How to Make a DIY Christmas Tree Hat Topper
How to Make a DIY Christmas Tree Hat Topper
Looking for a whimsical way to top your Christmas tree this year? Instead of a traditional star or bow, why not craft your very own hat topper! This oversized, sturdy hat is perfect for a Candy Land-themed tree, but you can adapt it to any holiday style. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to build the base, cover it with fabric, and decorate it with sweet details like icing drips, ribbons, and faux candies.
Supply List
- Cardboard (large enough to roll into an 8–10″ tall cylinder)
- Poster board or craft foam (for the brim)
- Box cutter or X-Acto knife
- Scissors & rotary cutter
- Hot glue gun (low temperature preferred)
- Fabric tack glue
- Stretchy velvet, felt, or fabric of your choice
- Adhesive glitter foam sheet (for underside finishing)
- Ribbon (narrow velvet or festive styles)
- Pre-made icing drip trim (Hobby Lobby or cut from felt)
- Assorted faux candies (peppermints, lollipops, gummies)
- Clear rubber bands (for bows)
- Optional: thin craft foam for lining inside
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cut the Hat Brim
- Use a 10″ round sign, plate, or template to trace a large circle onto poster board or foam.
- Inside that, trace a smaller circle (about 8″) to create the center cut-out.
- Carefully cut out both circles to form a wide brim. Don’t worry about perfection; this will be covered with fabric later.
Tip: Make the brim slightly oversized (around 12″) if your hat will rest on a Christmas tree. The extra width helps it sit securely.
Step 2: Create the Hat Cylinder
- Cut a strip of cardboard about 27″ long by 8″ high.
- Roll the cardboard gently to loosen it and help it curve into a circle.
- Cut small 1″ slits along the bottom edge; these will become tabs that fold out and glue to the brim.
- Dry-fit the cylinder inside your brim cut-out to make sure it’s snug before gluing.
Step 3: Add the Top
- Cut another cardboard circle for the hat’s top.
- Snip little triangular tabs all around its edge.
- Fold tabs inward and dry-fit it to the cylinder so it sits flush.
- Later, you’ll glue this on from both the inside and outside for extra strength.
Step 4: Cover with Fabric
Now the fun part—making it look polished!
- Brim & Top: Cut fabric squares about 2″ larger than each circle (e.g., a 10″ circle needs a 12″ fabric piece). Use fabric tack to secure the top side smoothly. Pull fabric around the edges and hot glue to the underside. Trim excess.
- Cylinder: Cut fabric about 28″ x 8.5″. Wrap it around the cardboard tube using fabric tack. Stretch fabric as you go to avoid wrinkles. Fold edges inside for a clean finish.
Tip: Stretchy velvet or felt works best since it molds easily without bunching.
Step 5: Assemble the Hat
- Glue the cylinder tabs down onto the brim’s underside. Hold in place until secure.
- Add the top circle with tabs folded in, gluing both from the inside and outside for sturdiness.
- Cover any exposed seams or cardboard with adhesive glitter foam or craft felt. This makes the inside and underside look neat.
Step 6: Add Decorative Details
This is where your creativity shines!
- Icing Drips: Glue pre-cut foam “icing” around the edge of the hat for a candy-coated look.
- Ribbon Band: Wrap a thin velvet ribbon around the base of the cylinder, just above the brim, to give it definition.
- Bow: Make a small bow with ribbon loops, secure with a clear rubber band, and glue to the front.
- Candies: Hot glue faux candies around the brim or bow. Peppermints, gummies, or lollipops make it feel straight out of Candy Land.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
- Check all edges and re-glue any loose fabric or foam.
- Trim away extra material so the underside is clean.
- If you’re using this as a tree topper, make sure the brim is wide enough to rest securely on top of your tree.
Final Thoughts
Your handmade Christmas hat topper is now complete! Not only is it a sturdy, eye-catching piece, but it’s also customizable for any theme; just change up the fabric and decorations. For a Candy Land tree, candy embellishments and velvet give it that whimsical, sweet-shop look.
This project may take a little patience, but the results are absolutely worth it. The hat is sturdy enough to even wear briefly for fun photos, but it really shines as the centerpiece of your holiday décor.
So, grab your cardboard, fabric, and a handful of candy trims, and let your imagination run wild. Your Christmas tree is about to have the most charming topper in town!
