How Do You Make A Felt Stovepipe Hat?
Stovepipe hats say patriotism–think Abraham Lincoln and Uncle Sam. Stovepipe hats say elegance–think Fred Astaire and Rich Uncle Pennybags from the Monopoly board. Stovepipe hats say whimsy–think Willy Wonka and the Cat in the Hat. They make you look taller, too. A fancy silk top hat could cost you hundreds of dollars, but with some felt, glue and cardboard you can make your own. Decide how tall you want your hat to be. Historically stovepipe hats were between 7 1/2 and 8 inches tall, but you can go as high as 12 inches if you want an exaggerated look. Make a poster board or cardboard tube wide enough to fit around your head and as high as you want your hat to be. Tape it together to make a mold for your hat’s crown. Draw a circle about 1/2 inch wider than the top of your crown on the poster board or cardboard. Cut out the circle. Cut 1/2-inch notches about an inch apart into the large circle, bend these tabs down, and tape tabs to the outside top of the crown. Trace the bottom of t
