The fez is a low, cylindrical hat with a tassel hanging from the top. While not very popular in everyday use, it can be a perfect touch for different costumes. You can make your own fez right at home, using only a few materials and a little patience.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Making the Model
Step 1. Consider whether to print a template
You can make your own with a little effort, but if you find it difficult to figure out the right size or want to save yourself the hassle, you can always find a free template online and use it.
- Print the template on regular printer paper.
- You can freely search for a model online. Look on Pinterest or other similar sites.
Step 2. Measure your head
Use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your head. Place the end of the tape measure just below the curve of the skull, about 5-7cm above the ear. Then wrap the tape around your head until it returns to where it started, trying to keep it as parallel to the ground as possible.
Remember that these measurements must be precise enough so that the hat fits snugly on the head - a measurement that is too tight, however, will prevent the hat from staying in place
Step 3. Cut a piece of ribbon
Once you know your head circumference value, multiply it by 1.273. For example, if your head circumference is 54.5 cm, multiply this number by 1.273, which gives you the value of 69.38. shape that you will now trace for the fez body as part of a huge perfect circle. If the circle is a pizza, the piece you are trying to make is the edge of a slice. Since you only need part of it, you don't have to draw the whole circle, you just need to know its radius. You can do this by multiplying the circumference of the head by 1, 273; in our case, the measurement of the radius is equal to 69.38 cm. The next step is to cut a ribbon that is just 69.38 cm long.
- Make sure you use a ribbon that doesn't stretch too much.
- If you don't have string, you can use the ribbon that is used for gifts.
Step 4. Secure the sheet of paper
Before you start sketching your project, be sure to tape the paper to the table so you don't risk it moving while you're at work. A small piece of duct tape at each corner should suffice.
The ideal would be to attach the sheet to a wooden plank. In this way it will remain stationary once the design is finished, and you can go directly to the cutting phase
Step 5. Draw a curved strip
It will form the side of the fez. The longest part of the curve should be equal to the circumference of the head, plus another 1.5 cm of seam allowance. Take the ribbon you cut earlier and hold one end on the table, perpendicular to the paper. Make a loop at the other end and stick a pen or pencil into it. Place the pen on one side of the paper, and, keeping the tape taut, draw a curved line, letting the tape guide you. It is a kind of home compass, tailor-made for your head. Do the same for the inner curve, but trace it about 12-13cm above the first one.
- Draw the various pieces on plain paper and cut them out when you're done.
- Keep the pen straight as you draw. Any swing will result in a line imperfection.
Step 6. Draw a circle
On a sheet of printer paper, draw a perfect circle with a diameter of 6.5 cm. Cut it out.
This pattern will be used for the top of the fez
Part 2 of 4: Cutting the Pieces
Step 1. Pin the paper template over the felt
Arrange the side pieces on a large piece of felt. Make both surfaces as flat as possible, then push straight pins into the paper and material to keep them together. Repeat this with the top piece pattern and another piece of felt.
Use as many pins as necessary to secure the pattern to the felt, but remember that they could cause the felt to curl and therefore using too many could distort the shape of the felt once cut
Step 2. Cut out the shape of the model
Use sharp sewing scissors to cut out the felt stapled to the pattern pieces.
- Hold the scissors firmly and rotate the felt as you cut it for a cleaner cut.
- Remember to pull the blunt sides of the scissors close to the edges of the paper template. This will prevent the scissors from cutting at an angle, making the piece of felt too tight or too loose.
- Remember that these first pieces of felt will make up the outside of the hat.
Step 3. Repeat with the second piece of felt
Remove the pattern from the outer felt and pin the pattern from the top and sides to other pieces of felt. Cut them out.
These pieces of felt will make up the inside of the hat
Step 4. Repeat with the lining
Remove the pattern from the felt and place it on a rather heavy layer of lining. Pin them and cut the lining according to the size of the template.
The lining is necessary because it will give body and structure to the hat. Without it, the entire hat could collapse on itself once it is sewn. Use a heavy lining for the best result
Part 3 of 4: Making the tassel
Step 1. Make a loop with embroidery floss
Keep your non-dominant hand straight, keeping your fingers together. Using your dominant hand, wrap embroidery floss around the fingers of your other hand 20 to 30 times.
- The final tassel will be at least four times thicker than the initial width, keep that in mind.
- If you find it difficult to use your fingers or if you want a looser tassel, wrap the thread around a piece of heavy cardboard, cut to your chosen size. Remember that the tassel will be about half as wide as the piece of cardboard.
