Paper hat

A traditional model: fold the sheet in half, bring the two top corners to the centre and fold up the bottom strip. A rectangular sheet is all you need.

1. Get your paper ready.

   Lay a rectangular sheet upright, with the long sides running up and down. If one side is coloured, put it face down.

   With a bigger sheet, the hat comes out bigger.

2. Fold the sheet in half, from top to bottom.

   Bring the top edge down onto the bottom edge, lining up the corners. The fold is at the top, horizontal, and the folded sheet is wider than it is tall.

   Line up the corners well before pressing the fold.

3. Fold the folded sheet in half, sideways.

   Bring the left side over to the right, with both layers together. The fold runs vertically, through the centre.

   This is only to mark the centre: the fold does not need to be pressed hard.

4. Unfold.

   Open it again. A vertical mark is left in the centre, from the fold at the top to the bottom edge. It is the guide for the next folds.

   Run your fingernail along the mark so it shows clearly.

5. Fold the top left corner down to the mark.

   With both layers together, bring the top left corner to the mark in the centre. The fold starts at the midpoint of the folded edge and runs diagonally down to the left edge.

   Make sure the fold starts exactly at the centre of the top edge.

6. Fold the top right corner down to the mark.

   Do the same on the other side: bring the top right corner to the mark in the centre. The two points meet at the mark and a triangle is left at the top.

   Compare both sides: the points should be at the same height.

7. Fold up the bottom strip of the front layer.

   Fold up only the bottom strip of the front layer. The fold runs horizontally, along the line where the triangle ends. The strip lies over the triangle and the back layer is left hanging.

   Hold the back layer with your other hand so it does not move.

8. Fold the strip of the back layer backwards.

   Make the same fold with the strip of the back layer, but backwards and along the same line. It is a mountain fold: the strip ends up behind the hat.

   It is a mountain fold, so the paper moves away from you. That way you do not need to turn the hat over.

9. Open the hat from below.

   Pull the two layers apart at the opening underneath, with your thumbs inside, and push outwards until the hat takes a round shape. The two points end up at the sides.

   Open it slowly and smooth the bands with your fingers so the hat keeps its shape.

10. Your hat is ready.

    The drawing shows the hat open, seen from the front: the two points at the sides, the crown in the middle and the white band at the bottom as a brim.

    If a fold comes undone, press it again with your fingernail.