Millinery for Fashion and Costume
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£695
- Start Date(s): 4 August 2025
- Duration: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, one week
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
4 - 8 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Hats can be for fashion (weddings, the races and photoshoots) or for costume (cosplay, re-enactors, theatre and film).
And the skill of making hats is very transferable - you learn to think in 3D and plan projects with clear outcomes.
This course is perfect for anyone looking to add to their portfolio of skills as a costume or fashion professional, or hobbyist.
It's designed for people who’ve always thought ‘I’d love to do millinery’ to see where it takes them.
-
This is a practical design and making course, you’ll learn to think in 3D and receive clear, step-by-step guidance about how to plan a millinery project. -
By the end of the course you’ll have created your own finished hat – this might be something for you or a friend to wear or, if you are interested in hats for costume, you will have made some buckram shapes to take away. -
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices. -
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.
Here's what previous attendees have said:
'This was a well thought out and thoroughly taught course, far exceeding my expectations - really enjoyed the week!' RM
'I wanted to update my millinery skills to gain confidence for working on my own. I've learnt loads of different techniques and skills! I most enjoyed the practical aspect of the course and making some new friends. Very worthwhile and excellent value.' LG
'I wanted to do this course to learn millinery techniques as it's something I haven’t done before. I've taken away a large skill base of different techniques that will enable me to start making on my own. I enjoyed all aspects of this course, especially being able to choose what to make and having a large variation of materials to work with provided by NTU.' AW
What you’ll study
You’ll be introduced to techniques through group demonstrations, samples, paper-based instructions and one-to-one feedback and tutorials.
- learn millinery stitches and construction techniques
- gain equipment knowledge and training
- understand and work with materials used in millinery
- apply cover trims and finishing techniques
- learn the context of contemporary millinery and its history
- discuss your ideas about where to take your millinery next
How you’re taught
This course is very practical, classroom based, and is tutor-led. You will take away samples and techniques, but also equipment knowledge and some basic millinery theory.
Contact hours
You will receive 30 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the Nottingham School of Art and Design on the NTU City Campus.
You will have access to an excellent range of facilities and equipment in the costume design studios; there are a variety of hat blocks to choose from, handsewing tools and steaming equipment.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
Entry requirements
Level: Beginner
Entry requirement: Some basic sewing skills are desirable, but a lot is taught, including using techniques and equipment to get it right from the start. Industry professionals can use the course to boost their existing skills. Current students might enjoy exploring career avenues they hadn’t considered, or adding a millinery element to their graduation portfolio.
You must be over the age of 18 to attend this course
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £695.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Secure your place with a deposit - If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, including great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Please bring with you to the first session:
- paper scissors
- wire cutters
- masking tape
- pencil
- sharpener
- craft knife
- thread snips
- fabric scissors
- any trims or fabric scraps you may have.
You will be exploring felt blocking and you'll be working with sinamay (a stiff coarse open textile), creating hats from buckram - these materials will be supplied.
If you'd like to create something that is specific to an event you're attending, or have a specific design idea, you may wish to purchase additional materials or sinamay before arriving on the course.
Charity shops are a brilliant resource as old straw or felt hats that can be unpicked and repurposed into something else, so it can be worth checking your local shops if this is of interest.
If you wish to create something from sinamay (a sinamay hat can require 3 metres of fabric) or are looking for extra embellishments, good suppliers are:
- Parkin Fabrics Millinery Fabrics & Accessories for Hats | Parkin Fabrics
- Baxter Hart https://www.baxterhart.org/
- Randall Ribbons https://randallribbons.co.uk/
You may also wish to purchase matching petersham ribbon.
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.
Need accommodation for a week long summer course?
Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £259 per week.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
Find out more and book your accommodation here.
How to apply
You can book your place via the NTU online store:
4 - 8 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Browse all our fashion, textiles and costume short courses
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813