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Hat Maker - Personal requirements

Kaihanga Pōtae

Skills & knowledge

Hat makers need to have:

knowledge of hat-making techniques
knowledge of hat design
knowledge of pattern making
knowledge of sewing methods
knowledge of different fabrics and materials and how to use them effectively
creative ability
design and sketching skills
cutting, sewing and measuring skills
people skills and business skills for running their own business
knowledge of how to use and care for equipment.

"Hat making is a technical skill, but also a very creative skill. You need to be interested in fashion, fabric and textures, and if that's within you then hat making is the next step."

Hank Cubitt -

Personal Qualities

Hat makers need to be:

imaginative

creative

patient, with an eye for detail

accurate

neat and tidy

practical.

Hat makers should have a passion for style, colours and texture.

"Milliners need to look at a person's body shape and size, age and colurings, and then be able to put it all together to make a design."

Susan Rodgers -

Physical Requirements

Hat makers need to have good hand-eye co-ordination for fine, detailed hand stitching and good eyesight (with or without corrective lenses). They must not be allergic to the paints and lacquers used in finishing processes.

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