How to Sew a Kids' Hat from an Old Sweater

Upcycling old knitwear often leaves useful pieces such as the lower part of a sweater or the sleeves. They can be turned into a child's hat with a cheerful fabric fish decoration. The pattern is simple: measure the head circumference at its widest point and choose the desired height.

Choose a clean, fully dry sweater with sound fabric and seams. Make sure the hat fits comfortably, and remove it if the child seems overheated. Avoid long cords, loose decorations, detachable buttons, and poorly secured stuffing. This is an adult sewing project: keep scissors, needles, pins, and the sewing machine away from children, and make sure every seam and appliqué is securely sewn.

Use the lower part of the knit garment with its ribbed hem for the lower edge of the hat.

Fold the knit fabric right sides together, measure the required width, and shape a rounded top. Pin or baste the pieces and check the fit. If it fits, sew with a narrow zigzag stitch or a serger; a hand-worked overcast stitch with doubled thread is another option. Test the seam on a scrap first so it can stretch with the knit fabric.

For the decoration, use scraps from the same sweater and a sturdy fabric. Make a simple fish template, trace it onto two layers of fabric, and cut it out with seam allowances.

Sew the fish by machine or by hand, leaving an opening for turning it right side out.

Turn the fish right side out, add a small amount of polyester filling or cotton, and stitch the opening closed securely.

For the eye, cut a white fabric circle with a 1.5 cm seam allowance. Clip the seam allowance, turn the edge inward, and press it. Another fabric-appliqué technique can be used if you prefer.

Sew the eye to the fish. For a child's hat, embroider the pupil rather than using a button or another detachable decoration.

Sew the fish firmly onto the hat, check that the padding and all edges are enclosed, and the upcycled hat is ready.