8 Easy Ways to Customize Your Graduation Cap

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Memorable designs for your grad cap and fun decorating tips
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Decorating your grad cap is an easy way to make your graduation regalia feel personal and memorable. The design possibilities are pretty much endless—as long as you give yourself enough time to pull off your DIY grad cap before commencement day. Whether you need creative design ideas or want to know what materials to decorate with, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for everything you need to know to decorate an amazing grad cap.

Best Graduation Cap Quote Ideas

  • Add an inspirational quote like “This is just the beginning.”
  • Make a pop culture reference , such as “Thank you, next.”
  • Put a funny message such as “The most expensive hat I’ll ever own.”
  • Honor your faith with a quote like “I did my best. God did the rest.”
Section 1 of 6:

8 Creative Graduation Cap Decoration Ideas

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  1. 1
    Feature an inspirational quote that represents your journey. Choose a short phrase that embodies the hard work, persistence, and dreams that carried you through your academic journey. Spell it out with stick-on letters , write it with chalk pens and letter stencils , or print your cap design (quote included) on cardstock and glue it to the cap. Below are a few common quotes to choose from.
    • “Nevertheless, she persisted.” [1]
    • “Think, believe, dream, and dare.”
    • “Here’s to a beautiful tomorrow.”
    • “This is just the beginning.”
    • “And so my adventure begins.”
    • “I did it my way.” — Frank Sinatra
    • “This is just the beginning.”
    • “Grateful, blessed, and ready for what’s next.”
    • “What’s next?”
    • “ Am I good enough? Yes, I am.” — Michelle Obama, “Becoming” [2]
    • “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible!’” — Audrey Hepburn
    • “The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory.” — Les Brown
    • “What could we accomplish if we knew we could not fail?” — Eleanor Roosevelt
    • “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” — Nelson Mandela
    • “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu
    • “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt
    • “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
  2. 2
    Showcase your interests with a pop-culture reference. You couldn’t have survived the late-night study sessions without your favorite films, movies, books, and songs. Feature a reference to the works that inspired and fueled your journey. Print out the quote along with an image (if it’s a reference to a show or film) and glue it to your cap. Or, spell it out with stick-on letters or acrylic paint and stencils . Here are a few ideas: [3]
    • “What? Like it’s hard?” — Elle Woods, Legally Blonde
    • “My diploma runs on Dunkin’.” — Dunkin’ Donuts
    • “May the job market be ever in our favor.” — The Hunger Games
    • “Boldly going into the real world.” —  Star Trek
    • “99 Problems but a degree ain’t one.” — Jay-Z
    • “This Barbie has a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree.” — Barbie
    • “Get in loser, we’re graduating.” — Mean Girls
    • “We are the champions, my friends.” — Queen
    • “Thank you, next.” — Ariana Grande
    • “Look at this degree, isn’t it neat? Finally my degree is complete.” — The Little Mermaid
    • “If you’re reading this I graduated.” — Drake
    • “History has its eyes on me.” — Hamilton
    • “What if I told you I’m a mastermind?” — Taylor Swift
    • “Four years later…” — Spongebob Squarepants
    • “I cried a lot but I was so productive.” — Taylor Swift
    • “Just did it.” — Nike
    • “They asked, ‘Are you ready to graduate?’ I told them yes… you know, like a liar.” — John Mulaney
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  3. 3
    Add humor with a funny or meme-based design. Once all the stress of last-minute deadlines and final exams is over, everyone could use a laugh. Use a funny grad cap design to spread some smiles on commencement day. [4] Style your decorations after a meme or spell out a funny line with sticker letters. See some examples below.
    • “Can I nap now?”
    • “Lol bye.”
    • “Because cat lady isn’t a career.” Include pictures of your cat.
    • “The most expensive hat I’ll ever own.”
    • “I already forgot everything.” Add a picture of Dory from Finding Nemo .
    • “Hotter by one degree.”
    • “Hire me.”
    • “Thank you to my sponsors.” Add pictures of things like your pets, Starbucks, and Spotify.
    • “Game of loans.” (In the Game of Thrones font.)
    • “Last minute like everything else I did in high school/college.” (Perfect for a low-effort design.)
    • “I’ll remember you all in therapy.” —  Spongebob Squarepants
    • “Smart cookie.” Put a picture of a cookie.
    • “TFW you graduate.” Add your favorite reaction meme image.
    • “This is fine.” With art from the meme of the dog in a burning house. [5]
  4. 4
    Cover your cap in artificial flowers, butterflies, or other baubles. If you’d rather not fuss with stick-on letters, paint, or printing, decorate your cap with pretty ornaments instead. Use hot glue to glue artificial flowers directly to the cap. [6] Or, apply other cute craft items like rhinestones , fake butterflies , craft glitter , bows , and stickers. Leave space in the middle for the button you attach your tassel to.
    • If you’re worried about baubles falling off the cap itself, attach the decorations to a piece of cardstock with hot glue. Use fabric glue to attach the cardstock to the cap.
    • If you don’t want to cover the entire cap with fake flowers or another decorative item, cluster them on one side. That way, you leave room for a quote and create a cool asymmetrical design.
    • Shout out to your friends by gluing Polaroid photos of your favorite memories together to your cap.
  5. 5
    Nod to your major or organizations you participated in. The major you landed on is special to you, as are the clubs, sports, Greek life, and other organizations you participated in during school. Represent these personal elements of your experience by incorporating them into your grad cap design. Get inspired by the ideas below.
    • Nod to your student-athlete status by spelling out the name of the sport you played using stick-on letters . Add sports-themed stickers or printed pictures related to the sport.
    • Put the abbreviated name of your sorority or fraternity on your cap using stick-on Greek alphabet letters .
    • “Case closed.” For a criminal justice major.
    • “On to the next chapter.” For a literature major.
    • “Van Gone.” With Van Gogh's artwork, for a visual arts major.
    • “Truss me, I’m an engineer.” With a picture of a truss, for an engineering major.
    • “My turn to teach.” For an education major.
    • “Treble maker.” For a music major.
    • “Now I’m like this cylinder—we’re both graduated.” With a picture of a graduated cylinder, for a chemistry major.
    • “Busted mine to save yours.” For a medical doctor.
    • “I had the formula for success.” For a math major.
    • “Trust in your jouRNey.” For a nursing student.
    • “The verdict is in!” For a law student.
    • “I mastered it!” For a master’s degree.
    • “Took care of business!” For a business major.
    • “Making history.” For a history major.
    • “Keep calm and put your lab coat on.” For a biology major.
  6. 6
    Honor your faith with a religious verse on your cap. Choose a meaningful verse from the text of your religion, such as the Bible or Qur’an, to feature on your graduation cap when you wear it . Write it with chalk paint markers, spell it out with stick-on letters, or print it out and glue it to your cap. Here are a few common verses and faith-related quotes used on graduation caps.
    • Religious Quotes
      • I did my best. God did the rest.
      • My story, His glory.
      • God got me here.
      • All according to His plan.
    • Bible Verses
      • “With God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
      • “I chose my path, but God ordered my steps.” Proverbs 16:9
      • “For I know the plans I have for you.” Jeremiah 29:11
      • “God is within her, she will not fall.” Psalm 46:5
      • “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:4
    • Qu’ran Verses and Quotes
      • “Verily with hardship comes ease.” 94:6
      • “There is no beauty better than intellect.” — Prophet Muhammad
      • “My success is only through Allah.” 11:88
      • I did my best. Allah did the rest.
  7. 7
    Celebrate your identity with a heritage-based design. Whether you’re a first-generation grad or continuing a proud legacy, pay tribute to your heritage with a graduation cap that represents your culture. Spell out a quote in your native language, apply stickers or fabric with the colors of your home country’s flag, or use stickers and printed artwork that connects to your identity.
    • First-Generation Graduation Cap Quotes
      • “I did it for you, mom and dad.”
      • “Proud first-gen grad.”
      • “First in the family tree to receive a college degree.” Perfect for a nature-themed design.
      • “I did it for all of us.”
      • “The first and certainly not the last.”
    • General Heritage-Based Graduation Quotes
      • “Proud child of immigrants.”
      • “Do it for the culture.”
      • “Black girl magic.”
      • “We’re out here.”
      • “I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams.”
  8. 8
    Keep it simple by adding school colors or your grad year. If you’re not the sentimental type—or you only have a few hours to throw something together—you can still decorate a cool graduation cap. Add stickers or apply acrylic paint to represent your school’s colors. Alternatively, use stick-on numbers to spell out the year your class is graduating.
    • Another simple design option is to cut out a piece of scrapbook paper so it has the same dimensions as your cap. Use fabric glue to attach it to the top of the cap.
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Section 2 of 6:

