Scuba Doo Rag re-doo - Still a Freebie

After some work with this pattern there are a few tweaks that are in order.  Here's the new re-doo of the SDR.  I confess, that when I use a pattern for the first time, I've done it for so long, that I know where the standard notches and markings should be and so I don't mark all that may be on the pattern - only the ones that mean anything to me.  So I depend upon my students and first-timers to remind me of the basics of pattern markings.

Here then is a "re-doo" of the Scuba Doo Rag or SDR from the original version.

This is much the same with better markings and better instructions, hopefully, and again I depend upon my newbies to help make this an even easier pattern to use.

There are a number of solutions here:

1. The tie piece has been reversed for a better flow on the headband piece
2. The markings for the curved head piece and the top piece are new
3. These new markings match the already existing "side seam" markings which are newly labeled.
4. The new pdf file also has a very simple layout and assemblage diagram on p. 5.

This brings up a number of inherent problems with the scuba cap and a couple of number of suggestions for improvement.

• The natural layout of the center top piece means that either the front piece or the back tail will be upside down.  This new pattern has a seam allowance on the front piece, if you so desire to match this so that the front is right side up and the tail is right side up.

A couple of additions from users of the cap:

• The ties should be longer so that it is easier to tie - possibly in a bow
• The tail should be extended so that girls with long hair have a pocket to carry it.

Syndi - here are some suggestion on the SDR.  I've done some extra markings on there that will help, but if you make it a different size, you really can't reduce the pattern evenly.  You have to grade it.  What I would do is do 1/2" seams when you sew the the curve cap side pieces to the top cap piece, and sew the darts at a 1/2" seam....then attach the headband piece to the tie piece at 3/8" seam, then attach that headband/tie piece to the cap pieces at 3/8" seam...turn seams at 3/8" and finish it off.

Here's a pict of how to finish this off if it helps:
It's easier if you turn up the seam between the ties & tail, then turn the tail, then turn the inside tie, bottom of tie and then last the outside tie piece.  Hopefully this makes sense...if not post here and I'll answer best I can.

Other than these, the new pattern can be followed exactly like the old one.  In addition to the new pattern here, here is also a file for assemblage which can be printed out and used.

Enjoy

Comments

[Syndi]

Claire,

Thank you so much for this post. I know now what I did. When I attached the curved side piece to the top, at the end where the dart was stitched on the top and the short edge had been folded up 3/8", I left that folded when I attached the side curved piece. This meant I had 3/8" less distance to ease the side piece to the cap and thus just didn't realize that it should have been longer. I will try again!! Thanks also for guidance on making smaller doo rags!

[atw]

Thanks very much for this pattern! I have just lost my hair from chemo, and my favorite hat so far is my Harley do-rag. I wanted to make a few more, so will try your pattern soon!

[Tony]

Anyone have a finished one that they can show a picture of? Thanks

[Tiopaeng]

Hi Claire,
I was wondering if you can post the size for each pattern? My printer prints the pattern in single pages 8-1/2 x 11.

Thanks

[ClaireOKC]

Tiopaeng - there is only one size to this pattern. When you print the pattern out it will print out in a pdf file that is 5 pages (with the last page showing how it all goes together). You will have to cut out the pieces on pages 1 & 2 and glue them together to make the top piece before you cut out. Look here http://cwuap.com/scubacap.htm
and then click for the pattern pieces.

When you get ready to print - print at 100% of size. It's listed as Page Scaling or Page Size or something like that - not sure what program you're using to see the pdf.

Hope this helps.