To make a newspaper hat with kids, fold a full sheet of newspaper in half widthwise, fold the top corners down to meet at the center, then fold up the bottom flaps on each side. The whole process takes about 5 minutes, costs essentially nothing, and works for children as young as three (with a little help). It's one of those classic crafts that never gets old, and there's something genuinely magical about watching a kid parade around in a hat they just made from yesterday's news.

Why Newspaper Hats Are Worth Your Time

Before you dismiss this as "too simple," consider what's actually happening here. Kids are learning spatial reasoning, following sequential instructions, and practicing fine motor skills, all while having a blast. Plus, newspaper hats scale beautifully. Make one for a quick activity, or make a dozen for a birthday party. They're also a fantastic gateway into origami and paper folding if your little ones catch the bug.

Materials You'll Need

Here's the good news: you probably have everything already.

Total estimated cost: Under $10 (and often $0)

For a child-sized hat, a full newspaper sheet works well. If you're making hats for toddlers or stuffed animals, a half sheet or standard letter-sized paper does the trick.

Age Range and Time Estimate

Younger kids tend to enjoy the decorating phase most, while older children often get a kick out of mastering the folds themselves.

How to Make a Classic Sailor-Style Newspaper Hat

This is the traditional fold that's been around for generations. No scissors required, no tape necessary (though it can help).

Step 1: Gather Your Newspaper

Grab a full sheet of newspaper, the kind that's already folded in the middle when you pull it from the stack. Lay it flat on a table or hard surface with the fold at the top.

Step 2: Fold It in Half (Width-Wise)

If your newspaper isn't already folded, fold it in half so the fold is at the top and the open edges are at the bottom. You should have a rectangular shape that's roughly twice as wide as it is tall.

Step 3: Find the Center

This is where precision helps (but perfection isn't required, paper hats are forgiving). You can lightly crease the paper in the center to create a guide, or just eyeball it.

Step 4: Fold the Top Corners Down

Take the top left corner and fold it down toward the center. Do the same with the top right corner. The two folded edges should meet at the middle, forming a triangle shape at the top. You'll have a strip of unfolded newspaper remaining at the bottom.

Step 5: Fold Up the Bottom Flaps

You'll notice there are two layers of paper at the bottom (one on each side of your triangle). Fold the front flap up toward the base of the triangle. Flip the whole thing over and fold the back flap up the same way.

Step 6: Open and Shape

Gently pull the two sides apart at the bottom opening. The hat should pop into shape, ready to sit on a head. If it feels flimsy, a small piece of masking tape at the base of the triangle can add stability.

Step 7: Try It On!

Place it on your child's head and prepare for the inevitable proud grin. Newspaper hats tend to make everyone feel a little fancier.

Variation: The Painted Bonnet Hat

Want something a bit more elaborate? This version takes longer but produces a showstopper.

Materials for the Bonnet Version

• 2 sheets of newspaper
• Washable paint
• Masking tape
• Optional: tissue paper flowers, ribbons, or stickers

Instructions

1. Paint your newspaper sheets in whatever colors your child loves. Let them dry completely (this usually takes 30–60 minutes depending on how thick the paint goes on).

2. Stack the two sheets and fold them in half twice, creating a smaller square.

3. Cut a quarter circle from the folded corner to create a circular shape when unfolded.

4. Place the circle on your child's head and gently fold the edges down around their face, securing with masking tape where needed.

5. Fold up the sides to create a bonnet brim.

6. Decorate with tissue paper flowers, stickers, or whatever craft supplies you have on hand.

This version is especially popular for dress-up play or themed parties.

Tips for Success

Choose the right paper size. A full newspaper sheet fits most kids aged 4 and up. For toddlers or doll-sized hats, use a half sheet or standard printer paper.

Crease firmly. Good creases make the hat hold its shape. Run your fingernail or a ruler along each fold.

Add chin ties if needed. If the hat won't stay put (windy day, wiggly kid), punch small holes on each side near the bottom, thread string or ribbon through, and tie under the chin.

Let kids lead the decorating. The folding might require guidance, but decorating is where their creativity can run wild. Markers, stickers, stamps, glitter glue, it's all fair game.

Make multiples. One hat is fun. A fleet of hats for the whole family (or a crew of stuffed animals) is an adventure.

More Hands-On Projects

If your crew enjoyed this activity, you might also like exploring other crafts that use recycled materials. Check out our guide on how to build a mini windmill from recycled materials or browse our full collection of kids crafts for more ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of paper works if I don't have newspaper?

Large sheets of construction paper, brown packing paper, or even wrapping paper can work. The key is using paper that's large enough and thin enough to fold easily.

Can newspaper hats get wet?

Not really. Newspaper falls apart when it gets wet, so these hats are best for indoor play or dry outdoor adventures.

How do I make the hat fit a smaller head?

Start with a half sheet of newspaper instead of a full sheet. For tiny heads (like dolls or stuffed animals), use standard 8.5 x 11 inch paper.

Is this craft safe for toddlers?

Generally, yes. There's no cutting required for the basic version, and newspaper isn't toxic. Just supervise to make sure little ones aren't eating the paper.

How long does a newspaper hat typically last?

With gentle handling, a newspaper hat can last through an afternoon of play. They're not built for permanence, but that's part of the charm: you can always make another one.

Can we paint the newspaper before folding?

You can, but let it dry completely first. Wet newspaper tears easily and won't hold its shape.

What age can kids do this independently?

Most children around 8 years old can handle the basic sailor hat fold on their own. Younger kids usually need help with the corner folds.

Are there other hat styles we can try?

Absolutely. Once kids master the basic fold, they can experiment with captain's hats, crowns, and even pirate tricorns with a few modifications.

References

1. Creative paper craft tutorials for children's hats
2. Traditional origami-style newspaper folding guides
3. Child development resources on age-appropriate craft activities