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Milliner

Also known as Hat Maker.

Milliners design and make hats and other headgear such as caps, berets, bonnets, fascinators and bridal headpieces, using materials such as felt, fabric, fur, leather, straw and artificial flowers.

Milliners employed by mass-production firms usually perform single tasks, such as trimming hats with ribbon or sewing in headbands.

Milliners making 'semi-model' (limited production) hats hand trim shapes that have been moulded by machine.

Highly skilled milliners create designs in fabric or on paper that can be followed by other milliners.

TASKS

Milliners may perform the following tasks:

interpret fashion trends and use them in designing hats and other headgear
mark and cut patterns to desired shape and size, lay the pattern onto fabric and cut around it
shape, cut, twist, roll, fold and reinforce fabrics and other materials with wire to gain desired effect
assemble hats by hand or using a sewing machine
steam and press material into shape by hand and, if needed, stiffen it by using a special solution
sew trimmings such as ribbons, buckles, braids or chains onto hats
operate semi-automatic blocking machines for mass production
alter, renovate and re-block (re-shape) existing hats
package and dispatch hats for customers
display, fit and sell hats and accessories

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical and manual activities
good hand-eye coordination
artistic sense of colour and design
patient and able to persevere
understanding of and interest in fashion trends

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a milliner you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in millinery. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a milliner by completing a traineeship in Millinery.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Most milliners are self-employed or work for small, boutique retail businesses, selling model (one-off) and semi-model hats. Milliners who wish to start up their own business usually have a lot of experience and require the necessary start-up money and business ability. There are limited opportunities to work in hat manufacturing firms that mass-produce hats by hand.

You should contact individual milliners to obtain information about employment conditions and training requirements, which can vary from firm to firm.

Clothing Patternmaker

Fashion Designer