How to Make Victorian Feather Hats

Tea and crumpets anyone? Use your imagination to make Victorian feather hats that bring out the best of the Victorian Era. During a time of social change and growth, prosperity was expressed with Victorian hats in the form of feathers, ribbon, lace and other decorative touches. Embellish your feathered creations to embody all that is Victorian. Whether using wide-brimmed, straw or felt hats, make your Victorian feather hats the talk of the tea party.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Women's wide-brimmed, straw or felt hats Feathers: ostrich, peacock or other types of feathers Craft supplies: ribbon, lace, silk flowers, tulle Scissors Glue gun Glue sticks Flathead screwdriver Needle Thread

Creating a Victorian feather hat

1. There are no set rules for creating a Victorian feather hat. Design a hat that reflects your taste. Arrange your feathers, ribbon, lace and other decorative items on the hat before attaching to create the effect you desire.

2. When you're ready to start, being by placing the feathers on your hat. Arrange the ends of the feathers at the base of the hat, where the bottom of the crown meets the brim. Glue the ends of the feathers in place. Squeeze the glue onto the base of the hat, where the bottom of the crown meets the brim. Use the screwdriver to press the feather ends into the glue.

3. You might create a bow with ribbon or tack the ribbon around the bottom of the crown. Layer ribbon, lace, silk flowers or tulle on your hat. Place the glue at the base of the hat, where the bottom of the crown meets the brim. Press items into the glue.

4. Cover any glued areas or bare spots with additional ribbon, lace or other decorative item.

5. Tack (with needle and thread) any long or bulky items to your hat. You might add tulle to create a veil or bow.

6. Observe the hat from every angle to be sure glued areas are covered.

7. Try on the your Victorian feather hat. Adjust the ribbon, feathers and other adornments. Tack them into place as necessary. Tacking items into place provides added support and will not be as noticeable as glue.

Tips & Warnings

• Feathers can be placed along one side of the hat. Create a different effect by placing feathers over the crown. Use glue sparingly.
• Be careful when using a hot glue gun. The glue and tip of the gun can burn your skin.

References

• Victorian Hats for a Tea Party
• The Victorian Era
• Victorian Hats

Resources

• Victorian Hat Ideas
• How to Make a Victorian Hat