1952—How to Make Hats
by Ruby Carnahan

How to Block a Felt Body on a One-Piece Block

DESCRIPTION

Many different style blocks, used to block felt hats are manufactured. Some blocks are made in several sections and some are made in one solid piece.

The same procedure used for blocking felt on a one-piece block is used when blocking felt on a block made in sections, with the exception of removing felt from block when felt is dry. To remove felt from the one-piece block, remove pins and blocking cords around brim and bottom of crown. Slip felt hat off block. To remove felt from a block made in sections, unpin felt from block and remove blocking cords, slip hand under block and remove one section of block at a time, until all sections of block have been removed from felt hat.

BLOCKING FELT CROWN

Wrap fur felt body in a damp cloth for several hours before blocking. (Illus. 1) Pull felt body over crown on block, steam, pull and stretch felt, until all wrinkles have been removed and felt fits crown block perfectly. Pin felt around bottom of crown (with push pins) and tie a blocking cord around bottom of crown on block (Illus. 2).

BLOCKING FELT BRIM

Pull brim of felt body over block brim, steam, pull and stretch felt until all wrinkles have been removed and felt fits brim block perfectly. Pin felt to block around edge of brim (with push pins) and tie a blocking cord over felt in groove on brim edge of block. (Illus. 3) Draw a line on felt around edge of brim and mark back and front of hat. Let dry on block.

WIRING BRIM EDGE

To remove felt from block, untie cords around brim edge and bottom of crown. Trim excess felt on edge of brim 1/4" from line.

Measure wire to fit brim edge and join wire with a wire joiner. Turn felt on brim edge over wire 1/4" and pin felt to facing, and sew using a small overcast stitch (Illus. 4).

Finish headsize with a swirled ribbon headband.

Instructions for headband page 45.