How To Make A Fascinator

By Ashley Riddle Williams
April 13, 2015
Hector Sanchez
These over-the-top headpieces are no longer reserved for royalty. This one is easy to make and even easier on your wallet. Watch: How To Make a Fascinator
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The $25 Fascinator

Hector Sanchez

The secret to fascinator success? Sinamay, a stiff but malleable fabric. It’s a basic material used in the art of millinery, and it’s easy for a beginner to handle. You only need scissors, an iron, pins, a needle and thread, feathers, and a headband to transform sinamay into a statement piece.

Buy the SL + Petershams Millinery Exclusive Fascinator Hat Kit

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Step No. 1

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Fold an 18-inch square of sinamay in half diagonally. Cut along the crease creating two triangles.

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Step No. 2

Photo: Hector Sanchez

On one triangle, draw a line parallel to the longest edge, measuring 4 inches in from that edge. Cut along line to form a strip. Measure another 4-inch strip along longest edge, and cut. Repeat on second triangle to form four strips.

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Step No. 3

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Fold one strip in half lengthwise, and crease. Unfold. Fold cut edges in to meet. Fold again on center crease to hide edges.

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Step No. 4

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Holding ends, pull each strip tightly to lengthen and narrow. Iron each strip on high steam heat until strip adheres to itself.

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Step No. 5

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Form two longest strips into figure eights, and pin. Form “S” shape with one short strip, and pin ends in center. Curl remaining strip into a wide cone; pin.

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Step No. 6

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Offset one figure eight on top of the other, and pin. Add “S” shape, and pin in the center. Add cone to center, and pin.

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Step No. 7

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Use a needle and thread to stitch pieces together. Hot-glue feathers onto center, hiding binding under cone. Remove pins.

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Step No. 8

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Attach fascinator to any headband, using a needle and thread.

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By Ashley Riddle Williams