For this version of the Nantucket Bucket, I wanted to be able to wear my hair up or down. My hair is very thick so when my hair is up, my head is a size smaller then when its down. I devised a plan that uses 3mm round cord elastic and toggle cord stops so I can cut my hat large enough to accommodate wearing my hair down, and then use the elastic to cinch the hat when I am wearing it up. If your head is the same size whether your hair is up or down, you may not need the elastic and can keep it. Keep in mind, adding the elastic and toggle will mean the hat will no longer be reversible. So just to sum up, for this version you will need:
Pattern Pieces:
Crown Main and Lining (I used Standard)
Brim Main and Lining (I used standard)
Interfacing for all pieces (optional, if your fabric is lightweight, I highly recommend interfacing)
Optional:
3mm Cord Elastic
Toggle Cord Lock
1. If you are going to be adding the elastic, you will need to add button holes to one of the main crown pieces for the elastic. I positioned my button holes so they were 1/2 inch from the bottom of the crown, 3/4 of an inch tall, and 1 inch apart. If you’re not adding elastic, skip to the next step :)
2. Without the top of the hat, we will need to finish the top edge of the crown. Fold down the top edge of all 4 crown pieces 1/2 inch and press. This will create a nice clean edge.
3. Sew the two Main Crown pieces right sides together, the two Crown Lining pieces right sides together, the two Main Brim right sides together, and the two Brim Lining pieces right sides together.
4. Sew the Main Brim to the Main Crown, and the Brim Lining to the Crown Lining. You will have 2 completed hat pieces, one Main and one Lining.
5. Sew the Main Hat to the Lining Hat right sides together along the Brim edge ONLY! Flip the pieces back to wrong sides together and press. Topstitch the top of the Crown closed.
6. To create the casing for the elastic, topstitch around the base of the Crown below the button hole and right above the top of the button holes. Use a drawstring threader to add the elastic and secure it with a toggle.
7. Topstitch around the brim and you're done!
