One of my biggest frustrations when putting together a character is being unable to locate the costume pieces in the colors I envision. This minor irritation is one of the reasons I’m usually hacking, tweaking, and revamping pieces.
I love to take a basic costume accessory or thrifted find and add, subtract, dye or embellish to give it an entirely new look. I get even more excited when I do it quickly and economically.
For this last-minute pirate costume hat hack, I’m going to makeover an inexpensive hat elevating it from basic to buccaneer-worthy.
To begin, we will need a hat. You can select a bicorn or tricorn costume hat. I’m using this tricorn pirate hat you can find in our shop.
Next, we need some trim. You can find oodles of trim options at any fabric store and online in all price ranges. You can get it on a small roll, or you can purchase it by-the-yard.
Before you hit the fabric store, measure around the edge of your hat so that you know how much trim you will need. Add on a few extra inches to allow for some wiggle room.
In addition to selecting a color, you also want to consider what type and size of trim. I trend towards more braided gimps and pleated ruffles but experiment with whatever you like. One thing I do keep in mind when picking out trim is the size. I prefer a more beefy trim that makes a statement, so I usually select something at least 1/2 inch wide. I also check that the trim is flexible enough to follow the curves of the hat without bunching.
Once you have your trim, you can decide how you want to apply it to your hat. The fastest method is to use hot glue. For a longer-lasting application, I prefer to machine-stitch it in place. Either way will work.
To get an idea of how the trim will look, clip it onto your hat. You can line the trim along the edge or allow it to creep over the edge. It just depends on the look you want.
Start at the center back of your hat and begin attaching the trim using your desired method. Continue around the hat ending where you started. Cut off any excess.
And, that’s it! Your pirate is ready to plunder.
But wait! There’s more!
If you want to take your pirate game up another notch, keep that glue gun on deck and add a glitter skull and crossbones pattern you can find in the Haunted Library. Not enough? Pile on more embellishments such as some feathers, florals, ribbon, or even a miniature pirate ship.
Whether you keep it simple or go overboard with extras, have fun and make it yours.
Like our bedazzled buccaneer? Be sure to check out our Jeweled Skull tutorial to make one for your pirate party.
