"Have you tried drying it with a hair dryer instead of steamer?"
Shania Fluit's Discussions
Felt hat stiffener?
15 Replies
I'm Struggling with getting my felt hats stiff enough. Right now I'm using Hats by Leko hat stiffener. I'm Spraying it on before steaming. Does anyone have any advice.Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by js hopkins May 9, 2023.
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"I've used PVA but not on felt cones, used it on synthetic felt to block a button or pillbox or small saucer hat which works well. My question is can I use PVA on a felt cone and let it dry and then steam it to block it? TIA."
"I find that it is cheaper for me ( as I have contact with a sheep and alpaca farm close by) to wet felt my own hoods from roving wool. There are plenty of videos on wetfelting hoods. In Canada, here, it is most difficult to obtain millinery supplies…"
"Why do we make felt hats from felt hoods?
Can't we make them from a roll of felt?
Or is rolled/ folded felt synthetic?"
"Definitely better without toxicity. After blocking crown stiffen and you can do under side of brim but if turning up avoid that if you see residue especially on dark felts. Wire will keep it in place. Two or three light coats dring in between is…"
"Thanks for the info Elaine.
I worry about using anything toxic, so I think I'll stick with what I'm using. It does do a good job of stiffening. I'll try hairspray for residue!
Do you put stiffener all over inside felt hood, or just on…"
"PVA is used in woodwork as a glue. In Aust we use Aquadhere by Selleys ask at your local hardware store for similar. A milliner told me she uses hairspray to remove white smudge left by stiffeners. In Australia we are lucky enough to have ready…"
"What is PVA? I use gelatin sizing (beacon Adhesives from Judith M.) great for stiffening, but leaves a white residue. Residue comes off with a damp cloth."
"We find that the solvent based stiffener works the best too - much better and less likely to leave marks!"
Sophie Allport replied to Shania Fluit's discussion Felt hat stiffener?"Hi Shana,
There are a huge number of stiffeners on the market which different people like to use for different reasons.
I have found that brushing a solvent based stiffener (lightly) on the inside of the hat until the desired stiffness is…"
"Thank you so much I will try that."
"I received some great advice from an Irish milliner. She does 50/50 water and PVA ( like alene's fabric stiffener). It does not leave a white film. She advised to use a wide paint brush from the hardware store and brush in light layers circling…"
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Elaine Mergard said…
Wonderful you found our website Shania. So pleased you have joined me in Hat Academy and hope you find it inspiring. I am committed to helping you add to your skills.
I set this up to help Beginners -once you learn the basic techniques you will be surprised how creative you can be. Millinery is a creative art & in huge demand currently. Any questions do message me here.
To make the most of Hat Academy remember to read through the Welcome Page - Read here
Enjoy, Elaine
