Crafting A Wedding Watch Hat Fit For Royalty

Hats are a staple at British weddings, and none more so than at a royal wedding. From the subtle to the stunning, and the downright ridiculous, guests go all out with their headwear choices. Princess Beatrice's toilet seat fascinator, which she wore to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011, is a prime example of a royal wedding watch hat that garnered international attention. If you're looking to make your own statement at the next royal wedding, here's a guide to help you create a hat that's sure to turn heads.

Choosing a hat or a fascinator

When it comes to British wedding hats, fashion isn't always the lens through which to view them. British Vogue editor and author Bronwyn Cosgrave notes that "there is no style". Instead, she says, a wedding is supposed to be fun, so British guests will often choose a "funny or humorous hat, just in the spirit of celebration".

Fascinators are a lighter alternative to a hat, and are typically worn by younger women. They are usually small, brimless hats, attached to the hair with a clip or comb. They can be made with feathers, veiling, crib, and a wide array of embellishments.

If you're wearing a fascinator, it's important to remember that they are traditionally worn on the right-hand side of the head. You can style your hair however you like, as long as you're able to securely fasten the fascinator.

If you're opting for a hat, you may want to take inspiration from the royal family. Princess Beatrice, for example, often sports unique fascinators, while her younger sister Princess Eugenie's fascinators tend to be more understated. Kate Middleton often looks perfect for every occasion, and never misses the mark with her headwear selection.

Whatever you choose, make sure you feel comfortable and that your headwear is securely attached.

Disc-shaped hats

Design and Shape

Start by deciding on the overall design and shape of your disc-shaped hat. These hats typically feature a flat, round, and wide brim that sits away from the head, creating a dramatic and eye-catching silhouette. You can experiment with different sizes, from smaller saucer hats that sit closer to the head to larger and more exaggerated styles. Consider the overall proportions and ensure the hat is comfortable to wear.

Materials

When creating a disc-shaped hat, you can use various materials such as sinamay, felt, wool, or straw. Sinamay, a natural fibre, is a popular choice for hat-making as it is mouldable and can be shaped into a variety of styles. Felt, wool, and straw are also excellent options, offering structure and a sleek finish. Consider the season and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve when selecting your materials.

Colour and Embellishments

Attaching the Hat

Finally, consider how you will attach the hat securely to your head. Disc-shaped hats can be attached to a headband or a hat base that sits comfortably on your head. You can also use clips, combs, or a ribbon to secure the hat in place. Ensure that your attachment method is sturdy and comfortable, allowing you to move and celebrate the royal wedding in style!

Berets

Materials and Tools

You will need the following materials and tools to make a beret:

• Fabric for the main body – 1/2 yard of wool felt or any thick felt.
• Lining fabric – 1/2 yard of woven cotton or rayon.
• Scissors or a rotary cutter and a cutting mat.
• Ruler or measuring tape.
• Iron and ironing board.
• Sewing clips or pins.

Creating the Pattern

The beret pattern consists of three pieces: the band, the top, and the underside. You can create the pattern by following these steps:

• Measure your head circumference with a tailor's measuring tape to determine the diameter of the opening in the beret.
• Create a pattern piece for the band with tabs sticking out along one long side. Add a 1/2 inch seam allowance to the diameter of your head for the length, and make the width 1 1/2 inches. Cut out "V" shapes along one long side, with each "V" being 1/2 inch deep.
• Make a pattern piece for the top of the beret by drawing a large circle with a diameter of approximately 12 inches.
• Create a pattern piece for the underside of the beret by drawing two concentric circles. The larger circle will have the same diameter as the top piece, while the inner circle will have the same circumference as your head.

