Blog

Felt Hat Making-Easy Steaming!

By Ann  |  12 Oct 2016 16:00:00

 

Felt blocking seems to be a bit of a mystery, with all sorts of complicated watery processes and steam everywhere….a bit halloweenish really. Here’s what I do………..it’s really easy

1. Grab a plant spray and spray the inside of the felt hood with water evenly. There is no need to saturate it.

 

           

 

2. Place it into a clear plastic bag and close this by folding it over. Leave to one side for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

 

2. 

 

3. Cover your hat block with cling film and get your blocking pins to the ready

 

4. Place all into microwave for ~15 seconds or until the felt is hot and steamy so don’t walk off to do something else.

 

4. 

You need just enough heat to make it malleable, not so much that you shrink the felt.

Your aim is to stretch it remember. This time depends a little upon the power of your microwave.

Mine is 800W. Keep a close eye

THEN:

5.Quickly remove the felt hood from the bag and pull it down over the hat block firmly.

 Work as quickly as you can. I pull and stretch against a towel on my lap.

           If your felt gets too cold make a mark at center front then pull it off the block and

           whack it back in the  microwave for a few seconds.

           Line it up on the block pulling it down and under pinning as you go.

           Use the kettle for spot steaming  and stretching.

                           

 

 

 

 

 

……………………Now that is EASY STEAMING