14 DIY Graduation Cap Ideas
DIY a custom graduation cap with one of these great graduation cap ideas and free tutorials.
A few years ago, all 3 of my kids graduated from something the same year. It was a crazy few months getting through all of those graduation ceremonies. So much has changed since then. One thing that has not changed is our desire to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have completed school, however that may look right now.
One great way to celebrate this amazing accomplishment is by decorating a graduation cap. There are so many ways to personalize caps too. I previously shared a tutorial teaching you how to decorate a graduation cap with a Cricut. It was such a hit that I thought I’d share a few more graduation cap DIYs with you today!
Graduation Cap Decorating Tips
1. Decorate an Extra Cap
If you don’t want to decorate (and potentially ruin) your ACTUAL cap, you can purchase extra caps online quite inexpensively. Decorate the spare cap and put it in a keepsake box!
2. Check your School Policy
Double-check with your school’s commencement policy to see if decorated caps are allowed.
3. Plan Ahead
There is nothing worse than trying to do something “new” at the last minute! Plan a crafternoon a few days before the ceremony to give yourself plenty of time to create your cap.
Items to use to Decorate Graduations Caps
Use a variety of materials. I’ve seen graduation caps decorated with all of the following. Each one turned out so cute!
- Polaroid Photos
- Vinyl Stickers from your School or soon to be University
- Silk Flowers
- Scrapbook Paper
- Colorful Fabric
- Iron on Patches
- Ribbon
DIY Graduation Cap Ideas
14 DIY Graduation Cap Tutorials
Decorating your Gradutaioin cap can be a fun way to celebrate your accomplishments. Here are 9 tutorials that walk you through the "how-to" steps for decorating a graduation cap.
Graduation Cap Decorating Tutorials
There are a lot of graduation cap ideas online, but not a lot of tutorials. Actual "how to decorate a graduation" cap posts. Here are a few blog posts that contain instructions and ideas.
DIY Graduation Cap Decorating Ideas using Cricut Iron-On
A few years ago, I created a set of graduation caps to use in shadow boxes for my kids. I used my Cricut machine and foil and everyday iron-on vinyl.
How to Decorate a Custom Graduation Cap
Olivia has created a lot of custom decorated graduation caps. She's sharing some of her best tips in this article.
How I Decorated My Graduation Cap | DIY
This brilliant Harry Potter Inspired graduation cap might be one of my favorites!
6 tips on decorating your graduation cap
Amy shares some of her best tips for creating a custom graduation cap.
Graduation Cap Tutorial
I love the monogram and colorful print on this cap. Click on over to her blog to find out more.
Aleenes Original Glues - 3 Ways to DIY a Graduation Cap
Aleene's glues walk you through the steps to create a glitter grad cap on their blog.
How to Decorate a Graduation Cap Using a Cricut
Another great tutorial on how to use a Cricut to decorate your cap.
Graduation SVG Files
SVG files are great for graduation cap decorations! Just cut it out with your Cricut machine and apply it to the cap! If you're not sure how to do that, you can use our directions for applying iron onto a graduation cap.
Here are a few SVG file suggestions for you. Some are shown on t-shirts, but the designs would also work for a graduation cap.
The Best Things Come To Those Who Don't Give Up Graduation | Etsy
This is a layered SVG file available for purchase on Etsy. Just cut it out with your Cricut machine and apply it to the cap! If you're not sure how to do that you can use our directions for applying iron onto a graduation cap.
Graduation Cut Files for the Class of 2021
Cut files just for the class of 2021
Free Dr. Seuss SVG File for Dr. Seuss Day Shirt & Crafts
These images are shown on a t-shirt but would be equally as cute on a graduation cap.
Happy Last Day of School SVG
These images are shown on a t-shirt but would be equally as cute on a graduation cap.
Graduation Cap PDF Graduation Cap DOWNLOAD ONLY Grad | Etsy
This PDF that is available on Etsy walks you through the instructions for printing out and gluing the decorations to the cap.
YouTube Tutorials
There are quite a few YouTube tutorials with ideas and directions for decorating a graduation cap. Here are a few of my favorites.
Graduation Cap Design Tips & How To Put On - Eleanour
A step-by-step tutorial.