Step 2. Tie it
Gently slide the loop of thread from your hand. Wrap both ends tightly around the center of the ring. Tie the ends with a firm knot.
Remember to be very careful in choosing the height at which to wind the thread. If you don't wrap it in the exact center, the tassel may appear asymmetrical
Step 3. Cut the wrapped ends
With a sharp pair of scissors cut the ends on both sides of the knot. Arrange the ends of the thread so that they group under the central knot that holds everything together.
- At the end of this step you should already be able to see the shape of the tassel.
- If the ends of the tassel look uneven, trim them using scissors until they are about the same length.
Step 4. Knot the top, Cut another piece of embroidery floss
Wrap it around the top of the ends of the tassel, a little below the knot, tightening the top.
- This piece of embroidery floss will need to be 3-4 times the length of the tassel.
- You will need to wind the thread about a dozen times.
- Tie a small knot at the base of the wrapped part when you are done. Let the ends of the yarn hang with the tassel, cutting them so they are the same length.
Step 5. Join the ends
At the moment you should have two unjoined pieces of thread hanging from the knot. Knot them together as close to the end as possible, forming a loop.
- Trim the excess thread that hangs from the top knot so that it is less visible.
- Set the tassel aside until it's time to attach it to the hat.
Part 4 of 4: Assembling the Whole
Step 1. Iron the lining on the top felt part
Arrange the sides of the top felt part on a flat surface. Remember that the sides facing you will stay on the inside of the hat. Place the lining on the felt and pin it with a few straight pins. Then iron the lining over the felt following the instructions on the package. Repeat the process with the top of the fez.
- Make sure the shiny side of the lining is facing the fabric. This is usually the sticky side.
- Use the iron on low heat and apply a thin piece of fabric over the felt as protection. Do not use a direct heat source and do not set the temperature of the iron too high, as both actions could cause the felt to burn.
- At first, iron everything around the straight pins. When the fabric and lining feel like they are firmly together, remove the pins and go over the places you didn't go through before so that the lining adheres over the entire surface.
- When you're done, let the fabric cool.
Step 2. Pin and sew the two felt side pieces
Lay out the top of the felt with the lining facing your work surface and the outside facing you. Place the inner side over it, arranging it so that the edges meet exactly. Join the two pieces with straight pins and sew around the curved edges of the fabric, leaving about 5mm of seam allowance.
- Do not sew the two straight ends of the fabric.
- When you're done, insert the two pieces of felt and lining through one of the open ends. The lining should remain hidden inside the fabric and the side of the fez should be facing straight.
Step 3. Pin and sew the top two pieces of felt
Place the felt top on your work surface with the lining facing down. Then cover it with the other piece of felt and make sure the edges match. Pin and sew the pieces together, leaving about 5mm of seam allowance.
- Leave a small space of about 2-3 cm in the side of the circle as you sew the pieces. Don't sew it entirely.
- Once finished, turn the circle right side up, passing the material through the hole you left open. The lining should then be on the inside.
- Carefully fold the remaining open edges inside the circle and sew them.
Step 4. Match the two ends together
Arrange the side piece of felt on your work surface, so that the outside is facing you. Fold it in half sideways.
Step 5. Sew along the edges
Sew the stapled edge, leaving about 1 cm of seam allowance. When you're done, remove the pins.
Step 6. Attach the top piece of felt
Unfold the side piece of felt with the inner side facing you. Have it stand on the larger of the two openings and place the felt top over the smaller one. Pin the two pieces and sew the felt top to the side, leaving approximately 5mm of seam allowance.
- When you pin the felt top to the side, make sure the inside of the top piece is facing you.
- This part can be difficult to sew. Keep the top piece facing down, resting on the sewing machine, while the side piece should be facing up.
Step 7. Trim the inner top
Make small cuts in the top of the felt, when the hat is still facing backwards. Use sharp scissors to get clean cuts.
Make sure the cuts come close to the line of the thread but don't cross it
Step 8. Attach the tassel
Insert standard, multipurpose thread into a needle. Thread the thread through the inner layer of the fez, right at the center. Wrap the thread around the tassel loop before passing it through the top of the fez again. Then tie the thread on the inside of the hat.
- You can determine the length of the thread at will, depending on where you want the tassel to fall.
- Remember that the felt will still need to face inward. The knot of the thread should be facing you and the tassel should be hidden.
Step 9. Admire your work
Turn the hat upside down once more. Flatten the edges and tassel and try to wear it. With this step you will have completed this project successfully.
