Materials

• Fleece is a synthetic material that absorbs heat and keeps you warm without the scratchiness of wool. Available in a variety of colors at most fabric stores, fleece is also available in the fabric section of most craft and discount stores like Wal-Mart or A.C. Moore. Because jester hats are known for their multiple colors, choose at least two colors for your hat.
  
  Depending on what you plan to use the hat for, buy bells or pompoms to hang from the pointed ends. If you plan to use the hat as outerwear, make sure the decorations you buy are machine-washable.
  
  You will also need a measuring tape, needle and scissors. A sewing machine will help speed up the project, but is not required. Choose thread in colors that coordinate with the fleece colors or in a single color, such as white, to sew throughout.
  
  

Assembly

• To determine what size to make the hat, measure the circumference of, or distance around, the wearer's head. The hat should fit down on the brow, so measure just above the ears. Cut a band of fleece to match the circumference of the head, allowing enough extra to sew the seam. The band should be wide enough to sit just above the forehead of the person who will wear it so the points of the hat will lay over properly.
  
  To create a four-point jester hat, cut two panels of each color, giving you a total of eight panels. You may first want to sketch a panel onto a piece of poster board to determine the best length for the wearer. Once you are satisfied with the curve and length, cut out the template and trace the outline lightly onto the fleece.
  
  Mix and match the panels until you get the color combination you want. Stitch them together two at a time to form four panels. Stitch the panels to the top of the band. The result should be four panels that fold over to form a jester's hat. Add bells or pompoms to the end of each point to complete the look.
  
  If you plan to wear the hat as outerwear and not just as a costume, you will need to stitch the panels to each other so that the center is closed and will keep the wearer's head warm. Only stitch enough of the panel to cover the head leaving the upper part free to dangle like a jester's hat.