Wool Felt Cone - Heathered Bordeaux

This cone is an unstiffened base for hat making, manufactured from 100% virgin sheep's wool. Its cone or cloche configuration is specially sized to allow the creation of hats and various headpieces by blocking. The unstiffened material allows the milliner full control over the final degree of rigidity. This product is intended for shaping on hat blocks or wooden forms.

Usage Instructions

Preparation (Blocking): The felt must be generously moistened with steam or by light soaking before any handling. The use of a stable steam source is required to soften the fibres and facilitate the controlled shrinkage necessary for blocking on a form.

Blocking on a Form: The cone is designed to be shaped on wooden blocks or hat forms. Gradually stretch the felt over the form to achieve the desired crown and brim. Firmly secure the excess material under the brim using blocking pins, reeds and string to maintain tension during drying.

Stiffening: The application of a liquid stiffener is essential to give the felt the desired final rigidity, as this base is supplied without any initial treatment. Choose a stiffener suited to the desired level of firmness (for example: Permafix 50 or gum arabic).

Finishing: After drying and stiffening, the initial edge of the cone can be cut to the desired final dimension and bound or hemmed according to the intended hat style (cloche, short brim).

Additional Information

The cone is ideal for creating shapes requiring moderate shrinkage: short-brimmed hats, cloche shapes, fascinators, and caps.

Requires the steps of steaming/soaking, blocking on a form, drying and stiffening to achieve structure and maintain the shape over time.

The use of protective gloves is recommended when handling chemical stiffeners.

This product is referred to in the craft by the technical term cloche or cone of felt.

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Unstiffened felt cone/cloche

• Composition: 100% Virgin Sheep's Wool

• Standard Weight: 90 - 95 grams

• Colour: Heathered Bordeaux

• Made in: China

• Approximate Dimensions (flat, before shaping):

  • Cone circumference: 50 - 52 cm

  • Opening (cone entrance): 84 cm

  • Cone height: 23 - 25 cm

Care Instructions

Storage: Store cones flat in their original shape, away from excessive moisture and direct light to prevent deformation or fibre discolouration.

Handling: Avoid folding or creasing the felt before the blocking process, as this could create creases that are difficult to remove during moistening.

Additional Note

Product photographs are provided for illustrative purposes only. Colour may vary slightly depending on dye batches and deliveries. The product is sold per unit.