Beginners start up kit

Please advise me of the necessary tools and equipment that i need as a beginner. I am working on a tied budget therefore please subscribe places or website i can get the millinery supplies.

As a beginner which is better to used the hat block or start from the scratch in making my first hat.

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Permalink Reply by Diane July 23, 2012 at 1:48pm

Hi Elaine When purchasing Hat Brims block is there a particualar brim I should start with or any one will do, I got a 22" size 6" lenght Vintage Balsa hat block used to purchase on ebay therefore any brim that i am purchasing must be the same size has the balsa. I came across some brim block like

droop, slouch, sailor, roll, deep cuff, combination, 12" round x 3" wide and 10`` degree top please advise me which one must i get.

Since I have a 22 size balsa say I need a 24 szie in the hat that i am making do I have to consider getting hat stretcher or their other option awaite your advise

Diane

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Permalink Reply by Ivy Adobea Darko December 31, 2022 at 6:48pm

Another thing u can used in place of a jiffy steamer is a regular steam iron.. It works well too

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Permalink Reply by js hopkins May 9, 2023 at 5:39pm

There is a method of making hat blocks out of expanding spray foam. The stuff used for sealing cracks and around windows. It's vailable at the local hardware store. The process is decribed on youtube.

Once you have the big chunk of spray foam it can be cut to size with a bread knife.

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Permalink Reply by Megan Beverley July 21, 2012 at 11:15am

I don't use a jiffy either, I've just got a clothes steamer that i use instead of ironing. I passionately hate ironing!! With the upholstery needles, be careful as they can leave a big hole in your material.

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Permalink Reply by Aoife Kirwan July 22, 2012 at 12:27am

Needles and thread are two things you don't want to skimp on. Guttermann thread. John James do great needles. Get a pack of assorted millinery needles they come in packs of assorted sizes 3-9 or 5-10 and you can buy packs of sizes 10 + 11. Also a pack of sharps. You'll find curved needles indispensable. You should be able to buy from any good haberdashery but here's a link http://www.macculloch-wallis.co.uk/

Also beeswax to stop your thread knotting.

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Permalink Reply by Sharon Panozzo November 12, 2015 at 2:44am

Remember, almost anything can be a block. To expand your blocking ability but not break your budget, look for interesting wooden items at second hand stores or garage sales. These are things many milliners start with but keep around to use from time to time even after they have professional blocks.

Beginners start up kit

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