This course will benefit those students who wish to learn the basic techniques of designing, shaping and blocking hats.
You will learn professional methods and techniques for constructing hat foundations and trimmings. The list below gives some examples of the main elements of the course:
· How to measure the head correctly for the perfect fit.
· Become familiar with the necessary design skills to produce unique and innovative millinery.
· Become adept at harmonizing color with shape and fabric.
· Learn traditional millinery techniques for creating your design
· Professionally block, press and stiffen a variety of materials.
· Recognize the characteristics and use of a range of millinery materials and fabrics.
· Source materials.
· Research current designers, exhibitions and practitioners.
· Understand face shapes and design principles.
· Acquire design and cutting techniques for paper patterns.
· Learn how to make a selection of trimmings including flowers and ribbon.
· Make a selection of professional millinery bows.
· Design and complete a Felt hat.
· Design and complete a Straw hat.
· Design and complete a Fabric hat.

City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Design and Craft; 7922-20 Millinery
Having completed level 2, this course enables you to extend your millinery knowledge by exploration of design and inspirational source material.
Here you will learn how to develop your own ideas and apply them in a structured and professional way.
You will learn many new processes, techniques and skills and how to apply them appropriately to your own designs enabling you to create a unique collection of hats.
The course features an introduction to the art of draping fabrics either as a trimming or as a whole hat such as a turban.
This course requires you to produce the following:
· An item of bridal headwear - tiara, skull cap, headdress etc.
· A blocked felt hat using two different coloured felts and incorporating a decorative join.
· A blocked straw hat with a double brim
· A sort hat, drafted from your own pattern in a pile fabric
· A draped hat, for example a turban
· A portfolio of samples.

 

City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Design and Craft; 7923-28 Millinery
The aim of this unit is to produce an advanced visual design study, a reference showing detailed in-depth research and exploration into a topic for the inspiration of design work in any craft.
Candidates will design, prepare and make a range of hats including hats: for an evening or special occasion hat, in leather or suede, in Sinamay to an advanced design, in blocked felt, and blocked silk.
This level of proficiency is gained through a highly personal approach to the craft through skilled research methods and study.
The student is required to produce the following:
· A small evening or special occasion hat
· A leather or suede hat (or simulation fabric)
· A Sinamay hat with an advanced brim and Sinamay trim
· A silk covered blocked hat
· A blocked felt hat using a specialised felt
· A portfolio of techniques and samples
· An illustrated study of millinery history and milliners.
All levels require some written record of your progress and development such as workbooks, sketchbooks, notes, photographs and scans.