Toddler Size Bucket Hat From Swim Trunks

Not too long ago my brother gave me a pair of his old swim trunks.  He knows that I love to repurpose fabric and thought that it might make for an interesting project.  I'll be honest, it took me quite a while to decide what to make from them.  Originally I had thought that I'd make a drawstring wet sack for wet swim suits, but I wasn't quite sure.  After our weekend campout I knew that I needed to make a bucket hat for my little boy.  The sun can be so harsh so this seemed like the perfect project.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'd never made a hat before.  I searched online and found this great free pattern from Sew Much Ado.  Her toddler hats are adorable, and the pattern was super simple to follow.  The hat that she has designed is reversible and can be worn with the brim turned up or down, making it a very versatile hat.  She used contrasting fabrics, but I chose to stick with my repurposed swim trunk material on the inside and outside.  The fact that used swim trunk material will be great when Clark goes swimming in kiddie pool in the backyard, or if we head to the beach.

I really love the way that the hat turned out.  My son has a rather large noggin, but this hat fits perfectly.  It didn't take me long to make either.  I got it all sewed up during Sesame Street (you may all feel free to now cast judgment on my parenting skills).

The swim trunks had a pocket on the back which I added to the hat, it makes a fun little detail.  If you are looking for a  fun and simple pattern, or a great way to reuse some old swim trunks, this  is a great project.  (The hat really lies better than it looks in most of the pictures, my model wasn't very willing to model). I have a feeling that Clark will soon own several bucket hats, this pattern is going to be addictive.  Thanks Abby for being so generous and sharing your pattern with us.