Buckram Hats

Buckram is a stiff heavy gauze impregnated with glue which can be blocked or stitched together from a flat pattern to create many different hat shapes.  Buckram must be covered with fabric which can match or contrast well with any given outfit.  I have tried multiple methods of making a buckram hat and my favourite is flat patterning.

1940's Wings Hat. Flat pattered and covered in black cotton and red silk this hat is wonderful for cocktail parties.

1940's Wings Hat. Flat pattered and covered in black cotton and red silk this hat is wonderful for cocktail parties.

1940's Wings Hat. Flat pattered and covered in black cotton and red silk this hat is wonderful for cocktail parties.

1940's Wings Hat. Flat pattered and covered in black cotton and red silk this hat is wonderful for cocktail parties.

Hat for stage production of Carousel. Blocked in buckram and trimmed with burgundy grosgrain fabric, black lace applique and black feathers.

Hat for stage production of Carousel. Blocked in buckram and trimmed with burgundy grosgrain fabric, black lace applique and black feathers.

Gurty Cummings Hat (Carousel) Crown blocked in buckram and a brim that has been flat patterned. This hat is covered with orange and pink leaf print cotton, embellished with pink silk taffeta bows and a collection of pink and white roses.

Gurty Cummings Hat (Carousel) Crown blocked in buckram and a brim that has been flat patterned. This hat is covered with orange and pink leaf print cotton, embellished with pink silk taffeta bows and a collection of pink and white roses.

Small bonnet made for the "Thomas Hardy" exhibit (2022) at the Dorset Museum.

Small bonnet made for the "Thomas Hardy" exhibit (2022) at the Dorset Museum.

Brown and white cotton over a buckram base trimmed with tiny pink silk bows.

Brown and white cotton over a buckram base trimmed with tiny pink silk bows.

Side view of the narrow lace and some details of miniature costume (also made by Eliana).

Side view of the narrow lace and some details of miniature costume (also made by Eliana).

1940's Wings Hat. Flat pattered and covered in black cotton and red silk this hat is wonderful for cocktail parties.

1940's Wings Hat. Flat pattered and covered in black cotton and red silk this hat is wonderful for cocktail parties.

1940's Wings Hat. Flat pattered and covered in black cotton and red silk this hat is wonderful for cocktail parties.

1940's Wings Hat. Flat pattered and covered in black cotton and red silk this hat is wonderful for cocktail parties.

Credits:

Photography: Jayne Jackson Photography