and stitch it exactly as you folded and stitched the DRAWSTRING. Then sew the two straps—one on each side—to the BRIM's rear edge, very close to where it joins the CROWN. You may wish to safety-pin the TIES into place first . . . try on the bonnet again . . . then check the chin straps for position before you sew them to the BRIM.

A JOB WELL DONE

That's it! You've now got a beautiful sunbonnet, and you made it all by yourself ... with just a little help from my grandma! And, if you're really excited by what you've accomplished, I have two suggestions for your next project: You may "gussie up" the BRIM by adding lace ruffles, bows, embroidery, or any type of fancy decoration you choose. Or . .. why not buy more material and put together two or three bonnets for friends? (This pattern will make an adorable little sun cap for a baby if you cut all the measurements in half.)

Finally, once you've become familiar with the basic design (and the function of all the parts) of this oldtimey head covering, experiment with slight measurement variations to make truly unique gifts and presents for birthdays and holidays!

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Comments

  • LaVonne 8/26/2009 11:48:01 AM

    There is no pattern that I could find for the "Sunbonnet"

  • Ida Jo Duncan 6/23/2009 11:09:11 AM

    I would like to print off the sunbonnet pattern, but there was no pattern, only instructions. Do I need to go to another site for the pattern? Ida Jo Duncan

  • Nancy Saucier 4/4/2009 11:04:25 PM

    Where's the illustration? When I click image gallery, all I get is the photo of the lady with the cow. No pattern.

  • Melody 10/27/2008 5:52:10 PM

    good article

  • Manu 10/23/2008 4:31:46 AM

    Just made this bonnet for my daughters colonial day at school and it was very easy and turned out beautiful... Instead of having separate neck straps to tie under her chin I made the drawstring at the nape of the neck long and this was used to tie under her chin. I adjusted the pattern about 2 inches smaller to fit my 8 year old.

    Took me about 45 minutes all up.
    Thanks heaps for the pattern and photos

  • Brenda Kincaid 10/20/2008 5:51:23 PM

    I would like to make the sunbonnet for my granddaughter, but I'm not seeing the pattern with the measurements. How do I access the pattern? I would like to make this bonnet for Halloween. Thanks.

  • Melissa 9/20/2008 11:56:20 PM

    Thank you so much for this free and hard-to-find pattern! It's all the more special knowing it was a pattern passed down through the generations.

    After making my own, I had several thoughts for others who wish to use the pattern:

    1) Reproduction fabric is readily available in specialty fabric stores or online, and lends an old-time feel to the pattern.

    2) The ducktail is *a part of* the crown (one piece). Be careful! I accidentally originally cut these as two separate pieces, but thankfully had enough fabric to re-cut them the correct way--as one piece.

    3) I found that the ties' length wasn't nearly long enough for ease of use/tying, and increased the original 12" cut to 22". You may want to try different lengths to see what looks and works best for you. They're easy to remove/redo if needed.

    4) If you're very familiar with sewing, you can hide the thick and unsightly crown-to-brim seam by leaving free one "right side" inside edge of the brim from the crown as you sew; then flip it to the inside of the bonnet and ladder (hidden) stitch it to the inside, turning in the raw edge. If you do this, you'll need to do the recommended brim reinforcement stitches *after* sewing the sunbonnet. I did not add the milk bottles--the brim on mine is several layers of stiff cotton fabric.

    5) If you have a sewing machine, check your manual for decorative stitches. Some have a faux "backstitch" made to look like hand-stitching. Sure it's cheating, but it helps make the bonnet look like an heirloom without all the work.

    6) For those wondering where the pattern is, you have to make it yourself (the author recommends using paper bags) using this as a guide: http://www.motherearthnews.com/multimedia/image-gallery.aspx?id=66290&seq=2
    It's easy to do by hand with the help of a yardstick. Some measurements (of curves) need to be guessed on, but that will just make yours a true original!

