Costume Craftwork on a Budget

Chapter 9 Straw and Horsehair Hats

MAKING A STRAW BONNET

The bonnet in this example was made used for Mary in the production Tom Sawyer (Figure 9-1).

Figure 9-1 Costume Design for Mary in Tom Sawyer.

PROCEDURE FOR MAKING A BONNET

Materials Required:

•  Straw wefts or a straw hat

•  Pattern paper

•  Sewing machine

•  Scissors

•  Container for water

•  Needle and thread

•  Fabric, lace trim, and ribbon

•  Wig comb

Step One: Preparing Pattern and Straw Braids

•  Make a pattern for both a straw brim (Figure 9-2c) and fabric cap.

•  Undo the straw-hat braids (Figure 9-2a), and soak the braids in cold water for 30 minutes to straighten them (Figure ...