Millinery: Fabric Hats on Buckram Base

About this course

Participants develop fabric millinery projects on buckram foundations, working with blocks, wire, construction methods, trims and finishing techniques. Projects are negotiated with the tutor, allowing learners to research designs and develop their own ideas while building technical skills. Teaching combines whole-class demonstrations and discussion with one-to-one guidance, examples, samples, hand-outs and ongoing feedback. Health and safety inductions are included, with training required before using machinery or specialist equipment.

What you'll learn

• Block and wire hats using appropriate millinery techniques
• Construct fabric hats on buckram bases
• Create and apply trims using suitable materials and methods
• Finish hats to a high standard

Is this course right for you?

This intermediate course is intended for learners who have developed beyond fundamental millinery techniques through related beginner study or equivalent competence. Participants work on negotiated individual projects within a whole-class setting, with demonstrations, discussion and one-to-one guidance.

• Previous related study or equivalent competence is required
• Learners should be prepared to develop an individual project with tutor guidance
• Class activities may involve standing at high tables for periods of time

Before you go

• Learners must provide a basic millinery kit, buckram, fabrics, trimmings, haberdashery and millinery wire. The kit will be discussed in the first class.
• Some materials, including buckram, millinery wire, tarlatan and domette, can be purchased at the college. Pattern paper and card are available for use in the studio.
• Learners should tell the tutor if standing at high tables would be difficult. The studio is on the first floor, with lift access.
• Eating and drinking are not permitted in the fashion studios, although bottled water is allowed.
• Learners must be able to read, write and understand fluent English. Digital, mathematics and numeracy skills are desirable but not essential.