Project: Creating Hats

“There is a great deal in the build and wearing of hats—a great deal more than at first meets the eye.”
—William Thackery, 1847, Book of Snobs

Hats are an expression of who we are or what we do. Diverse cultures throughout history have worn hats. Hats can also be an expression of art. Try this hat project as an interesting way to talk about design, cultural diversity, and teach techniques used by professional designers.

Objective

Students will become familiar with the design process from conception to finished project through an unusual and interesting assignment.

Learning Outcomes

• View of art history
• Awareness of cultural diversity
• Surface design and patterning
• Pattern making
• Construction techniques—slot and groove method
• Cutting and joining
• Design lessons

Step 1:

Discuss themes in art sources and how one piece of work can be the impetus for another. Explain interpretation and how this project will reference historical pieces. Show selection of reproductions students may choose from.

Step 2:

Surface Design and Pattern lesson—show examples of patterns in art and design. Include patterns from many cultures and periods of history.

Step 3:

Brainstorm ideas—assign a combination of references for each student’s piece. For example a student must pick a painting from post-impressionism and a pattern from African textiles painting and use elements from both in the hat design.

Step 4:

Demonstration on construction techniques and materials to be used—this will affect design so student must understand the process. At CCAD we show our young students the methods for cutting and attaching a variety of materials. In this, case fabrics, foam core board, cardboard, or card stock are appropriate choices.

Step 5:

Thumbnail sketches: discuss sketches and select best for finished piece then refine drawing. This is an important step in the creative process and can be compared to using text to jot down ideas.

Step 6:

Discuss use of pattern making in fashion design. Cut paper patterns to fit head and represent parts of finished piece. Tape pattern pieces together to see if they will work, adjust as needed.

Step 7:

Use pattern pieces (may need another set or untape originals) to cut pieces out of the material that was chosen for the finished piece.

Step 8:

Apply designs to pieces with paint, markers, or media of choice.

Step 9:

Repeat construction demonstration. Assemble pieces and attach using glue, tape, or other fasteners appropriate to the material.

Step 10:

Add embellishments as design dictates.