For instance, you could write “earned it!” if you’re becoming an registered nurse or add an apple or ABC’s if you’re going to be a teacher. You could also just paint on one of your favorite characters, flowers, or animals and the year you graduate. Many hats focus on the adventure that awaits ahead.

You can find a wide range of scrapbook paper in single sheets at your local craft store.

For more oomph, make your hat 3D. Glue on silk flowers, pompoms, feather, or rhinestones, for instance.

Alternatively, use stick-on letters. If you have a vinyl cutting machine, you can cut out professional-looking letters to stick on your hat.

If you want to make sure the hat will be form-fitting, wrap a piece of string around your head and measure the length with a ruler. Then, add 2 inches (5. 1 cm) for overlap. That will be the long side you measure on the poster board. Children’s hat sizes range from 20 inches (51 cm) for preschool kids to 22 inches (56 cm) for teens. Don’t forget to add 2 inches (5. 1 cm) or so for overlap. [7] X Research source You can also use construction paper.

Wrap the long side around your head (or the person you’re making it for) to see if it fits with a little overlap. If it’s too long, you can trim a bit off.

Basically, you need to fold the edge of the paper up 1 inch (2. 5 cm) or so along the long side of the paper. You can measure this out and fold it that way if you prefer.

You should end up with flaps sticking up from the fold every 2 inches (5. 1 cm) or so.

You can run a glue stick along the edge or use basic white school glue. A hot glue gun would also work, but always be careful when applying hot glue! It can burn your fingers.

You can find foam core board at most craft stores and big box stores. Alternatively, cover a piece of cardboard with black paper. If you’re having trouble cutting the foam core with scissors, use a craft knife to cut along the lines. Always cut away form you and make sure there’s something underneath the board so you don’t scratch the surface you’re cutting on.

You can use glue sticks or regular school glue.

If you want to add a tassel, wait to glue this piece on. You can also use a small brad instead, inserting it through the top of the hat. [13] X Research source

You can add other colors by cutting off one color and wrapping a different color on the next go round. You can also use a form instead, such as a piece of cardboard you cut to size.

To tie a square knot, wrap one end over and under the other end, then do the same with the other end, pulling them both tight.

This creates the fringe for your tassel.

Tuck the ends of the knot under the wrap.

Run your fingers through the tassel to make sure you got all the longer pieces.

At this point, you can glue your foam core board button on top of the string and the hole to hold it in place. Hot glue will work best, but you can also use school glue. To create an overhand knot, make a loop with both strings together as one string, then pull the end through the loop on the other side.