Arctic Trapper Hats

I live on Hoth. It’s the only way to describe temperatures hovering around -38°C (-36°F). I really wish that were a typo.

Anyway, I saw the weather forecast last week and decided that my babies needed added warmth, so I got these hats and neck warmers sewn up.

I actually cut these hats out ages ago, but then didn’t get around to them when it was cold, and then didn’t feel motivated when it was warm. It is no longer warm.

The hats are the Arctic Trapper Hat by See Kate Sew. They are two-layer hats with a hipster feel. I added ear flaps, and I used two layers of fleece to make them warmer. The inside is super soft and the outside has a bit of a berber texture. It’s the same fabric I used to make them mittens.

The hats really do fit quite large, so it’s probably good that I waited a year to sew them up (shuffles feet, avoids eye contact).

The hats turned out really well, but there are two things I might change. The ear flaps poke out a little, so I think I’ll get some buttons for them, like the real grown-up versions. And second, I think they might be better with a chin strap so that they stay flat against the ears to keep them warm. Of course, if I didn’t live in Hoth, they would be just great as is. In fact, I may make another set out of corduroy for fall when chin straps are unnecessary.

The neck warmers were made without a pattern, but measure about 10″ by 10″. They also have two layers.

Since all my kids have the same sets, I sewed different coloured ribbons into the seams of the hats and neck warmers so the kids could tell them apart. They picked out the ribbons themselves.

I had these made up for the beginning of January, but it was just too cold and snowy for an outdoor photo shoot. So I had to wait until this week for a balmy -16°C (3°F). Brrrrrr. Where’s my tauntaun?

This post is part of the Stashbusting Sewalong.

Project Summary

Pattern Review: Arctic Trapper Hats by See Kate Sew, available in sizes 12m-8 (in 4 different sizes).
Fabric: Two layers of polar fleece.
Sizes: 12/18m, 3/4, and 5/6.
Cost: Pattern: 6$. Fabric: $0 (leftover from another project).
Project Sewing Level: Beginner.
Modifications: I added ear flaps.
Results: Great. This was fast, and I love the hipster look.

Author: Shannon Smith

Data scientist, journalist, sewist, hiker, modern quilter, slam poet, and mum of four. My best friends are trees and my favourite food is granola. View all posts by Shannon Smith