Printable Pirate Hat Templates: 7 Free Designs

Ahoy, mateys! Turn kids into a crew of adventurous pirates with these free printable pirate hats. The downloadable pirate hat PDF includes seven different paper designs, from a color-your-own skull-and-crossbones style to colorful captain options decorated with feathers, bandanas, gold trim, and pirate emblems.

Simply choose a pirate hat template, print it, cut along the outer edge, and attach the included paper strips to create a wearable headband.

These printable templates are perfect for a pirate birthday celebration, Halloween costumes, classroom craft activities, treasure hunts, dramatic play, and any day that calls for a swashbuckling adventure.

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7 Free Printable Pirate Hats for Kids

This free printable pirate hat template makes costume prep quick while still giving little ones plenty of ways to customize their look.

Whether they want to become a fearless captain, follow a treasure map, or set sail on an imaginary journey across the high seas, this easy project adds plenty of pirate fun without complicated supplies.

Free Pirate Hat Templates

The collection includes seven designs so every young buccaneer can choose a favorite style from this craft template set.

Six designs come fully colored and are ready to assemble. The black-and-white option works like a coloring page that children can decorate before cutting.

Each page also includes rectangular paper strips for creating the adjustable headband. An additional sheet of extension strips is included to help fit different head sizes.

What Is Included in the PDF?

The nine-page PDF file includes:

Seven wearable designs
Six full-color options
One black-and-white coloring page
Headband strips on each page
Three additional extension strips
Skull-and-crossbones designs
Pirate captain styles
Feathered options
Bandana details
Decorative gold and green trim
A personal-use terms page

The printable templates are formatted horizontally on standard 8.5-by-11-inch US Letter paper rather than A4 size.

The Seven Pirate Hat Designs

Color-Your-Own Design

The first paper hat template features a classic style with a skull and crossbones in the center. It also includes a tied bandana beneath the brim.

This design is printed in black and white so children can choose their own shades. They can use traditional combinations such as black, red, and gold or create something completely original.

Because kids decorate it before wearing it, this pirate hat craft template works especially well as a birthday party project or classroom activity and can encourage creativity.

Black and Gold Captain Design

This full-color captain design has a black tricorn shape, gold trim, a red bandana, and two white feathers.

It has a dramatic captain appearance and is ready to assemble without any coloring.

Feathered Skull and Swords Design

This black design features a skull-and-crossed-swords emblem, a red bandana, a gray feather, and a bright green feather.

A dotted blue cutting guide follows the upper edge, helping children see where to cut.

Classic Skull-and-Crossbones Design

This free pirate hat features a simple black shape with a large white skull and crossbones.

Its bold, recognizable look makes it an easy choice for a costume, party favor, photo booth, or group pirate craft.

Design With Red Feathers

This black option features a white skull emblem, crossed white bones, two red-and-brown feathers, and a red bandana underneath.

The curved brim gives it a different silhouette from the classic skull-and-crossbones version.

Brown and Green Pirate Captain Design

This detailed brown paper pirate hat includes green trim, a small skull badge, decorative stitching, and a patterned bandana.

It has the appearance of an experienced captain’s gear and is a fun choice for children who want something different from the traditional black style.

Brown Feathered Captain Design

The final option is a brown captain style with dark green accents, gold trim, a gold clasp, and a large yellow feather.

This polished pirate hat printable is already colored and ready to cut and wear.

Supplies You Will Need:

Gather these simple supplies before starting this printable pirate hat craft:

Free template
Printer
White cardstock or heavyweight printer paper
Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
Child-safe scissors
Clear tape, glue, or a stapler
Measuring tape or string, optional
Decorations, optional

Cardstock is the best paper choice because it makes the finished piece sturdier. Regular printer paper or colored paper can also work, but the finished band may bend or tear more easily during active play.

