Christmas
DIY, Thanksgiving
Make the Cutest Pilgrim Bonnet with Just Paper
If you’re preparing for a Thanksgiving school play or want a simple way to complete a cute little pilgrim costume, making a pilgrim bonnet is a must!
While my post on 9 Free Pilgrim Hat Templates has helped many moms, I realized the link to the instructions for the adorable bonnet I made for my girls years ago had been lost to time.
Determined to share this simple Thanksgiving craft, I took a nostalgic journey through my archives to bring back those beloved steps and changed the material to paper for an easy, cost-effective solution because that’s what I used for my girls.
I think I may have shed a tear or two during that process. Look how much that cutie has grown up.
This simple paper bonnet is a great way to bring history to life without a hefty price tag or the need to get the sewing machine out.
And with just a few supplies you’ll have a cute one-size-fits-all paper bonnet.
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Easy Pilgrim Bonnet Materials:
- 11 x 17-inch piece of paper (Tabloid) – This size fits perfectly for most heads.
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Yarn or thin ribbon (color of your choice) – About a yard and a half.
- Hole reinforcements (optional but helpful for longer use)
How to make a Pilgrim Bonnet
Step 1: Prepare the Paper
Start by folding one long edge of your 11 x 17-inch paper to create a 2-inch-wide brim for your paper bonnet.
Now turn the paper over so the lines you’re about to trace won’t show.
On the long, unfolded edge, trace seven evenly spaced 5-inch-long lines. Each strip should be about 2 1/8 inches wide.
Carefully cut along these lines. You should end up with eight flaps in total.
Turn the paper back over so the folded brim is visible on the outside.
Step 2: Punch and Thread the Yarn
Use your hole punch to make a hole about 1 inch from the edge at the center of each of the eight flaps you just cut. If you’re worried about tearing, reinforce the holes with hole reinforcements. This step ensures the paper bonnet stays intact even if crazy, little pilgrims pull on it.
Thread the yarn or thin ribbon up through the first hole of the first flap.
Continue threading under the second flap and up through its hole, alternating this pattern until each flap is threaded.
Tip: Wrap a small piece of tape around the end of the yarn to make threading easier.
Step 3: Gather and Secure the Bonnet
Gently pull the yarn ends to gather the flaps together at the center. Ensure the folded brim remains on the outside of the bonnet for an authentic pilgrim costume look.
Once gathered, cut and tie the yarn ends securely.
Step 4: Add the Chin Strap
Punch a hole at the bottom of each side flap of the brim. Reinforcing these holes with hole reinforcements is recommended, as it helps maintain the paper bonnet’s durability during the school play.
Cut two 18-inch pieces of yarn to create chin straps.
Tie each piece of yarn through the holes punched in the brim to complete your easy pilgrim bonnet.
And there you have it, an easy paper pilgrim bonnet for you or your little one.
With just a single sheet of paper and a few basic supplies, you can make an adorable pilgrim bonnet that brings Thanksgiving history to life.
Whether your little one is dressing up as part of a school event or joining in on the family’s Thanksgiving Day festivities, this paper bonnet is a fun craft that comes together effortlessly.
Plus, with the right touches—like fabric ties or satin cords—it can be customized to make it extra special.
More Fun Thanksgiving Activities
- Thankful Turkey Craft Printable
- Thanksgiving Coloring Placemats
- Free Thanksgiving Games for kids
- Turkey Craft Ideas
How to Make a Paper Pilgrim Bonnet
Materials
- 11 x 17-inch piece of paper (Tabloid) – This size fits perfectly for a paper bonnet.
- Yarn or thin ribbon (color of your choice) – About a yard and a half.
- Hole reinforcements (optional but helpful for longer use)
Tools
- Scissors
- Hole punch
Instructions
Prepare the Paper
- Start by folding one long edge of your 11 x 17-inch paper to create a 2-inch-wide brim for your paper bonnet.
- Turn the paper over so the lines you're about to trace won’t show.
- On the long, unfolded edge, trace seven evenly spaced 5-inch-long lines. Each strip should be about 2 1/8 inches wide.
- Carefully cut along these lines. You should end up with eight flaps in total.
- Turn the paper back over so the brim is visible on the outside.
Punch and Thread the Yarn
- Use your hole punch to make a hole about 1 inch from the edge at the center of each flap. If you’re worried about tearing, reinforce the holes with hole reinforcements. This step ensures that even if little pilgrims pull on the paper bonnet, it stays intact.
- Thread the yarn or thin ribbon up through the first hole of the first flap.
- Continue threading under the second flap and up through its hole, alternating this pattern until each flap is threaded.
- Tip: Wrap a small piece of tape around the end of the yarn to make threading easier.
Gather and Secure the Bonnet
- Gently pull the yarn ends to gather the flaps together at the center. Ensure the folded brim remains on the outside of the bonnet for an authentic pilgrim costume look.
- Once gathered, cut and tie the yarn ends securely.
Add the Chin Ties
- Punch a hole at the bottom of each side flap of the brim. Reinforcing these holes with hole reinforcements is recommended.
- Cut two 18-inch pieces of yarn to create chin straps.
- Tie each piece of yarn through the holes punched in the brim to complete your easy pilgrim bonnet.
Don’t forget to pin this easy pilgrim bonnet:
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