How to Decorate Your Graduation Cap

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  1. 1
    Choose a theme that’s meaningful to you. Think about what you want to celebrate in your graduation cap design, and what matches your personality. Would you rather do a funny pop-culture theme, nod to your major or heritage, or cover everything with fake flowers? Narrow down your favorite options and ask friends and relatives for their opinions—but remember that you have the final say.
  2. 2
    Create a mood board with decorating ideas. Search sites like Pinterest , Etsy , and Instagram for pictures of past graduation caps that might inspire your own. Save them to a mood board on Pinterest or a file on your phone or computer. Use your favorite design as a reference while putting your cap together.
  3. 3
    Decide if you want to DIY or order a pre-made design. Not everyone is naturally crafty. Plus, it might be cheaper to order a premade graduation cap than to hit the craft store yourself. Find a premade graduation cap on a site like Etsy. Make sure you order well in advance so it arrives on time for commencement.
    • Read reviews and look at pictures from past orders to make sure the seller is legitimate and the design is what you want.
    • Read listings for pre-made designs carefully. Some have to be assembled by you—they send you the materials and instructions. Others sell a pre-made design that you can glue to your cap or a generic cap that’s already decorated.
  4. 4
    Plan out your design before you decorate. Sketch your design on paper or in a graphic design app like Canva. If you’re applying fake flowers, stick-on letters or numbers, or other baubles, first trace around your grad cap with a pencil on a blank piece of paper. Then, arrange the decorations within the penciled area to see how they’ll fit on the cap.
  5. 5
    Apply your decorations one at a time. Think about the design in terms of layers. First, glue or paint the background of the design, if it has one. Next, add letters and numbers. Save artificial flowers, glitter, rhinestones, and the like for last, since they’ll be the hardest to move once they’re in place.
    • To get glitter to stay on the cap once glued, spray clear spray paint or apply a sealant like Mod Podge , says arts & crafts specialist Claire Donovan-Blackwood. Spray it in a well-ventilated area or outside so you don’t breathe in the fumes.
    • Allow adequate time for paint and glue to dry completely before the ceremony—let the design sit overnight, at a minimum. You don’t want it falling apart during the ceremony!
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Section 3 of 6:

