Mark your measurements with a pen or marker or create a template of your measurements to follow as you cut. Add or subtract length to the gnome hat to make a taller or shorter hat. For example, if you want a shorter hat, try cutting your felt into a 5 by 7 inches (13 cm × 18 cm) cone. If your gnome’s body is larger than 5 inches (13 cm), add 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) to the body measurement. If you’re making a felt gnome hat for yourself, wrap a fabric tape measure around your own head and add 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) to the result to get the bottom measurement of your hat.
If you don’t have a glue gun, use an all-purpose craft glue or super glue.
Be careful when handling felt and hot glue, as the felt might be warm to the touch where the glue is applied.
Folding the hat inside out hides the seam and gives you a sewn look without actual sewing.
Pinch and glue sections of the hat together for a rustic, folded look. [6] X Research source Bend and drape the hat to the side of the gnome to make the hat look like a sleeping cap. [7] X Research source Slip the hat over a styrofoam cone to help it stay upright. [8] X Research source
Avoid trimming the top of the cone so it keeps its perfect point. Try cutting at an angle if you want the hat to lean back a bit. [10] X Research source
This helps the hat rest on your gnome’s head.
If you don’t have a glue gun, use super or all-purpose craft glue.
Pick a larger, fuzzy tube sock for an aged hat. Play around with the sock folds to get the exact aesthetic you’re looking for. Fold the sock hem up and over to create a brim. Leave the toe of the sock off the cone for a droopier hat.
If you’re making the hat for a figurine gnome, find a free pattern online that matches the size of your gnome or make one yourself by having the bottom part of the hat be 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) bigger than the gnome’s head or coat. [15] X Research source If you’re making the hat for yourself, measure your head with a fabric measuring tape and add about 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) of seam allowance to your measurement. [16] X Research source
Check that the fabric’s design lines up under your pattern in a way you like before cutting.
Pin the hem down before you sew, or fold the hem in while you sew. This step is optional but can help your gnome hat look neater.
If the paint dries a bit streaky after the first coat, consider adding a second coat for a brighter, even color. If you want to make your gnome hat a lighter color, consider spray painting your pot white first, as this will help the color pop more.
Gluing the pot to the gnome is optional but can help the hat stay in place. Try propping your gnome up against a tree, stone, or step if the weight of the hat causes it to tip over.
Use cardstock or poster board for a more durable gnome hat. If you don’t have a compass, make your own with a piece of string the length of your measurement and 2 pencils. Tie an end of the string to each pencil. Hold one of the pencils on the paper’s point, extend the other the length of the string, and draw an arc.
If overlapping the edges 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) makes the hat too small or too big, no worries! Make the hat bigger by rolling it less, or make the hat smaller by rolling it tighter.
You can also use hot glue to hold the cone together, but the glue lines may be seen through the paper. Consider decorating your gnome hat with sequins, feathers, flowers, or drawn doodles once it’s taped together. This way, you’ll know exactly where to put the decorations so they’re seen on your gnome or your own head.
