The two days will include:

• Introduction to the material, what it is, where it is from
• Introduction to how the raffia can be dyed (regrettably we cannot dye the material for the two days), using natural dyes
• What raffia to use or discard from your work – raffia is a natural material and there is ‘rubbish’ which needs to be ignored
• How to plait – this is one of the longest activities on the course. Left-handed crafters are most welcome!
• Sewing your plait to a hat block in the correct size
• Finishing the hat into a style chosen from three options
• Finishing touches
• More raffia will be available for students who might like to make more hats.

• A comfortable pair of scissors used for sewing or similar. Need to be sharp.
• A thimble if you are comfortable using.
• A couple of larger sewing needles – you are supplied with a sewing needle for the class, but you may have something at home which you prefer to use – needs to be a larger needle to get through the raffia.

The materials provided by the tutor will be:

• All raffia needed to make your hat – no less than 350g raffia
• All raffia for sewing your hat together
• Use of a hat block in the correct size to create your hat (you can purchase these from your tutor if you wish)
• Sewing needle
• Instruction sheet/booklet, which includes instructions for more than one hat.

Approximate cost of all materials to be £10.00.

At the end of the workshop you may purchase more raffia, available in 500g bags from the tutor. These will be minimum £13 per bag (my supplies are subject to regular price increases due to import duties, my apologies for not being able to be exact at this time on the cost of the raffia).

Claire Richards

I began working with raffia and creating hats, bags and running classes in 1993. I then ‘rested’ my raffia business after my son was born in 2002 and then re-started again in 2019. Through the 90s I think I taught over 200 people to make a hat, including one gentleman and a blind lady – both of whom made great hats. I am really enjoying creating new designs (particularly bags) and kits and again running  workshops. I like to make the workshops as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. Previously I have been a College Lecturer and worked for the NHS….I prefer running raffia workshops.