Wearing a fascinator adds instant glamour to the appearance.
A fascinator is a whimsical miniature hat that is more decoration than functional. Many fascinators are made over a circle of felt or fabric that is representationally what is left of the hat shape. The rest of the piece is a froth of tulle, ribbon, beads, feathers, fake flowers, jewels, or other decorative materials. The headpiece is worn as evening wear, typically with a slinky dress and heels. Some fascinators are also partial veils, depending on how the tulle or netting is positioned. Making a fascinator takes only a few minutes.
Instructions
1. Place a 3-inch plastic bowl lid lip-side up over a sheet of felt. The felt should be the base color of the fascinator. Most are black or white, but you can use any color, particularly when wearing the headpiece with a specific garment.
2. Cut around the lid with a 1-inch margin on all sides. Trace and cut a second piece of felt the same color, 1/8 inch smaller on all sides than the lid. Apply hot glue to the inside of the circle of the larger piece of felt. Center and press the lid into the glue and allow the glue to dry.
3. Cut V-shaped notches around the perimeter felt, staying 1/8 inch from the lid. Apply hot glue to the inside of the felt notched piece and fold the felt over the lip edge to the underside of the lid. Smooth the felt out so it is tight and well-fitted. Repeat this with each notched section around the perimeter of the lid. Apply glue liberally to the second, smaller round of felt and cover the inside of the lid. This creates your mini fascinator hat base.
4. Cut a length of tulle 24-by-24-inches square. Fold the tulle in half. Thread a needle. Fold the tulle along its 24-inch side where the two raw edges overlap. Fold 1/2-inch accordian folds, gathering six folded pieces together into a pinch. Bring your needle and thread through the center of the pinch, stitching back and forth four or five times, to secure the group together. Fold and pinch another six folded pieces and stitch. Continue until the raw ends of the tulle are sewn into eight groups.
5. Cut a 1-inch circle of felt. Pin the eight groups of tulle along the outer edge of the circle so they are evenly spaced. Sew the tulle to the circle securely. Center the tulle circle over the top of the lid circle. Take your still-attached needle through the plastic felt circle and sew the tulle circle to the large circle in four or five places around the tulle circle. The raw edges of the tulle should be sandwiched between the felt pieces. Tie a knot and cut your thread.
6. Try on the fascinator to determine which side is the front. The open seam in the tulle can be sewn together by-hand or gathered to the center of the hat, or the tulle can be arranged to suit you. Position and safety pin large silk flowers to the center of the hat. Attach a vintage brooch and sew a cluster of feathers draping above or to the side.
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