Hat block

Hat-blocks-on-workbench

Hat block is a form used in the millinery industry to shape and mold hats and headwear. Hat blocks are essential tools for hat makers, also known as milliners, allowing them to create consistent shapes and styles across their creations. These blocks can be made from various materials, including wood, aluminum, and plastic, with each material offering different benefits in terms of durability, cost, and ease of use.

History

The use of hat blocks dates back several centuries, with early examples made primarily from wood. These wooden blocks were hand-carved to the desired shape and size of the hat to be created. Over time, as hat styles evolved, so did the shapes and sizes of hat blocks, reflecting the fashion trends of each era. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, with the rise of millinery as a fashionable and commercial enterprise, the variety and complexity of hat blocks increased significantly.

Materials

Wood

Wooden hat blocks are the most traditional and are prized for their durability and the fine finish they can impart to the hat fabric. Different types of wood can be used, with hardwoods being preferred for their longevity.

Aluminum

Aluminum hat blocks are lighter than their wooden counterparts and are resistant to moisture, making them easier to maintain. They are particularly useful for shaping hats that require steaming to achieve their final form.

Plastic

Plastic hat blocks are the most modern iteration and offer the advantage of being the most affordable. They are also lightweight and easy to clean, though they may not last as long as wood or aluminum blocks.

Types of Hat Blocks

Hat blocks come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific type of hat. Some common types include:

• Dome Block: Used to shape the crown of round hats.
• Brim Block: Used to shape the brim of hats, often used in conjunction with a dome block.
• Cloche Block: Specifically designed for shaping the close-fitting cloche hats popular in the 1920s.
• Fascinator Block: Smaller blocks used for creating fascinators and other small headpieces.

Usage

To use a hat block, the milliner typically dampens the hat material, such as felt or straw, and stretches it over the block. The material is then left to dry, taking on the shape of the block. Additional techniques, such as steaming the material while it is on the block, can be used to achieve more precise shapes or to work with more rigid materials.

Significance in Millinery

Hat blocks are not only tools but also a reflection of the history and evolution of hat-making. They are considered an art form in themselves, with skilled craftsmen creating blocks that are both functional and beautiful. The shape of a hat block can tell much about the fashion and culture of its time, making them items of interest not only to milliners but also to historians and collectors.

See Also

• Millinery
• Hat-making
• Fashion design