Description
Design, handcraft, and finish hats by shaping, sewing, and trimming felt, straw, and fabric on blocks or forms, ensuring proper fit and quality.
- • Shape and block felt, straw, or fabric on hat blocks using steam, heat, moisture, and sizing.
- • Sew, join, reinforce, or finish hat components—crowns, brims, linings, and sweatbands—by hand.
- • Trim excess threads, material, or brim edges with scissors or knives.
- • Select materials such as felt, straw, sinamay, ribbons, veils, and thread; thread needles.
- • Draft, draw, and cut patterns for crowns, brims, and linings to specifications.
- • Fold, stretch, wire, or drape materials and secure pieces prior to stitching.
- • Smooth and set shapes and seams with irons, steamers, or blocking tools.
- • Measure head sizes; align brims, bands, and trims using guides and markings.
- • Hand stitch techniques such as felling, basting, hemming, and invisible stitches for clean finishes.
- • Attach hatbands, ribbons, veils, feathers, or other trimmings; make bows or decorative knots.
- • Fit hats on clients and adjust size, comfort, and balance; perform alterations as needed.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Arts, Entertainment, & Design
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
