DIY Bonnet and Cockade start to finish.

[Harold Cannon]

First you start off with a good quality, French style wool beret. This one happens to be made in China.



Then you measure the ribbon for the band to fit the circumference of your head and pin it in place. Then sew the ribbon to the outside of the beret using a medium width stitch on your sewing machine. As you can see the ribbon is folded onto itself at the ends to provide a nice clean opening on each side for the drawstring ribbon later.



Having done this begin folding the ribbon to the inside and using a simple running stitch, by hand, sew the very edge of the ribbon down making sure the stitches when coming through to the outside are at the very edge of where the ribbon has been folded. This will hide the stitches.





Once you make it the whole way round you will sew up the inside of where the ribbons meet in the back. ONLY the inside! You will need the outside to be open later to run the drawstring ribbon through.



Then this is what you will have.



Then using a carpet or burlap needle with strong cord or as I do artificial sinew, thread the drawstring ribbon through the hat band pocket you have just made earlier.



Once that is done adjust it and tie it in a bow.

[Harold Cannon]

Next make yourself a tourie. Then snip off the little wool tab that is at the center of the beret. Sew the tourie in its place. i like to put a button on the inside for strength.





Now that's done.



Now on to making the cockade. The below image is pretty self explanatory but the ribbons start off at 7 inches long and are folded down to three inches. You make the crosses in the livery colors of your clan's chief.



Then sew the cockade over where your temple hits the bonnet and there you have it. A French beret turned Scottish balmoral bonnet.

[Thomas H]

I am going to try that . Looks good and the cool thing is yours is the only one like it. I enjoy makeing items that are one of a kind.
You have inspired me to make some new projects.
Thank You

[Harold Cannon]

Thank you Thomas H. I am very much into DIY. It lets me control the quality and also make items that are truly unique. Sorry that the pictures aren't better I was using my phone.

[Mickey]

Thanks Harold! So much simpler than I thought it would be. I also may have to give this a try.

[Harold Cannon]

Mickey it really is quite simple and a lot of fun to do! Plus you get a bonnet that is truly yours!

[Grizzly]

excellent work Harold. I am really impressed with people that have skill. I can only just about sew a button on.
regards

[Mr.Charles Anthony]

Fellows; If your that skilled, there is an easy pattern out there, to make your own, in your colour choice. And its the larger top type, more as the old Broad Bunnett. However, the conversion is a well done project