Millinery

Can I purchase millinery from Spotlight?

Yes, you can. Millinery is the art of creating hats, and it dates back hundreds of years. Discover everything that you need for your marvellous millinery project in this extensive selection. We have hundreds of hat-making supplies available, with clips, headbands, moulds, wire, stiffeners, tools, essentials and more. Find everything that you need to create beautiful hats and gorgeous fascinators to top off your look. With such a wide choice available, plus our guaranteed low prices across the entire range, Spotlight is your one-stop shop for all your millinery needs.

How do I purchase the millinery range from Spotlight?

To shop our fabulous millinery selection, shop online and follow the instructions right through to check out. We accept all major payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard and PayPal and we will deliver right to your door. You can also shop our whole selection of craft supplies in one of our nationwide stores. We have a massive range of crafting supplies in store, and one of our team will be more than happy to help you in any way that they can.

What are the most popular hat-making methods?

There are so many different ways to construct your hat, and various methods and stitches used in the creation process. One of the most popular construction methods is blocking, which refers to the process of shaping the material onto a mould to form the main body of your hat. The moulds used are called blocks, and are traditionally made from wood, but are now available in a variety of materials.

Before you begin blocking, cover your block with cling film or a clear plastic bag to ensure that the fabric stiffens effectively. Alternately, a fabric covered flat pattern is made out of buckram, cutting the hat pieces, using a pattern, and then putting together with millinery wire. Once the base has been fully created, it is then covered with the fabric of your choice, and decorated as required. If you are searching for a hat project for a beginner, consider making a sewn hat such as a beret. These tend to have a softer shape, with interfacing providing structure and support, and are one of the easiest hats to make.

Do you have any millinery tips for beginners?

One of the most important things to remember before you begin is that patience is the key to success. If you are completely new to millinery, there are a few things to take into consideration before you start your project. Take your time with your project and make sure that you complete each individual step correctly.

Before you begin, take accurate measurements of the wearers head - remember to add half an inch when you measure your crown. If you are using a pattern, follow the instructions carefully and get to grips with the order of steps. Do not be afraid to get creative with your embellishments, show off your personality, and create a hat that is a masterpiece.

Whether you are looking to create the simple or the spectacular, our millinery selection includes all of the tools, materials, equipment, embellishments and essentials that you could possibly need to make your handcrafted hat creation. If you are still struggling, there is a wealth of inspiration and informative articles available online. Alternatively, check to see if there are any millinery classes in your local area. Not only will this help to seriously improve your hat-making prowess, but it also a great opportunity to meet like-minded friends.