Hat block

A hat block, also known as a hat form or bashing block, is a wooden block carved into the shape of a hat by a craftsman known as a block shaper. It is used by hat makers or milliners as well as costume makers or hobbyists[1] to produce a hat. Today there are only a handful of block shapers left. Recent years have seen a resurgence of hat wearing, and with it a corresponding need for new hatblocks as students of millinery hone their skills.

A selection of hat blocks

Vintage hat blocks are considered collectible by enthusiasts. An advantage of the wooden hat block is that it can be re-carved into a new shape or modified unlike aluminium or poly blocks.