A fitting companion to this month’s People Profile, our featured book turns to the craft of hat-making.
A fresh and enticing introduction to the art of millinery, blending modern design and refined techniques with trusted traditional methods. Clear and concise, this book has been compiled with all budgets and a variety of skill levels in mind.
Explore core millinery materials through a series of techniques based on a single wooden block and sculptural hand-sewn, flat patterned hats. Learn how to push the boundaries of your equipment through creative thinking and nurture your own design ability with milliner-specific design advice and exercises. You’ll also learn ways of working sustainably.
More than 450 photographs, sketches and clear guidance from Sophie Beale combine to offer over 20 activities, with instructions for 10 complete headpieces and hats, including straw, sinamay, felt, fabric and leather hats, plus veiling, additional trims and more. Each project has been carefully planned to ensure that a different set of materials and methods is covered in every one.
The book also includes helpful indicators for skill level, a list of common millinery terms, a troubleshooting guide, a suppliers list and a pattern library.
This article first appeared in the August 2026 issue of Cranleigh Magazine. Pick up your free copy around the village, or read more at cranleighmagazine.co.uk.
