Last Updated on September 1, 2022 by Cyprianne Nolan
A well-fitting hat is key to a great outfit, but sometimes hats can get stretched out and lose their shape. Luckily, it’s easy to fix a stretched out hat by sewing in some elastic. This will help the hat keep its shape and stay on your head better.
This tutorial is going to teach how to add elastic to a hat and fix any knit or crochet hat that is out of shape.
I don’t know what it is about people wanting to stretch hats! I cringe every time my mom or sister pick up a freshly crocheted hat and stretch it out as far as it will go! I mean with the “H – E – double hockey sticks” people! Put the hat down!!! It is NEVER going back into shape!!!!
Now yes, I realize that this isn’t the only way hats get stretched out but this is the one that literally makes me cringe.
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On the other hand, it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when a hat is so well loved that is simply stretched over time from being worn so much… that I applaud and that I will help you fix today.
Watch full tutorial here
All you need to do this is knitters elastic or elastic thread. I recommend using clear – it won’t show and can be used on any colour hat!
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You can do any number or rounds that you wish – one round will make a difference but I recommend at least 2-3 rounds to make sure it fits as snug as you would like.
The space between the rounds of slip stitch will be determined by the stitch height.
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I like to do enough rounds that the elastic is approximately 1 inch up the hat.
I hope this helped be sure to let me know if you found this tutorial helpful!
Cyp XO
I understand how to do the first round but I wish you showed how to do the next rounds. Can you add to your video please? Thank you
I am so happy I found this tutorial, but I’m not clear on how to slip stitch into the rows above that bottom one. I’ve never done slip stitches unless they were on an edge. Could you clarify how to do that? Thank you!
The trickiest part is just starting a couple of rows up. If you are having diffculity you could try using a tapestry needle instead and just sew around.
Let me know how you make out!
I love your video but I can’t seem to find clear elastic thread. Where can I purchase thank you