For more than forty years she has rigorously researched the hat industries of the U.K., Europe and the United States unlocking information and learning how to recreate plaits using …

Yes, the plait is rustic plait made using dyed black and bleached straws. Yes it was stiffened to make it very strong. This helmet is from the world-class Hat Industry and Headwear collection …

Straw plaiting was a worldwide industry and the sections on this page, whilst based on information and images of the British industry provides basic information for you to continue your own …

There are three categories of plait: whole straw, mottled or single splint and improved or double splint. Before plaiting straw had to be bleached to soften it and can be dyed to create colour …

Straw plaiting is a method of manufacturing textiles by braiding straw and the industry that surrounds the craft of producing these straw manufactures. Straw is plaited to produce …

Hat Plaiting has now been recognised as a Critically Endangered Craft on the HC Red List. My educational website: hatplait.co.uk and regular posts on Instagram @hat.plait are intended to …

Plaiting was a cottage industry carried out by women and children and most of it went to the hat-making industry in and around Luton and Dunstable where men’s and women’s hats and …

Instructions for making some basic plaits using artstraws. This timeline illustrates key points in the development of Luton’s hat industry and the town itself. This map illustrates the area where …

Wardown House Museum and Gallery has the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of straw plait and braids, hats, tools and machinery as well as a comprehensive paper archive. …

Plaiting was a highly skilled craft that involved straw preparation, plaiting, finishing and winding into a hank (piece) which was often sold to a plait dealer. The lengths were usually made in 10 …