How to Make a Printable Pirate Hat

Download the file.
Choose one of the seven designs.
Print your selected template on white cardstock.
Add color to the uncolored version before cutting, if using that design.
Cut around the outside edge.
Cut out the rectangular paper strips.
Attach one strip to each side or the back using tape, glue, or a staple.
Place it around the child’s head to determine the correct size.
Overlap the strips until it fits comfortably.
Secure the overlapping ends.
Trim away any excess paper, if necessary.
Put on the finished accessory and set sail on your next adventure.

An adult should supervise cutting and stapling, especially when younger children are making the project.

How to Adjust the Headband to Fit

Children’s head sizes vary, so check the fit before permanently attaching the headband.

Wrap the attached paper strips gently around the child’s head. It should remain in place without feeling tight.

If the strips are too short, use one of the three extra extension strips included in the file. Tape or glue the additional strip onto one end and try the fit again.

If you are preparing them before a pirate party, use a small piece of removable tape or a paper clip to temporarily hold each one. Adjust and secure each one as guests arrive.

Do not use an elastic string that is tight around a child’s head or neck.

What Age Is This Pirate Hat Craft For?

These designs work best for preschool- to early elementary-aged children, although older kids can also use them for costumes and imaginative play.

Toddlers and Preschoolers

Adults should handle most of the cutting and assembly. A toddler or preschooler can add color to the uncolored version, place stickers, and choose a favorite style.

Kindergarten and Early Elementary

Children in kindergarten and the early grades who have established scissor skills may be able to cut around the larger shapes with supervision. An adult may still need to size and secure the band.

Older Children

Older kids can independently decorate, cut, assemble, and personalize their accessories. They can also use the basic outline as inspiration for an original pirate-captain creation.

Decorating the Black-and-White Design

The color-your-own version gives children the most room for creativity. Try decorating it with:

Crayons
Markers
Colored pencils
Pirate stickers
Metallic gel pens
Glitter glue
Sequins
Craft feathers
Adhesive jewels
Gold paper
Red tissue paper
A pirate name
A ship’s name
Drawn patches or stitches

Make sure glued decorations are completely dry before children wear the finished craft.

Avoid heavy objects or decorations with sharp edges. Small embellishments may not be appropriate for children who still put objects in their mouths.

Pirate Birthday Party Craft

This free pirate project is an easy choice for a pirate-themed birthday celebration. Prepare several copies before guests arrive, and set up a decorating station.

Set out:

The uncolored templates
Crayons and washable markers
Pirate stickers
Child-safe scissors
Glue sticks
Precut strips
Tape or a stapler for adult use

Let each guest decorate one and choose a pirate name. Once everything is assembled, children can wear their creations during a treasure hunt or themed game.

The finished pieces can also double as handmade party favors that guests take home. Kids will love leaving with something they decorated themselves.

Wear Them for a Treasure Hunt

Begin a treasure hunt by giving each child their finished headpiece. Then provide a simple map or series of clues leading to hidden treasure.

Possible treasure-hunt locations include:

Beneath a table
Behind a sofa
Near a bookshelf
Inside an empty toy chest
Under a pillow
Beside a tree
Near the sandbox
Inside a decorated cardboard treasure chest

Fill the final treasure chest with stickers, plastic coins, costume jewelry, pencils, erasers, or other age-appropriate prizes. You can also turn the game into a scavenger hunt by having children collect clues along the way.

More Ways to Use Them

Pirate Pretend Play

Add the finished pieces to a dress-up bin with toy telescopes, maps, cardboard swords, and fabric sashes. This type of pretend play gives children a chance to create their own ships, characters, destinations, and stories.

Halloween Costumes

Pair one with a striped shirt, dark pants, boots, a fabric sash, and a child-safe accessory for an easy homemade costume.

Pirate-Themed Celebration

Talk Like a Pirate Day falls on September 19 each year. Make the occasion more playful with hats, themed phrases, stories, crafts, and maps.

Classroom Dramatic-Play Center

Place the assembled pieces in a dramatic play area. Add a cardboard ship, paper steering wheel, flags, maps, and pretend treasure.

Pirate Storytime

Read a themed book and let children wear their creations during the story. Afterward, ask them to imagine a new adventure for the characters.

