~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hats and How to Make Them -- Designing Patterns & Constructing Hats Using 1920s Millinery Techniques
by Virginia Patty

{softcover, 194 pages, 6x9, 2009, ISBN: 1934268887}

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Originally published in 1925, this rare book will teach you millinery pattern making and construction techniques used in the 1920s including:

- how to make paper patterns
- equipment needed/used to make hats
- types of fabrics and furs that work best with hat construction
- making molded frames
- making wire frames
- covering crowns
- covering hat with braids
- millinery stitches used
- edge and bind finishings
- handmade trims
- decorative stitches
- feathers
- hat linings
- renovating/restoring hats
- hat history

PATTERN MAKING: Using newspaper, tissue or wrapping paper, you'll learn how to create paper hat patterns using hats or patterns you already have. Measuring the brim, cutting the brim, cutting the headsize and copying give you the start of your hat. For designing a brim, the book provides instructions to make an even, uneven, slightly drooping, slightly upturned or irregularly shaped brim based on the look you want to create. Crown pattern design is also discussed including how to measure for a crown, cutting a straight side band, cutting a curved side band, and joining all of the pieces together. After your pattern is made, the book details attaching the paper, cutting the brim, making the brim, sewing the band to headsize, and creating a "paper hat" before constructing your hat of fabric. This allows you to correct any mistakes or make changes to the design before creating your actual hat.

(see more details below)