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crafts for kids

How to Make Paper Party Hats That Hold Their Shape

Shape cardstock into a paper party hat using a printable tabbed pattern or a hand-cut circle, with tips for the seam, strap and decorations.

By ThatPainter Team 3 min read

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Make a paper party hat by shaping cardstock into a cone and securing the overlap. A printable pattern gives you a marked tab for an easy seam; a hand-cut circle lets you adjust the cone’s size and overlap as you go. Either way, decorate the paper while it is flat if that makes drawing easier, then form and finish the hat.

Choose a pattern and gather materials

For a predictable shape, use a tabbed printable cone-hat pattern. FirstPalette provides one designed for A4 or Letter cardstock and says it can be enlarged for a bigger hat. If you do not have a template, PaperPapers describes a hand-cut method using a 10–12-inch circle with about one quarter removed. Those are that publisher’s suggested dimensions, not a guaranteed head fit.

You will need cardstock or other heavy paper that bends into a cone but holds its shape, scissors, and a closure suited to your pattern: glue, double-sided tape, ordinary tape, or a stapler. Optional materials include markers, stickers, glitter glue, feathers, pom-poms, paper fringe, ribbon, or elastic. The instructions do not establish a universal paper weight or finished hat size.

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#1 Best Overall
MGZTTHW Gold Paper Crown Set for Kids, DIY Crown Kit with Jewels Gem Number Letter Stickers for Birthday Party Decor and Craft Projects, 15 Pcs Adjustable Crown Hats in 5 Styles
  • 15 PAPER CROWNS AND 13 DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES : Our gold crown kit includes 15 pcs birthday crowns in 5 styles, sufficient number of number stickers and gem stickers. Plenty of stickers and gems are great to decorate your own crown. Everyone will have a personalised crown
  • SHINY AND STURDY PARTY CROWNS : Several different styles of crowns come with the set as well as glossy gold and some matte gold variations which looks lovely and shiny. High quality gold cardboard and robust enough to last. Good for the kids, royal, princess birthday party
  • ATTRACTIVE AND SELF ADHESIVE STICKERS : The self-adhesive stickers includes acrylic jewelry in various shapes, colorful number and letter stickers,they are super sticky, great for decorating and stick well to the crown tiaras without falling off
  • ADJUSTABLE AND FIT ANY SIZE : Just place the prongs in the sizing slots, they are closely connected to each other and will not fall apart. So paper crowns are very easy to adjust the sizing to fit any size. It is a funny party to everyone
  • MUST BE A HUGE HIT : Good for your princess prince birthday, back to school, baby shower, wedding, graduation party, etc. They were a big hit and these were a great accessory. Everyone will have a lots of fun decorating them
  • Tabbed template: Choose this if you want a marked joining area and a ready-made outline.
  • Hand-cut circle: Choose this if you want to control the overlap yourself or do not have a printable pattern.

Make a hat with a tabbed template

  1. Print the pattern on cardstock. If the template has a joining tab, keep that area clear of decoration.
  2. Cut carefully around the outline. Ask an adult for help with cutting if a child is making the hat.
  3. Before adding adhesive, gently roll the cardstock into a cone shape. Pre-rolling helps stiff paper take the curve.
  4. Bring the edges together and align the tab as the pattern indicates. Secure the seam with the closure recommended by the template, such as glue or double-sided tape.
  5. Hold the seam in place until it is secure, then add any topper or trim.

Another template-based option from 3M/Post-it uses a slot cut with a utility knife: insert the tab through the slot and, if needed, use tape to keep it flat. Use that slot method only with a pattern designed for it; do not combine it with a different template’s tab instructions. An adult should handle utility-knife work.

Make a hat from a hand-cut circle

  1. Draw a circle on heavy paper. PaperPapers suggests a 10–12-inch circle for its method.
  2. Cut out the circle, then remove about one quarter as a wedge.
  3. Bring the two straight edges toward each other and curl the remaining paper into a cone. Increase or reduce their overlap to change the cone’s shape.
  4. When the cone looks right, secure the overlapping edges with a suitable adhesive or tape. Let glue set before decorating or wearing the hat.

The circle method has no marked tab, so you choose the overlap by eye. Its suggested circle size is not a universal fit measurement; check the base against the intended wearer before fixing the seam.

Rank #2
794 Pcs Paper Crowns DIY Kit for Women, Party Hats Craft Set, Pastel
  • DIY Paper Crowns Set: this diy paper crowns making kit is designed for stylish ladies' parties and creative gatherings, offering a fun and elegant hands-on experience; Perfect for princess-themed celebrations, afternoon tea parties, birthday parties, and bridal showers
  • Stylish Design: the diy crown set includes 24 crowns in 4 stylish colors (6 of each), 100 artificial colored butterflies (4cm each), 400 buttons (4 styles), 100 pom-poms, 160 foam hearts and stars, 2 rolls of lace ribbon, and 8 gem stickers, allowing guests to design their own unique crowns; Each crown is a moderate size and features an adjustable design for a comfortable and snug fit
  • Easy and fun: Unleash Your Creativity; simply stick, glue, and design your own princess hats without messy or complicated tools
  • Versatile Party Activity: Doubles as both a crafting station and party favors; Guests can wear their custom crowns during the event and take them home as keepsakes
  • Versatile Uses: a perfect choice for party favors and photo opportunities; Not only is it a fun DIY activity, but it's also a beautiful finished accessory for party photos, keepsakes, and displays; Especially suitable for women's events that value creativity, elegance, and unforgettable experiences

Add a chin strap if you want one

A strap is optional. To attach one, make or punch two small holes on opposite sides near the base, thread ribbon, string, or elastic through them, and tie each end securely on the inside. Adjust the length for comfort rather than relying on a standard measurement; the cited instructions do not specify a strap length that fits everyone. Adult help is appropriate for hole-punching or other sharp tools.

