r/Millinery

What are the steps I can take to make the red hat more similar in shape to the photos attached? I tried making it from a simple hat blank but I couldn't flatten it and get the brim out and it ended up tearing .

I want the brim to be relatively flat and less like a lampshade and the dome needs to be very small and almost the same level as the brim.

Any advice appreciated

Going to gift this one to a friend who got me into costume making/sewing. It’s basic but am super proud how it turned out. First time using a brim stiffener and adding a liner.

The pin comes from a second hand shop in Glasgow!

I’ve been developing an online tool for creating customizable, 3D-printable hat blocks.

The project began because traditional blocks can be difficult to source in a precise combination of head size, oval shape, crown height, and profile. Maintaining a complete block collection also requires considerable space and investment.

The current configurator supports:

• Sizes from 52–69 cm
• Round, oval, and long-oval head shapes
• Multiple crown heights and block profiles
• Matching hat plates
• Downloadable models for 3D printing

My original focus has been western felt hats, but I would like the system to become useful to a wider range of milliners. Before adding more block styles, I’d appreciate input from people experienced in blocking felt, straw, and other materials.

A few questions I’m especially interested in:

• Which block profiles should be added first?
• How important are custom head ovals compared with standard ovals?
• Would sectional or puzzle blocks be useful?
• What concerns would you have about using a properly printed polymer block?
• Which measurements and adjustments should a configurator include?

You can see the current project here: app.heraldhats.com

Full disclosure: this is a product I created, but my main purpose in posting is to get informed feedback from more experienced milliners.

Okay so I have created a VERY rudimentary conformer that is 3d printable. I am not an expert with cad or designing stuff like this but I just couldn’t justify spending hundreds on a 3d printed conformer for something I will use once or twice. I’d love for this to be a community project so if anyone makes this or has comments please let me know and I’ll try to revamp the design eventually. I’d love for there to be a free conformer option out there for the community. I will put the link in the comments!