During the 18th century, hats of this general style were referred to as "cocked hats". At the peak of its popularity, the tricorne varied greatly in style and size, and was worn not only by the aristocracy, but also as common civilian dress, and as part of military uniforms.
Supplies
- Hat template to use as a stencil
- Scissors
- Paper
- Stapler
- Supplies to decorate your hat- crayons, ribbon, etc.
Step 1 - Print and Cut
Print and cut out the template or print three copies of the shape for the sides of your hat. You will need three pieces to make one hat.
Step 2 - Decorate
Decorate the pieces of the hat (coloring, stickers- whatever you have at home).
Step 3 - Place the Cockade
Place the cockade on the center piece of your hat.
Step 4 - Assemble the Hat
Staple each end of the center piece to one of the other sides, leaving one end of the triangle open.
Step 5 - Make Adjustments
You will be able to wrap the hat around your child’s head and make adjustments before you close the triangle with the final staple This allows for a custom-fitted hat.
How to Make the Cockade
Use whatever craft supplies you have at home to make a cockade! You may use ribbon, bows, stickers, buttons, cotton balls, construction paper, or pompoms. Be creative! Send us a picture of your hat when it is finished!
What is a Tricorn Hat?
Tricorn hats were the style of hat that men wore during the 18th century. Its name comes from the hat having three corners. Interestingly, in the 18th century, they were not called tricorn hats. That name didn’t come about until the 19th century. People in the 18th century simply called them hats.
What is a Cockade?
A cockade is a type of decoration made from ribbon. People in the 18th century wore them to show support for a cause, or as part of a military uniform.
During the Revolutionary War uniforms helped show rank. Unfortunately, not all of the soldiers had uniforms. In order to display the identity of the officers, General Washington ordered that they wear cockades on their hats. Different colors represented different ranks. This did not last long though, and most soldiers went back to wearing plain black cockades.
In 1778, the French agreed to help the Americans fight the war. To celebrate the alliance, the countries combined the white French cockade with the black American cockade.
You can use your cockade to represent something about yourself! It could be your favorite colors or represent your favorite animal or sport.