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Decorate and finish the hat

Markers and stickers are easy to apply before shaping the paper. Once the cone is formed, add toppers, feathers, pom-poms, fringe, glitter glue, or ribbon trim. Keep the seam accessible while assembling, and avoid heavy or bulky embellishments that pull the cone out of shape or make it uncomfortable to wear.

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Rank #3
Sale
Sealmic 24 Set Halloween Crown Headband Paper Adjustable Hats with Elastic Bands with Themed Stickers Activities Party Favors Pumpkin Ghost Bat
  • 24 Halloween Crown Kits: The crown kit includes 24 paper crown bases in 8 styles, equipped with 24 adjustable ties, 18 Halloween stickers and 2 rhinestone sheets, it is funny and pretty,which can add a festive atmosphere to Halloween event or game
  • Halloween Designs: the Halloween party hat and contain 8 paper bases of different with Halloween stickers of various elements, like pumpkin, ghost, black cat, castle, owl, witch hat,let make your own crowns with creativity and imagination
  • Easy to Use: Tie the rope to the crown base, decorate the cartoon theme paper cutouts and paper base with gems and stickers or the way you want, finally adjust the size of the headband, match it with a matching hat to celebrate Halloween events
  • Premium material: The handmade set is made of premium cardboard that resists tearing;The exquisite patterns are printed with fade-resistant ink and protected by a PET film coating,ensuring long-lasting use.
  • Versatile Use: the kits can be used to activities,trick-or-treat events,family gatherings, pretend play, storytime, and as costumes.Th activity can be enjoyed at home or events.However, This item is not intended for users under 12 years old

If the seam opens, press it back together and reinforce it with the closure appropriate to the pattern. If the cone feels too loose or too tight, adjust the overlap before fastening it permanently; on a tabbed template, follow its marked joining area rather than cutting away the tab.

Best Value
Gold Paper Crowns, 15 Pcs DIY Birthday Party Crowns with Gem Stickers
  • Rich Gold Paper Crown Set: You will have 15 paper crowns in 5 styles, 13 decorative letter, number and gem stickers. The variety of stickers and gems is perfect for personalizing each crown, letting every guest create their own unique design
  • Sparkling & Sturdy Party Crowns: Made from sturdy, high-quality gold cardstock, these crowns feature a beautiful metallic sheen that gives them a royal, festive look. You can even gently remove and reposition the stick-on gems without disturbing the shiny gold surface
  • Dazzling & Colorful Self-Adhesive Stickers: These self-adhesive stickers include colorful acrylic jewels in various shapes, plus vibrant number and letter stickers. Strong sticky, they’re perfect for decorating crowns and tiaras, staying securely in place without peeling
  • Adjustable Size & Fits All: The slots where you choose the side are well positioned andoffer a wide range of sizes, from small to extra large, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone. Comfortable to wear, they are suitable for both kids and adults to enjoy
  • DIY Fun:These customizable gold paper crowns are perfect for DIY fun, allowing kids to add stickers, glitter, or jewels for a personalized touch. Ideal for birthdays, baby showers, or any event needing a royal flair. Creative, and guaranteed to be a hit at any celebration
Rank #4
Lewtemi 108 Pcs Scratch Party Hats DIY Birthday Paper Cone Craft Kit, Black
  • Craft Your Own Style with Large Dimension: our party hats are available in a generous dimension of around 11.42 x 6.3 inches/ 29 x 16 cm; This space lets you express your artistic talents and create the designs that catch your party guests' imaginations, giving a personal touch to your celebrations
  • Unleash Creativity and Color: our party crafts are the way to bring some color and individuality to the party; These hat sets stimulate your creativity as you gently scratch off the black coated film with a bamboo skewer for your own vibrant cone hat masterpiece; It's an engaging activity for your guests
  • Bulk Party Package: we ensure that there's enough for everyone; Our set includes 36 scratch off painting cone hats, 36 elastic strings, and 36 bamboo skewers; With this generous count, every guest can join in the DIY hat crafting and feel part of the celebration
  • Party Hats, Multiuse Joy: these birthday hats are not just designed for birthday parties! They're for a variety of indoor and outdoor events, including school activities, picnics, and other celebration that needs a creative and festive touch
  • Assurance of Quality: these fun hats are made from durable cardboard material, ensuring they won't easily bend or break; The elastic strings are strong and flexible, able to withstand the party's fun and frolic without snapping; Our quality materials ensure longevity and can be stored away for future parties

Sources

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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