Holyoke Community College

In this class students will learn how to make a hat with buckram. Buckram is a very stiff fabric that has been starched. When you sew wire to the edges of the buckram you can make many strong shapes and yet they can be flexible. Have you ever wanted to make a wide, really wide brimmed hat? Or a tall stove pipe hat? I will teach you the basic techniques to build a sturdy, stable hat. Students will learn how to make a pattern for a hat and complete the hat. Students will learn how to sew wire to the edges of the buckram by hand or machine and then how to cover the hat with the fabric of their choice. Students should bring good fabric scissors, sketchbook, some pins, measuring tape and a ruler. As class progresses students will find fabric of their choice and matching thread. In a 4 week period students will complete a hat from the buckram base to the finished fabric and embellishments of their choice- flowers, feathers, beads etc. Some sewing skills would be helpful. Bring your ideas and enthusiasm