DIY Stuffed Kid’s Crown

Annie has lots of plastic and paper crowns but she’s rough on them – as she should be, she’s a kid. I wanted to make a crown for her that not only lasts longer than any of her others (I think our record is three minutes), but is also comfortable and will grow with her. With James’ birthday this week, it was a good time to make crowns for both of them! James can wear his on his birthday and beyond, and Annie can wear hers…all the time.

Choice of fabric
Velcro
Template (I used this one)
Fabric scissors
Fabric pen
Measuring tape
Stuffing
Needle, thread
Optional embellishments (letters, patches, etc)

Measure your kid’s head with the measuring tape, then add 5-6 inches onto that number. It sounds like a lot, but once you sew it, stuff it, etc, the crown will shorten in length. Trace your template onto the back of your fabric, being sure it’s as long as your kid’s head + 5-6 inches. For example, the fabric for James’ crown was 27-inches long, and Annie’s was 28-inches. Yeah, James’ head is gigantic. I also added a few more inches below the peaks and valleys so the band of the crown was thicker.

After you’ve traced your template, cut out your fabric. You’ll need two pieces. I cut both at once to save time.

Before you sew your crown together you have to add your velcro and embellishments. I designed the crowns to be adjustable, so I cut two 3.5-inch strips of velcro and sewed them onto the crown as seen above. On the other end, I sewed a 2-inch strip of the softer velcro vertically. The velcro allows the crowns to not only grow with their heads, but adjust for comfort.

I decided James’ crown needed his name on it, so I cut out felt letters and sewed them onto the front.

On Annabel’s crown, I added a piece of velcro so she could switch out her “flair.” I glued velcro onto embroidery patches and she loves changing them to suit her mood.

Once you’ve added your velcro and embellishments, pin the crown so the two pieces are facing each other, then sew along the sides and peaks, leaving the bottom open.

After you’ve finished sewing, clip the “canyons.” This post does an excellent job of explaining why. Be careful you don’t snip your seams!

Turn the crown right-side out. You might have to use a stick to push the tips of the crown out.

Stuff your crown. Do NOT over-stuff! You want it to be filled enough to have shape, but not bursting – the more filled it is, the smaller the crown will be. I overfilled James’ crown and I had to take out the seams and remove a bunch of stuffing!

Fold the raw edges of the bottom inward, then pin and sew closed.

Annie loves hers and I think James likes his, too.

It’s a good sign when he doesn’t immediately rip things off of his head.

I said immediately….

Any questions, let me know. Have fun!