The technique of wet felting of a hat allows you to make models of almost any style. You can become the owner of a wide-brimmed hat, a tall top hat, or a small bowler hat. The result depends on your imagination and experience in this type of needlework.
It is necessary
- - wool for felting;
- - cardboard;
- - polyethylene;
- - soap solution;
- - a piece of wood / round object of a suitable diameter.
Instructions
Step 1
Sketch the hat. Draw its shape by hand, or find a model you like on the internet.
Step 2
Measure the diameter of your head. Place the measuring tape just above your eyebrows, strictly parallel to the floor. Ask someone to help you measure so that the result is more accurate.
Step 3
Find the shape for the crown of the hat. The ideal option is, of course, a special wooden blank. However, if you do not plan to use it later, it is better to find a suitable round object. Its diameter should be equal to the diameter of the head. For example, a globe, a baby ball or a plastic flower pot will do.
Step 4
Make a hat pattern. Draw the shape of its crown in a flat version, add the width of the margins to the height, then add about 7-10 cm to the size of each side. Cut the pattern out of hard cardboard and wrap it with tape or plastic so that the template does not soften from water.
Step 5
Spread polyethylene on your desktop. Lay out the strands of wool so that they follow the shape of the pattern. Lay the first layer horizontally, the second vertically, then make two more layers perpendicular to each other. Try to distribute the strands of wool evenly so that the thickness of the fabric is the same.
Step 6
Lay the template on top, on it make the same layout for the second side of the hat. Make the first layer a little larger than the template so that the ends of the strands extend 2 cm beyond its edges. Moisten the workpiece with soapy water and begin to remove the wool by rubbing it with your hands. Invert the product periodically and add the solution.
Step 7
When you feel that the pieces of wool are stuck together, instead of a cardboard template, place a thick plastic of the same shape in the hat. Roll the hat into a roll and roll it across the table while pressing firmly. Unfold the hat a little so that the side seams are in the center of the craft, and also roll it into a roll.
Step 8
When the workpiece is rolled down almost to the desired size, slide it onto the prepared blank. Pull the edges of the crown down so that the top of the crown sits on the object as tightly as possible. Then continue to roll away the hat, rubbing it with your hands.
Step 9
The brim of the hat is formed at the same stage of work. The coat should be stiff enough to maintain the shape you will sculpt. If you want to make wide margins, fel them separately, and then cut out a circle of the required diameter from the resulting canvas.
Step 10
Rinse the finished hat under running water and leave to dry on a disc.
