Wool felt cone - Rust

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

Usage Advice

Preparation (Blocking): The felt must be generously moistened with steam or by light soaking before any handling. A stable steam source is required to soften the fibres and facilitate the pulling down (controlled shrinkage) needed for shaping on a block.

Moulding on a Block: The cone is designed to be blocked on wooden hat blocks or forms. Gradually stretch the felt over the block to obtain the desired crown and brim. Firmly secure the excess material under the brim using 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 level of firmness required (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 hat style envisaged (cloche, short brim).

Additional Information

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

Requires the steps of steaming/soaking, moulding on a block, drying and stiffening to provide hold and maintain shape over time.

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

This product is known in the craft by the technical term bell or cone of felt.

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Unstiffened felt cone/bell

• Composition: 100% Virgin Sheep's Wool

• Standard Weight: 90 - 95 grams

• Colour: Rust

• Made in: China

• Approximate Dimensions (flat, before shaping):

  • Cone circumference: 50 - 52 cm

  • Opening (cone entry): 84 cm

  • Cone height: 23 - 25 cm

Care Advice

Storage: Store cones flat in their original shape, away from excessive humidity and direct light to prevent deformation or discolouration of the fibres.

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

Additional Note

Product illustration photographs are provided for guidance only. Colour may vary slightly between dye lots and deliveries. The product is sold individually.