    7) I didn'

  • Ximena 9/10/2008 8:47:40 PM

    Hi! Could anyone tell me to what size did you enlarge the patterns? 200%, 150%... ? Please, let me know. Thank you!

  • Darlene 7/7/2008 8:20:44 PM

    I found the pictures under "Image Gallery". Then look at the page carefully. If you find the words "next" and click on that, it takes you through to the next pic, showing a closeup of the hat. Keep clicking on next and it will take you to the pattern pieces and construction details.

    HTH.

  • Darlene 7/7/2008 1:09:30 PM

    I found the pictures under "Image Gallery". Then look at the page carefully. If you find the words "next" and click on that, it takes you through to the next pic, showing a closeup of the hat. Keep clicking on next and it will take you to the pattern pieces and construction details.

    HTH.

  • Linda 7/5/2008 8:52:53 PM

    This looks like a wonderful pattern for a pioneer sun bonnet. I have searched all over the internet. Thank you so much. Can you please tell me how to adjust for a child of 3 years old. You have a baby at 1/2 the measurements, but what about a child? Thanks again.

  • Char Tate 6/29/2008 11:08:26 AM

    You will find the pattern in the "image gallery"

  • Peggy 2/5/2008 6:50:05 PM

    Is the pattern for this available on the website? I couldn't
    find it. Even if it was scaled down, it would be extrememly
    helpful.

  • Anne-Christine 12/23/2007 5:00:41 AM

    THANKS for sharing ! My daughter (4) is crazy about the Little
    House. She asks me for ages to get a hat like Laura's. I spent one
    hour to find your page, no free patterns about this sunbonnet are
    available throughout internet ! You are probably the only page
    where a free pattern is available ! Great pattern and great
    explanations. What is the name of your grandmother ? So I can call
    the pattern "the sunbonnet of Maria (or ?)"

  • Carrie 12/3/2007 12:13:54 PM

    Love the bonnet and so happy to find the pattern. Thanks you for
    sharing!

  • Carrie 12/3/2007 12:13:47 PM

    Love the bonnet and so happy to find the pattern. Thanks you for
    sharing!

  • Kittie 11/7/2007 8:14:04 PM

    Thank you so much! My great-grandmother put a sunbonnet on me when
    I was three years old. Now I can make matching ones for my mom, me
    and my 3 1/2 year old daughter

  • Hannah 11/1/2007 9:23:43 PM

    Hi, I got this website after I did a search on bonnets. My daughter
    Esther was having her 150th anniversary school parade and needed to
    look the part. I am not a sewer at all! and decided to give this a
    shot. It did not take me long and it looks fantastic. I have kept
    the pattern and will definately keep it for my younger daughter as
    well. THANK YOU SO MUCH GRANDMA!!!

  • Nancy 9/15/2007 11:16:11 PM

    I cannot find the pattern. Only two pictures, which repeat. No
    fifth picture. I have an iMac. No right click. Nothing to click on.
    Help. Need info quickly to make a bonnet in a week. Thanks, NW

  • bobbi 7/27/2007 11:11:41 PM

    where is the pattern?

  • Leatha 6/1/2007 5:53:13 PM

    Oops, thanks I found it. Was anyone able to print it?
    &nbsp;
    Mother Responds: If you right click on the image to be printed,
    you can print from there.

  • Leatha 6/1/2007 5:49:42 PM

    HELLO? Is anybody there? Where is the pattern? Great article with
    instructions, but NO pattern

  • E.McPherson 4/25/2007 12:06:21 PM

    Looking for bonnet pattern also????? Thanx Elizabeth
    Mother Responds: The pattern is in the Image Gallery, to the top
    right of the article, under "Related."

  • E.McPherson 4/25/2007 12:06:13 PM

    Looking for bonnet pattern also????? Thanx Elizabeth

  • Frankie 3/29/2007 10:54:38 AM

    Where is the bonnet pattern? Instructions are there, but no
    pattern. HELP

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