Beginner’s Contemporary Millinery

About this course

The course introduces the construction of contemporary hats for men and women, with different terms exploring felt, straw, woven materials and pattern development for soft and structured designs. Teaching combines whole-class demonstrations with individual guidance, examples, samples, hand-outs and ongoing feedback. Participants work with construction and finishing techniques, explore fit across different hat shapes, and develop their own hat and trimming designs. Health and safety inductions are included, with training required before using machinery or specialist equipment.

What you'll learn

• Construct a basic hat
• Apply suitable construction and finishing techniques
• Achieve an appropriate fit across different hat shapes
• Develop original hat and trimming designs

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for complete beginners and learners with limited or no previous experience. Classes combine group teaching with individual guidance, so participants should be prepared to work in a shared studio environment and engage with demonstrations and feedback. Fluent spoken and written English is required.

• Some activities involve standing at high tables for periods of time
• Digital, mathematics and numeracy skills are desirable but not essential
• Regular attendance and punctuality are important for the practical work

Before you go

• Participants must bring a basic sewing kit, including hand-sewing needles, pins, a thimble, sewing thread, a tape measure, small jewellery-type pliers or wire cutters, sharp fabric scissors, paper scissors, a pencil and a notebook or sketchpad.
• An apron is requested to protect clothing.
• Participants must provide their own fabrics, trimmings and haberdashery. Pattern paper and card are available in the studio.
• Participants should tell the tutor if standing at high tables would be difficult. The fashion studios have lift access.
• Food and drink are not allowed in the fashion studios, although bottled water is permitted.
• Health and safety training must be completed before using machinery or specialist equipment.