Placemat Bergère (part one)


This is the first part of the project, focusing on how to create the base of the bergère hat. In the next issue (May 2026), the process continues with instructions on making a crown insert, as well as how to trim and finish the hat.


What you need


Tools • Small fascinator base for the crown • Dome block, dolly or polystyrene head • Flat wooden surface for the brim • Steamer/iron • Wire cutters • Scissors • Blocking pins and cord • Needles • Pins • Tape measure • Sewing clips or pegs (optional)


Materials • Placemat (here with a 36 cm diameter) • Stiffener • Sprung wire or firm millinery wire • Sewing thread • Sinamay to match or coordinate with your placemat


• 2 metres of 1 inch wide petersham • 2 metres of ribbon trimming for hat ties • Pre-made flowers or decorative trim of your choice


• Hat elastic • Optional: masking tape and fabric glue


Not essential, but a wooden Lazy Susan


(wooden turntable) is ideal for blocking brims. You can use it with larger blocks so you do not have to keep lifting them.


Click on this


symbol to watch the corresponding video for each step


HATalk | APR 2026


INDEX PA G E


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42