Learn the history, tools, and techniques of hat-making while crafting your own felt hat—guided by hands-on experience and exploration

Date

Saturday

October 18 & October 19, 2025

10am – 4pm PDT

Location

Fibershed Learning Center

14000 Point Reyes – Petaluma Road

Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

About the Event

Over this intensive two-day introductory course, students will be introduced to the history, tools, materials, and basic technique of professional hat making, and craft their own felt hat using the techniques learned in class.

We will start with a brief look into the history of the hat industry, unpack some of the exploits the industry has benefited from, and look at how this industry has shaped the western world that provides context for where we are today.

TOOLS

Much of hatmaking comes down to the rare and specialized tools that we use. Most people have very little knowledge of all the equipment required for fine hat making, let alone the names and terminology for all of it.

Students will be introduced to a wide selection of tools, from your basic set of hatmaking tools, many of which are antiques dating back over 100 years, to contemporary tools hand-designed and fabricated by the instructor.

Select hat-making tools students will learn about include:

• Hat Blocks
• Brim Flanges
• Tolakers
• Pull Downs and Push Downs
• Irons
• Shackles
• Steam Boilers
• Band Blocks
• Stretchers
• Pouncing Sponges

Participants should bring:

• *Attendees must wear closed-toe shoes*
• Any personal snacks, lunch, and beverages. Coffee and tea will be provided.
• A notebook and pen for note taking is encouraged.

Register Now