Newspaper Craft Challenge
Fold and decorate a wearable newspaper hat, practicing measuring, cutting, and creativity while learning to recycle materials and follow step by step instructions.
Step-by-step guide to make a wearable newspaper hat
Step 1
Gather all the materials and find a clear flat table to work on.
Step 2
Tear or cut a strip about 3 inches wide from a newspaper sheet.
Step 3
Wrap the strip gently around your head and mark where the ends meet with your pencil.
Step 4
Cut the strip at the pencil mark using scissors so it matches your head size.
Step 5
Lay a full newspaper sheet flat on the table with the short side nearest you.
Step 6
Fold the sheet in half by bringing the short edges together.
Step 7
Fold the top two corners down toward the middle to form a triangle point at the top.
Step 8
Fold the bottom front edge of the triangle up about 2 inches to create the front brim.
Step 9
Turn the hat over and fold the bottom back edge up to match the front brim.
Step 10
Place the cut strip inside the hat opening and tape it in place so the hat fits snugly.
Step 11
Decorate your hat with colouring materials stickers or scrap paper to make it colorful.
Step 12
Share a photo of your finished newspaper hat on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have a full newspaper sheet or tape?
Use a large sheet of printer paper, wrapping paper, or a flattened brown paper bag in place of 'Lay a full newspaper sheet flat', and replace tape with a glue stick or stapler for step 11.
My hat keeps tearing or won't stay on my head—what should I try?
If the paper tears while folding in steps 5–8 or the hat is loose after step 11, reinforce the folds and inside seam with extra tape or a stapler, and make the head strip from step 2 slightly wider before cutting in step 3 for a snugger fit.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For preschoolers, have an adult pre-cut the 3-inch strip in step 2 and guide the folds in steps 5–8 while older kids can layer extra newspaper sheets before step 4 to create taller or more durable hats and add detailed decorations in step 12.
How can we extend or personalize the newspaper hat after finishing it?
Use step 12 to decorate with stickers, scrap paper, or colouring materials, glue on a paper feather or pom-pom after step 11, or combine multiple hats to make matching costumes for a group activity.
Watch videos on how to make a wearable newspaper hat
Top 5 Newspaper Crafts Ideas | Easy Craft, Newspaper craft,DIYS IDEAS
4 Videos
Top 5 Newspaper Crafts Ideas | Easy Craft, Newspaper craft,DIYS IDEAS
Easy and Creative Newspaper Craft Ideas for Kids
Easy Earth Day Craft for Kids made with Recycled Newspaper
5 Amazing DIY Ideas Using Newspaper | Recycling Crafts
Facts about recycling and paper crafts
♻️ Recycling one ton of paper can save about 17 trees and lots of water and energy compared with making new paper.
📏 A child's head circumference typically falls roughly between 48–56 cm — measuring first helps you make a comfy, wearable hat.
🧠 Cutting, measuring, and following step-by-step craft instructions boost fine motor skills, hand–eye coordination, and sequencing ability.
📰 Newspapers are usually printed on a lightweight, recyclable paper called newsprint — great for folding and decorating!
🎩 The classic folded paper 'sailor' hat is a traditional simple fold that many cultures teach as a first origami-style project.
How do I fold and decorate a wearable newspaper hat in the Newspaper Craft Challenge?
What materials do I need for the Newspaper Craft Challenge?
What ages is the Newspaper Craft Challenge suitable for?
What are the benefits and safety tips for the Newspaper Craft Challenge?
Make things. Learn new skills. Share safely.
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