DIY Party Hats: Easy & Customizable Cardstock Creations

Updated at: 12/05/2025

Planning a party but dreading the expense of store-bought decorations? Forget the flimsy, mass-produced party hats! This guide will show you how to create stunning, personalized party hats using nothing more than readily available cardstock, a few simple tools, and a dash of creativity. Forget the limitations of pre-made designs; with this easy method, you can customize every hat to perfectly match your party theme, from vibrant rainbows to sophisticated monochrome, from whimsical animals to superhero emblems. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to inject a unique, handmade touch into your celebration without breaking the bank.

Get ready to unleash your inner artist and transform plain cardstock into festive headwear! This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the entire process, from measuring and cutting to decorating and assembling your very own collection of DIY party hats, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any other reason to celebrate. Let’s get started and create some unforgettable party memories!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Card stock
  • Jelly Roll Moonlight pens
  • Scotch tape
  • Double-sided tape
  • Crepe paper streamers (optional)
  • Elastic cord
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required, especially for young children using scissors and glue.
  • Use only child-safe glue and avoid small, easily swallowed embellishments.
  • Ensure hats are properly sized to avoid choking hazards; avoid overly long streamers or pointy ends.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Template

    • Download the free printable template.
    • Print the template onto card stock or copy paper (to use as a template).
    Print the template onto card stock or copy paper (to use as a template).Print the template onto card stock or copy paper (to use as a template).
    Prepare the Template

  2. Cut and Decorate the Hat

    • Cut out the hat along the solid lines of the template.
    • Decorate the unprinted side of the cardstock with Jelly Roll Moonlight pens. Consider the dotted line indicating the overlap area.
    Decorate the unprinted side of the cardstock with Jelly Roll Moonlight pens. Consider the dotted line indicating the overlap area.Decorate the unprinted side of the cardstock with Jelly Roll Moonlight pens. Consider the dotted line indicating the overlap area.
    Cut and Decorate the Hat

  3. Add Optional Decorations

    • Cut crepe paper, fold in half, make slits, and add double-sided tape to the curved edge of the hat.
    • Double a piece of crepe paper, make slits, add tape, and attach to the hat.
    Add French top (optional): Double a piece of crepe paper, make slits, add tape, and attach to the hat.Add French top (optional): Double a piece of crepe paper, make slits, add tape, and attach to the hat.
    Add Optional Decorations

  4. Assemble the Hat

    • Add double-sided tape to the interior straight edge, bring the edges together, and secure.
    Assemble the hat: Add double-sided tape to the interior straight edge, bring the edges together, and secure.
    Assemble the Hat

  5. Attach Elastic

    • Attach 18 inches (adults) or 12 inches (kids) of elastic to opposite sides of the inside of the hat using Scotch tape.
    Add elastic: Attach 18 inches (adults) or 12 inches (kids) of elastic to opposite sides of the inside of the hat using Scotch tape.
    Attach Elastic

Read more: DIY Picture Frame from Oat Cartons and Fabric: A Simple & Unique Craft

Tips

  • Jelly Roll Moonlight pens show up well on dark paper and glow under black light.
  • Designs can be as simple or complex as desired.
  • Supervise young children while wearing the hats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Cutting the Cardstock Inaccurately

Reason: Uneven or inaccurate cuts lead to a lopsided or poorly fitting party hat.
Solution: Use a ruler and sharp scissors or a craft knife for precise cuts.

2. Using Glue Incorrectly

Reason: Too much glue can cause the hat to be messy and potentially ruin the cardstock, while too little glue will result in a poorly constructed hat that falls apart easily.
Solution: Apply a thin, even layer of glue to the designated areas and allow it to dry before handling.

FAQs

What type of cardstock is best for making party hats?
Cardstock with a weight of 65-110lb (or 170-280gsm) works well. Heavier cardstock provides better structure, while lighter cardstock is easier to work with for intricate designs. Consider the complexity of your design when choosing the weight.
What if I don't have a circle template? Can I still make party hats?
Yes! You can easily create a circle template yourself using a compass, plate, bowl, or even a round object of your desired size as a guide. Trace the outline onto your cardstock and cut it out carefully.