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Renaissance Hat Making Supplies

Everyone over the age of 12 wore a hat in public during the Renaissance as an indication of one's social status. Hats held such importance that anyone caught without one could be fined as much as a week's wages. If you'd like to try your hand at making a Renaissance hat for a performance, special event or Renaissance fair, you'll find readily available supplies to make the chapeau of your choice.
  1. Tudor Flat Cap

    • This Tudor flat cap has a plume and decorative braid.

      The Tudor flat cap has a flat brim similar to that of a top hat. The flat layered crown resembles two pancakes sewn together around the edges. Use horsehair, interfacing or buckram to stiffen the brim and consider brocade, velvet or heavy silk for the main fabric. Leather also makes a stylish and functional Tudor flat cap. A plume can attach between the crown and brim.

    Muffin Hat

    • The slouchy Renaissance muffin hat has a headband about 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide with a large circle of fabric gathered into the band. Supplies include velvet, velveteen, Ultrasuede or moleskin, interfacing, elastic, and decorative braid.

    Tudor French Hood

    • This portrait of Ann Boleyn illustrates the Tudor French Hood.

      The Tudor French Hood completed the attire of a noblewoman or lady in waiting. The dainty crescent shaped Tudor French Hood extends from ear to ear and widens from narrow points at the ears to about three inches high at the top. Suitable materials include stiff interfacing, horsehair or burkram to define the shape, velvet, brocade, moire, lace, jacquard or another elegant fabric, decorative braid trim, beading if desired and a comb to secure the hood in place.

    Coif

    • Catherine of Aragon wears a coif at the back of her head.

      Worn on the back of the head to contain the hair, the coif could have a closely fitting design or hang to the nape of the neck. Materials for the style of coif worn by Catherine of Aragon include a fine grade of fabric, such as silk, satin or lightweight linen, interfacing to stiffen the band, decorative braid and beading.

    Snood

    • A snood looks like a lacy decorative hairnet to cover a bun or chignon, and can extend to the shoulders to cover longer hair. For a crocheted snood, you need a crochet hook, yarn or crochet cotton and elastic cord.

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