Photo Booth Props

Prepare several styles for a party photo booth. Add an ocean backdrop, cardboard ship, treasure chest, parrot prop, and flag.

Pirate Play or Skit

Use them as inexpensive costume pieces for a classroom performance, homeschool co-op skit, or imaginative family play. This is one of many simple ideas for kids that can turn an ordinary afternoon into an adventure.

Pirate Games to Play While Wearing Them

Captain Says

Play a seafaring variation of Simon Says. Give directions such as:

“Captain says scrub the deck.”
“Captain says look through the telescope.”
“Captain says walk the plank.”
“Captain says row the boat.”
“Captain says shout, ‘Ahoy!’”

Find the Treasure

Hide plastic coins or pirate paper treasure pieces around the room. Give children a small bag and let them collect as many pieces as they can find.

Pirate Freeze Dance

Play ocean-themed music while children dance in their costume pieces. When the music stops, every buccaneer must freeze.

Walk the Plank

Place a strip of painter’s tape on the floor and invite children to walk along the plank without stepping off. Keep it directly on the floor to prevent falls.

Pirate Name Game

Have children create names by combining a descriptive word with an object, animal, or seafaring title. Examples include Captain Silver Shark, Red-Beard Ruby, and Stormy-Eyed Sam.

Skills Children Practice

Making and using these accessories can support:

Fine motor skills
Scissor control
Hand-eye coordination
Coloring
Creative decision-making
Following directions
Imaginative play
Storytelling
Communication
Cooperative play

The project should remain playful. Younger children do not need to cut perfectly for the finished piece to be fun and wearable.

Printing Tips

Print in landscape orientation.
Set your printer scale to 100% whenever possible.
Choose the single-page-per-sheet setting for the best results.
Use sturdy white paper for the full-color designs.
Print only the specific design you need.
Print the additional sizing-strip page when making them for older children or adults.
Check your printer preview before printing.
Allow ink to dry before cutting.

If the entire design does not appear in the print preview, select “fit to printable area.” This may make it slightly smaller, so be prepared to add an extra extension strip.

More Pirate Activities for Kids

Continue the adventure with these pirate-themed crafts and printables:

You can combine several activities to create a complete pirate-party station, classroom theme, or homeschool activity day.

Download the Free Printable Pirate Hats Template

These seven free printable pirate designs make it easy to create a wearable costume piece without buying party accessories or complicated supplies. They are also a handy addition to a collection of printable crafts when you need a quick, low-prep project.

Choose a pre-colored captain style for fast assembly, or let children customize the skull-and-crossbones version. Attach the included paper strips, adjust the fit, and your little buccaneer will be ready to search for treasure across the high seas.

These resources are for personal use only. Please do not sell, redistribute, or upload the file to another website. To share this fun activity on Pinterest or elsewhere, link directly to this blog post.

How many designs are included?

The collection includes seven different wearable options.

Are any of them black and white?

Yes. One design can be colored by hand. The other six are already finished in full color.

Are headband strips included?

Yes. Each design contains paper strips for assembly. There is also a separate sheet with three additional strips for adjusting the size.

What paper should I use?

Sturdy white paper is the best option because it helps the finished accessory keep its shape. Regular printer paper can also be used for a lighter, less durable result.

Can they fit different head sizes?

Yes. Overlap the paper strips to create a smaller band or add an extension when more length is needed. Always measure before permanently securing it.

Can preschoolers make this craft?

Yes. Little ones can decorate the designs, but most will need adult assistance with cutting, sizing, and assembly.

Can I print the templates for a birthday party?

Yes. The file is intended for personal use, so you may prepare copies for your own themed celebration, but you may not sell or redistribute the digital file.

Do I need to print the entire PDF?

No. Select only the design you want. Use the additional strip sheet if you need extra length.

Is this a folded three-dimensional pirate hat?

No. These are flat paper fronts attached to adjustable strips to create wearable bands. Calling them “paper headband hats” in the instructions will help readers understand what they are making.