Silk Bonnet for Sleeping

My old silk bonnets were completely frayed and dead, so I went digging in my stash to see if I could make my own. I like the final product, so here’s what I did.

Fabric

I had some leftover 22 momme silk charmeuse fabric from when I made Ryan silk pillowcases, which was perfect for this project.

I also had some extra ribbed spandex that worked perfectly as a headband. I originally thought about trying to save the elastic headband from my old bonnets, but I didn’t have the energy to try and remove a combination overlock and chain stitch seam.

Pattern

Instructions

1. Cut out the headband: Use your spandex fabric to cut out a strip for the headband. Make sure it’s the length of your head’s circumference and wide enough to fold in half. My headband measures 21 inches by 6 inches.
2. Cut out the bonnet: Using your silk fabric, cut out a large circle for the bonnet. The size depends on how much volume you want, but typically a 18-24 inch diameter works well for most bonnets. My bonnet measures 18 inches in diameter.
3. Sew a basting stitch: On the edge of the silk bonnet, sew a basting stitch 1/2 inch away from the edge. Leave long threads at the start and end to gather the fabric later.
4. Sew the headband: Fold the headband strip in half (right sides together), and sew the short ends together using a stretch stitch, such as a serger or zigzag stitch, to create a loop.
5. Fold and pin the headband: Fold the headband in half lengthwise, bringing the raw edges together. Pin the folded headband to hold it in place, making sure the seam is aligned.
6. Gather the silk bonnet: Pull on the long threads of the basting stitch to gather the silk bonnet fabric until its circumference matches that of the headband.
7. Pin the bonnet and headband together: With the right sides facing each other, pin the gathered silk bonnet to the raw edges of the folded headband. Distribute the gathers evenly.
8. Sew the bonnet to the headband: Stitch the gathered silk bonnet and the headband together using a stretch stitch. For easier sewing, place the gathered silk on the bottom and the headband on top while feeding it through your machine.
9. Remove the gathering stitches: Gently pull out the basting (gathering) stitches now that the bonnet is securely attached to the headband.
10. Finish: Turn the bonnet right side out, and you’re done! You now have a beautiful silk bonnet.

Conclusion

This was a straightforward project, and I’m glad I had scraps in my bins that could be used. I’m also glad I don’t need to buy bonnets anymore.