How to bedazzle a hat or cap

What to know first

A hat is two problems at once. It is curved in every direction, so a design laid out flat will not sit flat — which is why stones go on the front panel, the band or in a scattered motif rather than in long straight rows. And the material changes everything: a cotton cap takes hotfix as well as a T-shirt, while felt, straw, wool and leather hats either scorch or crush under an applicator, so they are glue-only. The brim edge is the part a hand grabs every time the hat goes on, so stones there are the first to be knocked off.

What you need

• A cap (cotton) or a felt or straw hat
• Hotfix stones and an applicator for cotton; glass flatbacks and E6000-type adhesive otherwise
• A ball of cloth, a bowl or a hat stand to keep the shape
• Tailor’s chalk or removable marker
• Wax pick-up pen

Step by step

1. Decide the material: cotton and canvas can take hotfix, felt and straw cannot.
2. Stuff the crown so the surface is firm and round while you work.
3. Mark the design on the front panel, crown band or side.
4. Work small patches, following the curve rather than fighting it.
5. Keep clear of the brim edge, any adjuster strap and the inner sweatband.
6. Let hotfix cool or glue cure fully, then brush off any marker.

Avoid

• Heat on felt, straw, wool or leather
• Stones along the brim edge, where hands grip
• Long straight rows across a curved crown
• Working on an unstuffed hat, which creases