Crafting Bavarian Felt Hats: A Step-By-Step Guide

The Bavarian hat, also known as the Tyrolean or Alpine hat, is a traditional German hat that is an essential element of local folk costume. It is typically made from felt or wool and is decorated with various accessories such as hat pins, feathers, and flowers. The process of making a Bavarian felt hat involves cutting and folding a piece of felt to form the hat's shape, securing it with glue, and adding a cord or rope around the base of the crown. The hat is then adorned with a feather or brush on a pin, with the placement varying based on the wearer's gender. These hats are symbolic of Bavarian heritage, culture, and tradition, often associated with Lederhosen and Oktoberfest celebrations.

Sourcing materials: felt, wool, or leather

Traditional Bavarian hats are usually made from felt or wool. Felt is a non-woven material made from polyester fibres, while wool is a natural fabric made from sheep's wool. Both materials can be purchased from specialist fabric shops or online.

If you are looking for felt, Fabric Land offers a wide range of colours at competitive prices. They sell felt by the sheet or by the metre, making it easy to find the right amount for your project.

For wool, Mood Fabrics offers a variety of weights and colours, which can be purchased by the yard. This is particularly useful if you need a specific amount for your hat-making project.

Alternatively, if you are looking for leather, Etsy is a great option. They offer a wide range of genuine leather fabrics in various colours and weights, perfect for hat-making. You can often find leather scraps and remnants on Etsy, which can be a more affordable option.

With any of these materials, you can start crafting your Bavarian hat. It's important to consider the amount you need and whether you want to buy by the sheet, metre, or yard, depending on the material.

Shaping the crown

Next, fold the top layer of the bottom flap upwards until the lower edge meets the edges of the folds. Fold it in half again so that the bottom flap covers the lower edge of the folded corners. Flip the hat over and repeat this process with the other bottom flap to form the hat band or brim.

Now, put the hat on your head to give the crown its initial shape. Remove the hat and wrap a cord around the crown, just above the brim. Tie or glue the ends of the cord together to secure it in place.

Finally, you can make some adjustments to the brim by gently pulling at its sides to give it some shape.

Creating the brim

Start by laying the felt flat, with the longer edges at the top and bottom. Fold the top edge down so that it meets the bottom edge, resulting in a rectangle that measures 11 by 12 inches. Find and mark the centre point of this folded edge, and then fold the two corners in towards the middle so that the edges touch. Secure these folds with fabric glue.

Next, work on creating the brim. Fold the top layer of the bottom flap up so that the lower edge meets the previous folds. Fold this flap in half again so that it covers the lower edge of the folded corners. Repeat this process for the other side, creating a mirror image.

To finalise the brim, run a bead of glue between the layers of the hat band along the short edge. Hold the edges together with clothespins until the glue sets. Repeat this process on the backside of the hatband to ensure a secure brim.

Gently pull at the sides of the brim to shape it. You can also use steam to reshape the hat if needed.

Adding decorations: feathers, flowers, or ribbons

Traditional Bavarian hats, also known as Tyrolean, Alpine, or Bavarian hats, are often decorated with various accessories, such as feathers, flowers, ribbons, and hat pins. These embellishments add a touch of elegance and tradition to the hat, making it stand out from ordinary headwear.

When adding decorations to your Bavarian felt hat, you can choose from a variety of options, including feathers, flowers, or ribbons. Here are some instructions for each option:

Feathers:

Feathers are a classic choice for decorating Bavarian hats and can be added in a few different ways. One way is to use a hat pin to attach a feather to the side of the hat. Traditionally, men wear the pin on the left side, while women wear it on the right. You can also tuck the quill of the feather inside a cord wrapped around the base of the crown and secure it with a pin. The type of feather you choose is also important—traditionally, feathers were often made from the beard of a chamois goat, a species of goat-antelope native to the mountains of Europe. Today, feathers can be made from a variety of materials, such as peacock, pheasant, or even synthetic fibers.

Flowers:

Flowers are another popular choice for decorating Bavarian hats. You can add a spray of flowers to the side of the crown, similar to how you would attach feathers. Fresh flowers are always a beautiful option, but you can also use artificial flowers for a more long-lasting decoration. Small flowers, such as edelweiss, are a good choice as they won't overwhelm the hat.

Ribbons:

Ribbons are often used as a decorative hatband on Bavarian hats. Choose a ribbon that complements the color of your hat and wrap it around the base of the crown. You can secure it with glue or by tying the ends together. Braided cords are also a popular choice for hatbands and can be purchased from most craft stores. If you're feeling creative, you can even try braiding your own cord using wool or ribbon.

When decorating your Bavarian felt hat, it's important to consider the overall color scheme and style you're going for. Traditional Bavarian hats are often green, but they can also be found in other colors like brown, grey, or red. Choose decorations that complement the color of your hat, creating a cohesive and stylish look.

Reshaping and maintenance

To reshape your Bavarian hat, you can use steam. Hold the hat over a pot of steaming water or use a handheld steamer to soften the felt. Then, carefully reshape the hat to its original form and allow it to air-dry completely before wearing it again.

To maintain the quality and appearance of your Bavarian hat, follow these tips:

• Avoid exposing the hat to direct sunlight for extended periods. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the colour to fade and the felt to lose its shape. Store your hat in a cool, dark place when not in use.
• Keep your hat dry. Felt is sensitive to moisture, and excessive dampness can damage its structure. If your hat gets wet, let it air-dry at room temperature. Do not use hair dryers or other direct heat sources, as they can cause the felt to shrink.
• Clean your hat gently with a soft-bristled brush, a lint roller, or a damp cloth with a mild soap solution for more stubborn stains. Always test any cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area first.
• Store your hat in a cool, dry place, preferably in a hatbox or on a hat rack, to maintain its shape. Avoid stacking other items on top of the hat to prevent it from becoming misshapen or flattened.
• Handle the hat with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from transferring to the felt, which can cause staining or discolouration.
• Keep any hatbands clean by gently wiping them with a damp cloth. If the hatband is removable, you can hand wash it separately and then air-dry it before reattaching it to the hat.
• Consider investing in a protective hat spray designed for felt hats. These sprays can help repel water and protect against stains, keeping your hat looking its best for longer.

Frequently asked questions