Pattern Fantastique - Belle Hat

The Belle is a reversible floppy hat. With a robust outer fabric and lighter inner fabric, the combination of weights gives the perfect floppy fall for this lazy day hat. Optional mini loop details for both inside and outside are included to hold ties that double as crown trim. You can have loops on both, one side, or none.

The brim bias edge trim makes an easy-to-achieve finish with a split edge so the bias safely frays. This technique means you can have either contrast or matching trim on both sides.

Partial brim wire can be added if required to keep the brim out of your eyes without compromising the floppy hat's aesthetics. The notions include a few accessible wire options to make sourcing easier.

The Belle is a soft-fitting hat; the higher crown is on the narrower side, with the brim point a softer fit. The tie can cinch in the brim for a firmer fit. Thicker fabric will shrink the head circumference slightly.

Size: XS - L or 53 cm - 60.5 cm

Fabric:
Outer fabric - weighty, no stretch, 250 GSM , with a pliable finish to help craft the soft crown curves. Good options include cotton twill, denim, and canvas.
Inner fabric - lighter, stable cotton approx 120gsm such as cotton poplin
The combination of these weights plus the construction method will turn the seams into the scaffolding for the brim.

Light to mid weight knit interfacing is optional and can be used to build up the fabric body and give a consistent, smooth texture for crunchier fabrics. It will also improve the overall fall and shape of the Belle. You can use this on both the inner and/or outer fabrics.

Fabric requirements:
Outer & inner fabric - 0.5m at 130cm wide of each fabric
Interfacing - 0.65m at least 80cm wide

Notions:
Optional plastic brim wire: Suggestions are Millinery wire, Hanging wire, Fishing wire, Grass trimmer wire (aka Whipper Snipper)
Length = 20 cm

Difficulty: Intermediate.

Photo credits: Pattern Fantastique