Tula Flat Hood Pattern and Tutorial

I love the simplicity of a flat hood, but sometimes the canvas gets a little hot. I also feel like the stock hood is starting to get a little small. When my son wakes up he immediately pulls at it. That's why I decided to make a new double-sided flat hood.


Here's what you need to make one:
- two coordinating fabrics (a fat quarter of each is enough)
- elastic cord (approximately 42")
- metal snaps (ykk 15 mm are the ones used by Tula or #24 FASHION spring snaps are the same size)
- coordinating thread
- bodkin or safety pins

Now you will need to download and cut out the pattern here. Make sure to select “Actual Size” in the print dialog and not “Fit” or “Shrink oversized pages.”

Total measurements are listed on the pattern so that you know it printed correctly. It should look like this when constructed.

First, you will need to make sure that your fabric is folded in half such that the pattern is parallel to the fold

If the pattern in your fabric is not positioned this way off the bolt, you will want to make sure that you unfold and fold in the opposite direction. If you don't do this, the fabric will be sideways on your hood!

Now, lay it over your fabric making sure to line up the fold line in the pattern with the fold on your fabric. The narrower end will attach to your carrier, so position your fabric to hang in the direction you choose. Cut out the pattern on the three sides NOT marked as Fold Line.

Repeat with your second fabric.

Place right sides together and pin.

Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, sew along the bottom and sides of your two pieces. Make sure to leave a 2-3 inch gap along the bottom edge. You'll use this later to turn your hood right sides out.

Measure 1 inch from the seam and mark along the top edge.

Sew across the top between your marks, leaving a 1 inch gap at each edge unsewn.

Turn the hood right sides out using the hole left at the bottom.

Now press it all flat, making sure to press the edges of the holes to the inside.

Mark 2 1/4 inches up for the bottom of the hood on each side.

Now sew the sides, starting at your marks, 1 inch from the edge all the way to the top. I use the 1” mark on my sewing machine plate as a guide for this part.

Cut two pieces of elastic, 21 inches each. Fold them each in half.

Place either a bodkin or a safety pin on the loop end of each piece of elastic.

Feed the elastic through the channel created on each side of the hood. Don't worry about stretching it all the way through yet. Just push the bodkin or safety pins up as far the length of the elastic. Pin the bottom of the elastic in place.

Fold the bottom edge of the hood up 1 1/4 inches an pin in place.

Sew up the side, along the bottom edge, and down the other side of the folded portion of the hood. Back stitch and stitch over the elastic to make sure it catches and holds in your stitching. Make sure to sew close enough to the edge to catch the inside edges of your hole left from turning. I sewed two lines across here for a little extra stiffness along the bottom edge of the hood.

Topstitch along the top edge of the hood. This can be as close as you'd like. I use about a 1/8th in here.

Now push your bodkin or safety pins up through the casing and out the top of the hood.

Pull the elastic out about an inch and remove your safety pin or bodkin. Separate the two pieces of the loop and pin apart.

Stitch between the elastic loop, about 1/2 inch long, up and down several times. This will prevent the elastic loop from slipping into the casing when it's not attached to the carrier.

Repeat on the other side.

Now you're ready for snaps! Snap should be 8.5 inches apart. It’s always a good idea to measure your own Tula to make sure that this measurement is correct. There may be slight variations in this distance due to manufacturing differences. Mark your snap locations on your hood.

Measure your marks again to make sure that they are the right distance apart and adjust if necessary. It's important to get the distance apart right so that the hood will snap into your carrier correctly. When in doubt, err on the side of too far apart instead of too close together.

Follow the directions of your preferred snap setting device to install the snaps. You can use snap pliers, snap presses, or more simple mechanical tools to install the snaps. Repeat for the other mark.

Now admire your hood!

This pattern is a few inches longer than a stock hood and a little bit deeper too. This picture gives a little bit of an idea of the difference, though you can’t see the deepness due to the pull of the elastic.

If you now need reach straps to attach to your hood, see my post here!

As always, if you enjoyed this tutorial, please consider purchasing the pattern on Etsy or donating to help me write more! Thank you to those who have already made donations. A small donation will go a long way!