Tit For Tat [A Hat Tutorial]

Opinion is divided - some say the phrase comes from the Dutch dit voor dat [this for that] bargaining in the market - whilst others say it is old English tip for tap  [hitting back, equivalent retaliation, an eye for an eye etc] Whatever, the phrase has been contracted to titfer as the Cockney rhyming slang for hat. 
The 'chorus' in the play are wearing mob caps [the girls] and capuchon hoods [the boys]

These are so easy to make. Again, you just need a couple of teatrays and a plate!

With a sharp pair of scissors and an overlocker [or a regular zigzag stitch] you can turn out a couple of dozen hats in an afternoon.

The capuchon needs a hood section and a cape section. The hood is basically the same as the hood used for the animal tunics. I drew the half-shape out on a cereal packet, rounding it slightly more, and I could manipulate the pattern pieces to get maximum use of fabric.
The cape is  large 18" circle [teatray] with a 7" circle [that plate again!] cut from the centre.
Sew the back seam of the hood. Then sew the hood into the hole. Zigzag or overlock all raw edges - or trim them with pinking shears if you have dozens to make!

Mobcaps -  18" circle again, this time draw a 12" circle in the middle. Finish the outer raw edge. Machine stitch elastic round that inner circle*. Hold the elastic stretched taut as you stitch. Once you get back to the beginning you will find your mop cap springing to life before you!
* practise this technique on a straight line before attempting curves.  Stitch and backtack for ¼" on unstretched elastic. Once it is firmly attached, then pull the free end taut, and stitch over it.

These two simple items of headgear will turn a mismatched chorus into a group of villagers! Just pop a skirt on the girls and wrap a shawl round their shoulders. My boys wore shepherds tunics and robes from the Nativity costume box.
Here is the Giant and some of the chorus at our local theatre. They were utterly brilliant. If you're making costumes and want to ask specific questions about any of my tutorials, please email me!