From a simple headband to an elaborate structure underpinning a headpiece, we can’t emphasize enough how useful it is for a milliner to know how to work with wire. It’s a skill that truly opens up a myriad of creative possibilities.

In this tutorial, Martine from Martine Henry Millinery demonstrates how to make a lace covered wire frame headpiece with a vintage feel. This design was inspired by Grace Kelly’s 1956 wedding headpiece.

To determine how much wire you will need, find the head fitting by measuring over the top of the head from tip of ear to tip of ear. Make a note of this measurement. You are going to be working with enough wire to extend this a little once you start to build your structure. In the example piece, the measurement of the head fitting is 39 cm.

If you haven’t worked with firm millinery wire before, try the millinery wire headband and wide wire headband projects to familiarise yourself with this medium before you begin.

Category: Bridal, Fascinators

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