Wool Felt Capeline 180g - Rust

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

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 recommended to soften the fibres and facilitate the controlled shrinkage necessary for blocking on a hat block.

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

• Stiffening: The application of a liquid stiffener is necessary to give the felt the desired final rigidity, as this base is supplied without 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 intended hat style.

Additional Information

• Composition: 100% Sheep wool felt. Unstiffened

• Protection: Wool is susceptible to moth larvae (Tineidae). Cedar or moth protection 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 Note: The indicated shade is Rust. Slight dye batch variations are possible between different deliveries.

Technical Specifications

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

• Weight: Approximately 180 grams.

• Colour: Rust.

• Approximate Dimensions (raw unformed state):

  • Total capeline diameter: 41 to 43 cm.

  • Maximum raw crown height: 14 cm.

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

  • Head opening circumference (raw): 62 cm.

Felt Care Instructions

The following advice applies once the felt has been transformed into a hat or if the base is handled:

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

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

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

Additional Note

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