Hey there! Now, we all know that Harry Potter is super popular and people always go as the characters for costume and Halloween parties but have they thought of adding something else to their plain costume? Probably not but you can! I’m here to show you how to make your very own Sorting Hat from the famous Harry Potter series!

Supplies

1. Cardboard

2. Tissue paper or newspaper

3. Masking tape

4. Scissors

5. Pencil

6. Ruler

7. Compass

8. Glue

9. Paint brush

10. Paint

11. Water

Step 1: Making the Base of the Hat

Draw a circle using a compass. Make sure the circle is bigger than your head. Cut out the circle.

Since I didn’t have a compass, I made my own by cutting a strip of cardboard. I made two holes for the center and the end of the radius. Then, I used a pen to stick the makeshift compass to the center of the cardboard and used a pencil to draw my circle.

Step 2: Making the Cone of the Hat

Draw another circle with a radius a little bit longer than your desired height of the cone. Cut a straight line from the edge to the center.

I didn’t have a big enough piece of cardboard so I drew 2 quarter circle and attached them together with some tape.

Curl the circle towards itself to form a cone that fits your head to your liking. Mark this and cut a straight line from the mark to the center. Secure the cone’s ends with tape.

Step 3: Assembling the Hat

Put the cone at the center of the circle you set aside. Trace it and cut the inner circle out. Attach the cone to the center hole of the circle. Secure everything with tape.

Step 4: Making the Face of the Hat

Curl up some tissue paper. Make 2 pieces. This will be the eyebrows. Fold some tissue paper to your desired thickness for the under eye. Make a triangle shape for the nose/upper lip and fold some tissue paper for the lower lip. Add some extra tissue paper on the tip of the cone for more shape. Secure everything with tape. Add some more tissue around the hat for texture and the illusion of folds.

Step 5: Papier-mâché

Mix 1 part glue and 1 part water in a bowl or cup. Cover the whole hat with tissue paper while brushing everything with the mixture. You may do 1 or more coats. Let everything completely dry.

Step 6: Final Touches

Last step! Paint your Sorting Hat with brown paint. If you want a customized version, feel free to paint it with any color and pattern you like. Let it completely dry.

Aaaand, it’s done! Congratulations! You just made your very own Sorting Hat from scratch! Nothing can beat homemade props!