Block foundation straw and cover a button shape with silk and other fabrics or use sinamay and sculpture with parisisal creating a different appeal.

LESSON PLAN: Cocktail Foundation | Wire and cover | Trimming and Lining | Sculpturing

Unique feather trims give individuality which will impress your customers. Your tutor Ian Bennett will teach you his techniques to tame and transform feathers by shaping, styling and curling into exclusive designs.

☰ Lesson Chapters:
• Shaping Feathers • Styling Stripped Feathers 
• Customise Fe...

Give all your hats and headpieces a professional finish with a choice of lining methods to suit the style chosen. Learn how to choose the correct fabric for liners and then secure the lining in each headwear piece.

LESSON PLAN: Gathered and Pleated linings | Ruffled linings | Flat tip lining |...

This method of free form block making will give you the chance to create a headpiece that is uniquely your design. Fine contours are often too fragile in timber but are incorporated in this technique under the direction of the award-winning Milliner, Ian Bennett.

☰ Lesson Chapters:
• Wire Base •...

Learn all the practical methods to perfectly block leather on a shaped hat block. Leather finish is vital, discover how to perfect an impeccable result. Supplies & Patterns

☰ Lesson Chapters:
Leather Fundamentals | Blocking Leather | Create a Strong Base | Perfect Assembly

Leaves as a trim concept can give a unique look. Create an assortment of different leaves using materials so they can be used to compliment a beautiful flower or as a trim feature.

LESSON PLAN: Straw leaves | Silk and fabric leaves | Felt leaves | Ribbon and wired leaves

Create your own sand bag ready to hand tool each petal in the French Flower making lessons.
Patterns: https://hat.academy/resources

The bias weave of the lightweight fine Parisisal Straw allows it to shape onto a block readily. Learn how to ensure a smooth finish that has strength and stability.

LESSON PLAN: Block crown and Brim separately or all in one | Techniques to finish the brim edge

Lina Stein guides you through her signature grid system, demonstrating how to create precise crown indentations and elegant shapes using steam and guided hand manipulation. Learn to design beautifully tailored crowns and customise your hats with practical, block-free shaping techniques.

☰ Lesson...

With flower design options detailed, Sophie teaches you to stiffen, shape and wire leather flowers to create your special floral vine trim your clients will adore.
▸ Worksheet | Next: Veiling and Shaping

☰ Lesson Chapters:
• Flower Preparation • Petal Production
• Attach Vine • Percher Assembly

The trim gives your hat a unique personality. Learn how to redesign feathers, form loops and bows to give height and personality to your headwear.

LESSON PLAN: Feather shaping and redesign | Variety of bows and loops in fabric or straw

In this class, you will learn how to make a beautiful felt cloche hat featuring a wired, self-rolled edge. Follow the whole process, from steaming and blocking, to rolling the brim, to completing the hat with embellishments and head fitting.