8mm seam allowance used throughout, unless otherwise stated

Embroider the motif

1 Download the template at sewmag.co.uk, then print out and draw the pattern pieces onto the medium-weight fabric. Transfer the motif to the fabric, positioning it centrally on one of the side pieces of the hat to form the main part of the crown. Place the fabric in the embroidery hoop, with the design positioned in the centre of the hoop, making sure the fabric is taut but not over-stretched.

2 For the crab, thread the needle with two strands of coral embroidery thread and fill in the shapes, using satin stitch, starting at the centre and working outwards. For the top edge of the shell, change to apricot thread, and for the tips of the claws and legs, use black. For the starfish, use the same apricot thread, working each section separately, from the centre to the tip of each leg.

3 For the two fish, start with the body, threading the needle with two strands of the blue/green variegated thread and embroidering each scale, starting from the row of scales behind the head and working towards the tail. Using pale blue thread, fill in the head, tail and fins. Complete the seaweed with green and the pebbles with ochre. Using the variegated pastel thread, embroider the bubbles, outlining each one in split stitch. Remove the fabric from the hoop, press lightly on the reverse, then cut out all of the pattern pieces.

Stitch the hat

1 With right sides together, join the side seams on the front and back to form the main part of the crown. Iron the seams open. Do the same with the two lining pieces. Pin the top edge of the crown piece to the outer edge of the matching circle, ensuring the wrong sides are facing out. Sew together and clip the curves, then repeat this process with the lining.

2 Place the two brim pieces, right sides together,then join on both short sides and iron the seam allowances open. Do the same with the lining. Join the crown to the brim by placing the right sides together with the seams matching, then pin both layers in place and stitch. Repeat this step for the lining. Iron the seam allowances to one side, away from the brim.

3 Turn the main hat right sides out, place the lining into the main hat so that the right sides are pressed together and the wrong sides are facing out. Match the seams. Pin the two together all round the outer edge of the brim. Stitch, leaving a 6cm gap for turning.

4 Turn the hat through the opening. Press the brim, then push the seam allowance to the inside on the opening and slip-stitch the folded edges together to close the gap. Topstitch the edge of the brim close to the edge. Add more lines of topstitching, evenly spaced.