Wool felt capeline hat body 180g - Mottled Anthracite Grey

An essential base material for hat making, this capeline is an unstiffened piece, straight from the wool felting process. It comes in a conical shape with a raw flat brim, ready to be shaped. Made exclusively of pure sheep's wool, it offers excellent felting density (180 grams) ensuring good hold after blocking and stiffening. This item is intended for professionals, millinery students and hat artisans requiring a quality base for the creation of wide-brimmed hats.

Usage Advice

• Preparation (Blocking): The felt must be generously moistened with steam or light soaking before any handling. The use of a stable steam source is recommended to soften the fibres and facilitate the controlled shrinking needed for shaping on a block.

• Blocking: The capeline is designed to be shaped on wooden hat blocks or specialised supports. Stretch the felt over the block to obtain the desired crown and brim. Secure firmly with pins, cords and strings.

• Stiffener: The application of a liquid stiffener is necessary to give the felt the desired final rigidity, as this base is supplied without any initial treatment. Choose a stiffener suited to the level of firmness required (e.g. permafix 50 or gum arabic).

• Cutting: The brim of the capeline (currently 8-10 cm) can be cut to the desired final dimension and bound or hemmed according to the style of hat planned.

Additional Information

• Composition: 100% sheep's wool felt. Unstiffened

• Protection: Wool is sensitive to moth larvae (Tineidae). Protection with cedar or moth repellent is essential during prolonged storage.

• Sale: Item sold individually.

• Storage: Store the felt flat or rolled without excessive tension, away from direct light, moisture and dust to preserve its colour and fibres.

• Colour Accuracy: The indicated shade is Mottled Anthracite Grey. Slight variations of dye bath are possible between different deliveries.

Technical Specifications

• Material: Virgin Wool Felt (100% Ovis Aries).

• Weight: Approximately 180 grams.

• Colour: Mottled Anthracite Grey.

• Approximate Dimensions (raw, unshaped):

  • Total diameter of the capeline: 41 to 43 cm.

  • Maximum height of the raw crown: 14 cm.

  • Minimum brim width (raw): 8 to 10 cm.

  • Head opening circumference (raw): 62 cm.

Felt Care Advice

The following advice applies once the felt has been turned into a hat, or to the base while being handled:

• Brushing: Use a soft, clean brush. Always brush the felt in the same direction to maintain a uniform surface appearance.

• Drying: In case of moisture (water or steam), let the felt dry naturally in the open air, at room temperature. Avoid any source of artificial heat (radiator, hair dryer, etc.) to prevent shrinkage or deformation.

• Cleaning: Light stains can be treated locally with a clean, very lightly moistened cloth, without rubbing abrasively.

Additional Note

Product photographs are provided for guidance only and are not contractual. The shade and visual appearance may vary slightly depending on the dye bath and your screen settings. This item is sold individually.