[RickyJ702]

does anybody have info to make hats from scratch? maybe a website or classes? I'm basically trying build a hat bottom up rather buying it from wholesalers and flagships. mainly flatbills like yupoong and new era. I'm looking more indepth of starting my own hat company in vegas and wanted to know the process. thank you^^

 

[RickyJ702]

looking for more sites like this

Cap Supply Co. | Quality Hat Supplies

 

[LuluStar]

I have an idea - why don't you just email the one company you found and ask for some help? They might be willing to give you some ideas - especially because once you can make hats you'll be coming to them to buy supplies.

 

[RickyJ702]

I have an idea - why don't you just email the one company you found and ask for some help? They might be willing to give you some ideas - especially because once you can make hats you'll be coming to them to buy supplies.

I've asked couple wholesalers already. they just receive from overseas. my best option is join PPIA and finding out how. this project has been on hold anyways until I open my store. thanks LuluStar

 

[LuluStar]

What is PPIA?

Good luck with your project!

 

[joeshaul]

Think he means PPAI, it's a membership association similar to ASI/SGIA/ARA, basically an association where you sign up and get vendor discounts and trade show access to some events as well as instructional access. PPAI and ASI seemed to always go hand in hand in my experience and primarily benefits pad printers and people looking to outsource pad printing (for products like printed pens, buttons, etc).

Even if you join PPAI I don't know if you'd get the skills/education you need. What you're attempting is like the cut and sew of Hats. I imagine if you can find a decent tailor/seamstress class it would cover most things you need to know.

If you're dealing in bulk, then finding a company overseas might be the better and more profitable way, but if you're going to limited designer run type of marketing, then it may be worth your while to learn.

 

[RickyJ702]

opps mistype~ PPAI =D

well the search engine for PPAI and customer service is outstanding from what I hear to look for supplies. I also live in las vegas so i'll be able to attending the expos when they are here. just debating still if I should pay fees just to search and attending expos lol.

 

[royster13]

There are some videos on YouTube....

 

[RickyJ702]

There are some videos on YouTube....

I've watched them already. need more input ^^

 

[royster13]

I've watched them already. need more input ^^

Unfortunately they do leave a little to the the imagination....

 

[LuluStar]

This actually reminds me of when I decided I was going to make a line of bras! I wanted to make them differently so I set out to look for instructions/supplies -it's the same as making your own hats - like... who makes their own bras!!?

Randomly, I found a shop in Ontario Canada and all they do is sell bra making supplies, materials, and give classes on making them. I mean they have several day long master classes to walk you through making them. Must be a dying art.

Also related - I know a clown who was disappointed that he couldn't find any of the hand made felt bowler hats he had been using for years for juggling. After a while he said you could only find the mass produced ones from China. He said they really couldn't compare to a handmade ones.

This was a pretty weird post - wasn't it? lol