Make a Washington-Style Yarn Wig

George Washington is famous for wearing a white wig, as was the style of his time. But despite this persistent image of our first president, the truth is he never did wear a wig. Washington's famous 'do was actually his own hair, elaborately styled and powdered white. This Independence Day, or for a fun game of dress-up, your child can develop his own signature look by creating a silly wig from yarn and a stocking cap (no powder necessary!). The yarn wig makes a great prop for skits, creative play, and general goofiness.

What You Need:

• Knit cap with a loose gauge
• 1 skein (coil) of yarn
• Crochet needle
• Scissors

What You Do:

1. Have him hold one end of the yarn in his hand and loop it about ten times around the length of his arm, from his hand to his elbow. If he prefers, he can wrap it around a pillow instead of his arm.
2. Snip the yarn from the skein. Holding the looped bundle from the top, cut the bottom of the loop.
3. Take a 4-inch piece of yarn and ask him to tie a knot at the top of the bundle to hold the pieces of yarn together.
4. At the center point of the top of the hat, use the crochet needle to push one of the tied ends through to the underside. Push the other end through the hat and tie the two together to keep the yarn in place.
5. Continue making bundles of yarn and tying them along the middle line of the hat to create the “part.”
6. Once your bundles of yarn cover the head across the part, attach more bundles of yarn to the sides of the hat if you want your wig to be fuller.
7. When all the yarn is in place, use scissors to help him style the wig as he wishes—make bangs, cut layers, etc.
8. Place the hat on your his head and invite him to check out his new look!