Paper hat

A classic hat from a rectangle. Try the lesson with printer paper first; a wearable version needs a much larger sheet.

Before you begin

1 sheet · Rectangular paper

21 × 29.7 cm

No scissors needed

This lesson is being checked for folding accuracy. It has not yet passed a physical fold-through review.

Read through the fold before you begin, or open any step in the folding viewer.

Set down your paper
Place a rectangle in portrait orientation. A newspaper-sized sheet will make a larger hat.
Look for: The short edges are at the top and bottom.
See this fold
Fold top to bottom
Bring the top edge to the bottom edge. Match the corners and crease.
Look for: The closed fold is at the top.
See this fold
Mark the center
Fold left to right, crease lightly, and unfold.
Look for: A vertical guide runs down the center.
See this fold
Fold the left corner
Bring the top-left corner down toward the middle. Its upper edge should sit on the center guide.
Look for: A diagonal roof slope appears on the left.
See this fold
Fold the right corner
Repeat with the top-right corner, meeting the first fold along the center.
Look for: The two roof slopes match.
See this fold
Turn up the front brim
Fold the front layer of the bottom strip up along the base of the triangle.
Look for: The strip covers the lower part of the triangular crown.
See this fold
Turn the hat over
Turn the whole piece over from side to side.
Look for: The second strip is now in front.
See this fold
Finish the brim
Fold the second strip up. Tuck the projecting corners around the sides.
Look for: The brim is folded on both sides.
See this fold
Open your hat
Separate the lower edges and gently open the space inside.
Look for: Your triangle becomes a little hat.
See this fold