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You’ve arrived the Geek Crafts column, your weekly dose of geeky goodness with Haley Pierson-Cox from The Zen of Making!
Now that we’ve been talking nerdy for a few weeks, I’m sure it will come as no surprise to you that I’m completely obsessed with Downton Abbey. Not a day goes by that I don’t find myself wanting to hug Mr. Bates, scream at Lady Mary, or kiss the Dowager Countess full on the mouth! If you feel the same way, here’s a little something to keep you occupied while you wait for season three to start. I mean, who can resist the Dowager Countess and her amazing hats?!
Materials
- Team Dowager hat template PDF
- Card stock, 1 piece in a light color
- 3-ply embroidery floss, 12 inches each of 3 complementary colors
- Embroidery needle
- Straight pin
- Small foam block (a large flat eraser will also work)
- Scotch tape
- Colored permanent markers
- Paper scissors
- Embroidery scissors
- Button maker or sticker machine (optional)
The following tutorial will show you how to make one Team Dowager badge.
The printed template size is 1 ¾”, which is sized to fit a standard 1 ½” button maker. If you don’t have a button maker on hand, the template can also be used as-is to create a paper badge. Instructions for both options are included below.
To make multiple badges, print additional templates on each piece of cardstock.
Step 1
Print the Team Dowager hat template on cardstock and cut it out with your paper scissors. Then, using a permanent marker, fill in the hat shape with the color of your choice.
Step 2
Select your first embroidery floss color and fasten one end to the back of the template with scotch tape. Thread your embroidery needle with the free end.
Step 3
Decorate the hat with your favorite embroidery stitches. I used french knot, stem stitch, and petal stitch, but you can use any stitch that suits your fancy!
To avoid creasing the paper as you embroider, place the template on top of a foam block, then use a straight pin to punch the holes before making each stitch.
Step 4
Continue adding stitches until your hat is thoroughly decorated. When you’re done, cut off the excess floss length and use scotch tape to secure the ends to the back.
Step 5
Once your hat is finished, use a button maker or a sticker machine to make a wearable badge. (I used my 1 ½” button maker to make mine.)
If you don’t have a button maker or sticker machine on hand, seal the top with a decoupage medium like Mod Podge, then glue a pin back to the other side.
Are you on Team Dowager too? Leave a comment below and tell me how you’re going to decorate your badge!
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