Millinery Shorts: How to wire a hat shape by hand | vintage millinery technique

If you've enjoyed this video please like & subscribe 👍🔔, this really helps me grow and reach a larger audience ❤️ I post new videos or do a live stream from my studio every week ✨✨✨
In this video I’m demonstrating how I wire a buckram hat shape by hand. You can apply this same method for any shape - not just a pillbox - and also any material such as felt. This is my preferred method, there is no right or wrong way - just whatever works for you.
→ Follow me ←
Instagram: @byilonamillinery
Website: www.byilona.co.uk
→ Tools & Materials ←
Thread (white or to match hat shape material)
Needle (millinery needles)
Thimble (I use a home-made leather one)
Pencil/sharpie marker
Pre-blocked and fully dried hat form on the block
Mini clothes pegs
Pliers/wire cutters
Sewing gauge (or other ruler)
Measuring tape
Kitchen Scissors
Bendy plastic (I'm using a bit of boning from an old corset)
Millinery wire - 1mm
Galvanised wire - 1.6mm
Ferrule (to match the galvanised wire)
→ Suggested Suppliers ←
I like to shop around between all of these to see who has the best prices:
Baxter Hart & Abraham
Parkin Fabrics
Petersham's Millinery Supplies
Macculloch & Wallis
The Trimming Company
#buckram #millinery #hatmaking

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

If you've enjoyed this video please like & subscribe 👍🔔, this really helps me grow and reach a larger audience ❤️ I post new videos or do a live stream from my studio every week ✨✨✨

[@GeorginaGoodall]

Exstreamly for helpful i need this thanks lady❤

[@kimberlyowens2613]

This video explains things so clearly!

[@Faeriehood]

Lovely video IIona, I am very excited about your channel 🙌. And look forward to all that you do! Wishing you the best of luck.

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Thank you so much! Lots of exciting things planned! 😊

[@otameresylvialookingforwar6766]

Well done

[@johnnyjjc]

Who would dislike such a brilliant video?!?

[@GenaConti]

You are so darned cute... and informative. Cheers!❤

[@elizbethsegu6502]

I have learnt something different from the past today cut the wire and start the blanket stitches.

[@nikanika1234567]

👍👒

[@lisashaw1330]

Hi Ilona. Thank you for such an in-depth video. Quick question, with regard to the wire, I have a typical button block, does the wire Sri right on the edge or does it sit on the inner rim of the button shape? Best wishes Liz

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Hi Lisa, I'm probably not the best person to ask about buttons, as I don't make this shape. However I would assume it goes on the inner rim to help keep the curved edge secure. I hope this helps? 😅

[@Miki-bt9ce]

Would it be possible to make a wire hat frame without a block? Can I just measure my head and go from there?

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Hello! Absolutely! You might find this video helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZvCqa2ajalnrac Also, have a look at "Edwardian wire frame hats" on google, there was a time in the early 1900s where wire frame hats were all the rage.

[@annlidslot8212]

Hi, Sorry to but in this late un the game. I have a question regarding the hat you're wearing in this video. It's quite simple: how do you make one, please? Thank you. Yours, Ann

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Hi Ann, this shape is called a "calot half hat" this particular one is covered in velvet. I'm actually working on a video right now which will show this style close up.

[@annlidslot8212]

@@ByIlonaMillinery Hi, Great I'm look forward to that. I've seen other hats, mainly from the 1950s that has an inbuilt something like that instead if a headband/alice band. but also just a hat like that would cover many bad hair days. Yours, Ann

[@la9149]

how do you wire headbands

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Hello, it's pretty much the same way as wiring any other shape. Shape the wire into the correct shape first, then sew it to your buckram shape. If you would like further help with your millinery journey please consider joining my Patreon where you will have access to group video calls with me www.patreon.com/ByIlonaMillinery

[@evaj1780]

Hi are you based in London? I’m looking for a bespoke hat maker

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Hello Eva, Yes I am based in London, and thank you for your email inquiry about my hats. I have responded to it directly 😊

[@maisonirmgardhouseofirmgar5721]

Where can I buy ferrules?

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Hello, depending on where you live, your local hardware store should have them. Take a piece of the wire you are intending to use with you when you go shopping so that you can be sure to buy the right sized ferrules.

[@swilson3354]

Where do you get the galvanised wire? ❤

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

Garden centers are a good place to start. Or try hardware shops, and failing that, just search for it on Amazon.

[@swilson3354]

@@ByIlonaMillinery brilliant, thanks!

[@swilson3354]

@ByIlonaMillinery me again 😅 can you please give me any more info on the wire you buy? I had a heated argument with a length of proper cotton wrapped millinery wire yesterday. I think I won said argument...eventually...with the help of my dad and 2 pairs of pliers 😑 thanks! ♥️♥️♥️

[@ByIlonaMillinery]

@@swilson3354 Hello, if it is propper millinery wire, it won't make a difference where you buy it from. I use 1mm or 1.2mm thickness depending on the hat it is for. Working with wire is surprisingly hard and fiddly, and it just takes time and practice to master it. The most important thing is to straighten or flatten it so that it doesn't "ping" out anywhere and cause injury. It does sound like you might need a new pair of pliers though!

[@swilson3354]

@ByIlonaMillinery thank you! Haha the pliers survived. The hat so wonky that I think I'll have to take it apart. Think I need another layer of sinamay anyway. Looks too translucent for my taste! Awhh well. You live and learn! Xx

[@elizbethsegu6502]

Up and down stitches.