Is it ok to decorate a graduation cap?

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  1. 1
    It’s usually okay to decorate your grad cap, but check first. Review your school or university’s graduation attire policies for confirmation that decorating your cap is allowed before you start. If there are no specific guidelines, reach out to the commencement committee and ask. Also note that if you’re renting your cap and gown, you have to use removable decorations that won’t damage the cap.
    • Check if your school has a contest rewarding the best customized graduation cap. You might just win!
  2. 2
    Avoid any inappropriate decorations or messages. Although you might want to throw in a swear word or a reference to how booze got you through college, school officials may deem your design inappropriate and keep you from participating in commencement. To be on the safe side, avoid using expletives, references to drugs and alcohol, and anything else that could be considered offensive in your design.
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Section 4 of 6:

Decorating a Grad Cap Without Ruining It

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  1. If you’re renting or borrowing a grad cap, use removable decorations. You don’t want to ruin your graduation cap—especially if you have to return it after the ceremony. To prevent any permanent damage, use craft materials that leave no trace and are easily removed. For example, use washi tape and foam letter stickers to create a design that won’t leave adhesive residue over the cap’s fabric.
    • Another option is to create your design on chipboard that has the same measurements as your grad cap and affix it to the cap with colorful binder clips . That way, nothing’s glued to the cap—and you can decorate the chipboard however you’d like. [7]
Section 5 of 6:

What Crafting Materials to Use

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  1. Use common craft supplies like stickers and hot glue. When decorating your graduation cap, you have a wide range of materials to choose from. Below is a list of the most common items. For most decorations, you should be able to adhere them to the grad cap with hot glue from a hot glue gun or fabric glue. Unsure what to buy? Purchase a graduation cap decorating kit instead.
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Section 6 of 6:

Preserving Your Graduation Cap

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  1. 1
    Store your grad cap in a sealed plastic bag or container. If you bought your graduation regalia instead of renting it, preserve it as a memento. Store the cap in a plastic bag that seals tightly so moisture won’t get in and cause mold or mildew. Keep it in a cool, dry, temperature-controlled place like a ground-floor closet. A plastic container with a tight lid is another option. [8]
  2. 2
    Frame your grad cap in a shadow box. Order a shadow box frame specifically for preserving graduation caps, or make your own from a regular shadow box . To DIY one, purchase a shadow box that’s a few inches larger than the cap and has a linen board. Then, follow these steps:
    • Cut a hole in the center of the linen board that’s the same size as the fabric part of the cap that you wear over your head.
    • Pull the fabric part of the cap through the hole so it sticks out the back. [9]
    • Secure it in place with tape.
    • Return the linen board to the shadow box frame, pressing it flat against the back of the frame. [10]
    • Reassemble the shadow box and display. [11]
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      Tips

      • As you decorate, don’t forget to leave room for your tassel. Put the tassel over the button in the center of the cap. During commencement, you turn the tassel to the other side of the cap to signify that you’ve graduated.
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      • If you plan to paint directly on the cap, practice on a piece of paper or canvas first. Paint onto paper that’s the same size as the graduation cap to get a sense of scale.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/graduation-cap-quotes-and-ideas/
      2. ↑ https://www.today.com/life/holidays/graduation-quotes-rcna79742
      3. ↑ https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/graduation-cap-quotes-and-ideas/
      4. ↑ https://collegelifemadeeasy.com/funny-graduation-caps-ideas/
      5. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/memes/this-is-fine/
      6. ↑ https://www.1800flowers.com/articles/flower-crafts/diy-top-of-graduation-cap-decorations-with-flowers
      7. ↑ https://ideas.hallmark.com/articles/graduation-ideas/graduation-cap-decoration-ideas/
      8. ↑ https://www.alphabetu.com/blog/2017/03/care-for-graduation-caps-gowns/
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/-TleubpAKAM?t=25
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/-TleubpAKAM?t=52
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/-TleubpAKAM?t=67

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