Cutting and Assembling

Once you have created the pattern, follow these steps to cut and assemble your beret:

• Cut out the pattern pieces from the paper.
• Pin the pattern pieces to your fabric, ensuring they fit within the material.
• Cut out the fabric pieces carefully, following the edges of the patterns.
• Pin the fabric pieces together inside out, so the seams will be on the inside of the finished beret.
• Sew the pieces together, either by hand or using a sewing machine with the appropriate settings for the fabric.
• If desired, add a small stem or other decorations to the center of the top piece.
• Flip the beret right side out and use an iron to flatten the seams, being careful with the heat settings.

Final Touches

Now that your beret is assembled, you can make some final adjustments:

• Trim the seam allowance on the inner circle of the lining to prevent it from peeking out.
• Cut small notches around the outer curve on both pieces of fabric, about half an inch apart.
• Sew the lining and main fabric together, leaving a 2-3 inch opening.
• Turn the beret inside out through the opening.
• Close the opening using a slip stitch or ladder stitch.
• Press the seams flat and, if needed, topstitch along the inner circle to prevent the lining from showing.

Your French beret is now complete and ready to be worn! This project is relatively simple and can be easily attempted by sewing beginners.

Feathers and colour

When it comes to royal wedding watch hats, feathers and colour are essential elements to consider.

Feathers have been a prominent feature in many royal wedding hats, adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to the overall ensemble. For instance, Queen Elizabeth's daughter-in-law, Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones, wore a hat adorned with feathers and silk roses to a royal wedding, ensuring her headwear stood out. Similarly, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark paired her all-blue ensemble with a small hat topped with swirling feathers. Feathers can be incorporated in various ways, from subtle accents to more extravagant displays, depending on the desired effect.

Colour also plays a significant role in royal wedding watch hats, with guests often opting for vibrant and bold hues. Princess Eugenie of York, for example, attended a royal wedding in an electric blue hat with dark purple flowers and feathers, creating a striking contrast. Colour can be used to complement the outfit, as seen with Queen Margrethe II's choice of blue, or to make a statement, like Princess Beatrice's infamous "toilet seat" fascinator. The time of year can also influence colour choices, with guests embracing fun and beautiful colours for spring and summer weddings, unaafraid of making a bold statement.

When it comes to the type of hat, tilted disc-shaped hats are a popular choice for royal weddings as they are easy to wear and can be paired with elaborate feathered or colourful accents. Berets, particularly the blocked beret shape, are another elegant option favoured by the royal family. For those wanting something more traditional, wide-brimmed hats are always a sophisticated choice, often seen at British weddings.

Overall, feathers and colour are essential components of royal wedding watch hats, allowing guests to express their personal style while adhering to the time-honoured tradition of donning statement headwear for such occasions.

Traditional hats

When it comes to royal weddings, hats are a key part of the occasion. Guests often opt for either a "full hat" or a "fascinator" – a small, brimless hat, usually attached to the hair with a clip or comb.

If you want to make a traditional hat to wear to a royal wedding viewing party, there are a few classic styles you could try. A pillbox hat is a type of small, flat hat that sits on top of the head, often with a decorative veil or feathers attached. These can be made from a variety of materials, including felt, wool, or sinamay straw. To make one, you will need a pillbox hat base, fabric or straw to cover it, and any desired decorations such as feathers, veils, or flowers. Simply cover the base with your chosen material, secure it in place, and add your chosen decorations.

Another option is a "cocktail hat", which is a small, close-fitting hat that is often tilted to one side. These hats can be made from a variety of materials and can be decorated with veils, feathers, or other embellishments. To make one, you will need a hat base, fabric or other covering material, and any desired decorations. As with the pillbox hat, simply cover the base with your chosen material and add your decorations.

If you're looking for something a little more over-the-top, you could try making a "picture hat", which is a large, wide-brimmed hat that is often seen as a statement piece. These hats can be made from a variety of materials, including felt, straw, or fabric, and can be decorated with feathers, flowers, or other embellishments. To make one, you will need a wide-brimmed hat base, fabric or other covering material, and any desired decorations. Cover the base with your chosen material, securing it in place, and then add your chosen decorations.

Frequently asked questions