Straw Button Hat

Hat Making Project

Straw Button Hat

Block a layered button hat with sinamay, visca straw and netting.

Straw Button Hat

Hat Making Project

Straw Button Hat

Block a layered button hat with sinamay, visca straw and netting.

Projects / Straw Button Hat

Project Overview

In this step-by-step tutorial, London milliner and HATalk tutor Elena Shvab shows you how to block a layered straw button hat.

Layering different types of materials is a great way to make your millinery work unique. You can create your own unique textures and even layer different colours to make something that is totally new. The techniques described in this tutorial will work with any type of straw and other woven millinery materials. I used visca straw for the main layer of this hat because it is one of my favourite materials. It gives a tender shine that looks great as a finishing touch. Under the straw, I would recommend blocking a layer of sinamay for support. Alternatively, you could use Paris net for this purpose. Having a lightweight foundational layer will make your hat strong and durable.

The top layer is all about adding interest to your hat. You can choose any type of stretchy fabric as part of your design but, for best results, I recommend using something with a loose weave. A good choice would be a knitted fabric, as they are very stretchy and easy to work with. For my hat, I chose silver netting with a wide weave. It adds a subtle shine to the hat and looks really beautiful with the straw underneath. Experiment with contrast colours and see how well the layers can complement each other.

Category: Fascinators, Hats

Get Full Access

HATalk Subscribers – sign in below to view the instructions for this project.

Not a Subscriber yet? Sign up to begin your free trial and get instant access to all of our projects and e-magazines.

What You Need

  • Button hat block
  • Water based stiffener
  • Sinamay
  • Visa straw cone
  • Metallic netting (or other stretchy fabric)
  • Blocking cord/string
  • Petersham ribbon (25mm wide)
  • Scissors
  • Blocking pins
  • Dressmaking pins
  • Matching thread
  • Iron
  • Ironing board or cloth
  • Cling film
  • Baking (parchment) paper
  • Bowl for stiffening
  • Water spray
  • Fabric glue (I would recommend UHU, it dries fast and stays clear)
  • Tubular crinoline (8mm wide)
  • Corset Stay (optional)
Straw Button Hat

Project Overview

In this step-by-step tutorial, London milliner and HATalk tutor Elena Shvab shows you how to block a layered straw button hat.

Layering different types of materials is a great way to make your millinery work unique. You can create your own unique textures and even layer different colours to make something that is totally new. The techniques described in this tutorial will work with any type of straw and other woven millinery materials. I used visca straw for the main layer of this hat because it is one of my favourite materials. It gives a tender shine that looks great as a finishing touch. Under the straw, I would recommend blocking a layer of sinamay for support. Alternatively, you could use Paris net for this purpose. Having a lightweight foundational layer will make your hat strong and durable.

The top layer is all about adding interest to your hat. You can choose any type of stretchy fabric as part of your design but, for best results, I recommend using something with a loose weave. A good choice would be a knitted fabric, as they are very stretchy and easy to work with. For my hat, I chose silver netting with a wide weave. It adds a subtle shine to the hat and looks really beautiful with the straw underneath. Experiment with contrast colours and see how well the layers can complement each other.

Category: Fascinators, Hats

What You Need

  • Button hat block
  • Water based stiffener
  • Sinamay
  • Visa straw cone
  • Metallic netting (or other stretchy fabric)
  • Blocking cord/string
  • Petersham ribbon (25mm wide)
  • Scissors
  • Blocking pins
  • Dressmaking pins
  • Matching thread
  • Iron
  • Ironing board or cloth
  • Cling film
  • Baking (parchment) paper
  • Bowl for stiffening
  • Water spray
  • Fabric glue (I would recommend UHU, it dries fast and stays clear)
  • Tubular crinoline (8mm wide)
  • Corset Stay (optional)
Straw Button Hat

Get Full Access

HATalk Subscribers – sign in below to view the full instructions for this project.

Not a Subscriber yet? Sign up to begin your free trial and get instant access to all of our hat making projects and e-magazines.

This Month’s HATalk Give Away

Win a Ballesté Poupeé

This Month’s HATalk Give Away

Win a Ballesté Poupeé

Enjoy HATalk

Unlimited Access to Hat Making Projects, Monthly e-Magazines and More

$4.99 / month with a 14-day free trial

Enjoy HATalk

Unlimited Access to Hat Making Projects, Monthly e-Magazines and More

$4.99 / month with a 14-day free trial