Wednesday 27 August 2008

Some Sewing - How to Make a Shower Cap - Tutorial

sew how make Shower Cap showercap pattern tutorial

Here is a fairly quick and easy sewing project to try that is great to make for yourself or to give away. It is also a great way to keep your children's hair dry if you make it in fabric they like.

I would love to see a photo if you make a shower cap using my instructions. Please provide a link to this post if you wish to share these instructions with others.

Materials required:

Fabric (I use satin or lightweight cotton so it dries quickly)
Thin plastic (disposable tablecloths or plastic shower curtains are great for this)
Satin binding
Cotton binding
Narrow elastic
Thread to match
Biro for marking on the plastic
Straight stitch sewing machine (yes you can even make this on a treadle!)

Directions:

1) Make your pattern for the shower cap using fairly large paper. You need to cut a circle approximately 55cm in diameter. If you have really long hair or are likely to have rollers under it I would recommend 60-65cm. For children 50cm is usually sufficient.

2) Cut 1 piece in your chosen fabric and one piece in plastic for the waterproof lining

sew how make Shower Cap pattern showercap tutorial

3) Pin around the very edge with wrong sides together. This keeps everything in place as you sew. Satin and plastic are very slippery when you are trying to sew the two together. Keep the pins right to the very edge so any pinholes created in the plastic will be hidden under the binding when you sew it on. Baste all the way around.

sew how make Shower Cap pattern showercap tutorial

4) Open out the satin binding and sew it to the inside(plastic side) of the showercap as in the picture below. Fold over the end before you begin to stitch so you will have a neat finish.

sew how make Shower Cap pattern showercap tutorial satin bias binding

5) Once you have stitched all the way around, fold the rest of the binding over the seam and over to the right side of the shower cap and stitch in place from the fabric side. This step covers the previous stitching lines. Sometimes I add lace at this step too.

sew how make Shower Cap pattern showercap tutorial satin bias binding

6) With the plastic side facing up on the shower cap, measure and mark 5cm (2") in from the edge all the way around. This is where you will make casing for the elastic. Fold the end of the cotton binding over then sew the binding along the edge onto the line you marked earlier. DO NOT overlap or sew over the ends as you will be threading elastic through there shortly. Refer to pics below. Repeat sewing along the other edge of the binding to create two stitched lines. Tie off any loose threads.

sew how make Shower Cap pattern showercap tutorial satin bias binding

sew how make Shower Cap pattern showercap tutorial satin bias binding

sew how make Shower Cap pattern showercap tutorial satin bias binding

7) Thread the elastic though the casing. I usually use a small safety pin or an elastic bodkin. Use enough elastic to make it comfortable and not too tight. Secure the ends of the elastic either by sewing or tying them in a knot. Hide the ends in the casing using a pair of tweezers to push them in. Decorate with the outside of your new shower cap with a satin bow or a fancy button if desired.

These showercaps can be washed by hand in lukewarm water or in a cold wash in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.

Here is a shower cap and a couple of make-up bags I made using a thrifted pillowcase that was made from Breast Cancer Awareness Fabric.
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21 comments:

  1. Too cute. I'll have to try this one.

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  2. Thanks Lisa. Would love to see a photo if you do.

    xx

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  3. Thanks so much for this! I made some for my girls, and have blogged appropriately :)

    Thanks heaps, it's a great tutorial, very easy to follow.

    See Here

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  4. hey this is awesome so I am going to try this out.. just curious the plastic on the inside or outside?

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  5. Thanks home handy mum and Bel.

    I like to have the plastic on the inside of my shower caps however you could use clear on the outside if you want to.

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  6. I have a massive amount of hair, and it is near impossible to find a shower cap that fits (in all my adult life, I have only found one, and it costs $25!) - I love that you posted this tute! I can't wait to try it and wonder if 60cm might be big enough???? Will have to try it to find out! Thank you for sharing!

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  7. Karissa, you can always make the shower cap at 65cm or larger if you need to. Let me know how you get on.

    SewDelish

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  8. Thanks for dropping by my blog. I have added this tutorial to my freebie blog if thats okay...hugs Khris

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  9. You are more than welcome Kris.

    xx

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  10. Hi there

    I just made this, it looks awesome!

    Great pattern, thanks heaps!!

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  11. Hello,
    I've tried to make mine out of heavy plastic bags but had a problem with making the elastic fit with the circle. i'll try making it your way. thanks a lot.

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  12. I made this cut cap this morning and am so excited about it. I used a bit of stick glue on the first step instead of pinning, it worked great. Thanks a lot. Jane Kerr, Lubbock texas

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  13. Looks Great!!can't wait to try it! Although I'm trying to make a cover like that for my tv thats outside on patio --- any helpful hints

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  14. So excited to find your tutorial today! I'm heading out to buy some fabric and make some shower caps...

    Best,
    Jenn

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  15. I've sewn this one today & considering I'm not a very experienced 'sewer' it doesnt look too bad. Proud of myself:) Will send you a pic soon. thx so much for this!

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  16. Thanks so much for this, I've been making shower caps for family and friends as presents, but I've had so much difficulty doing the elastic, I'm going to try your method next time! Glad I found your blog xx

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  17. This is great!
    Do you have any idea what a good size would be for making this for a 6 year old, though?

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  18. Thanks for the tutorial! It confirmed a lot of what I suspected through analysing my shop-bought shower cap and gave me the confidence to try making one. I posted a photo on my blog.
    I made mine 60 centimetres in diameter, which seems plenty for all but the biggest heads of hair.

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  19. Thank you so much for this.
    My kids and I made one using faux fur fabric to make a dressing up wig! They love it and it was very easy to make together.

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  20. Thank you for your tutorial. I used your method of casing for the elastic and your measurements for a long-hair adult! I linked back to your tutorial in my blog post. Thanks again! See here

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  21. I needed a new cap to cover my dreads. Thank you!! xo

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