In this two-day beginner hat making workshop at East Village Hats, you’ll learn to prepare western red cedar bark and weave a simple cap or hat by hand with instructor Paul Rowley. This is a rare chance to spend a full creative weekend working with natural material, learning a tactile weaving process, and making something wearable from start to finish.
Starting with raw cedar bark, you’ll move through the core techniques needed to build your piece. Each hat is primarily constructed through plaiting, with twining incorporated along the way. As the form develops, you’ll shape it directly on your own head, creating a cap or hat tailored to your fit and your process.
This workshop is a good fit for beginners, curious makers, lovers of weaving, and anyone looking for a hands-on creative retreat from everyday work and routine. This memorable experience makes a perfect gift for someone interested in learning a traditional craft inside a working East Village hat studio. All materials are included, and no prior hat making or weaving experience is required.
We aim to be fair to both learners and instructors while ensuring artists and studios are paid for their work. This policy helps ensure instructors and studios are compensated for their time and preparation. We encourage learners to review class details carefully before booking and to reach out with any questions in advance.
Tickets are refundable if canceled at least 7 days before the event. Please note that processing fees are non-refundable, even if your ticket is canceled. If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to give your ticket to a friend. Please have them check in using your name.
In the rare case that the event does not meet minimum participation requirements, we’ll contact ticket holders at least 48 hours in advance with the option to reschedule or receive a full refund (excluding third-party processing fees).
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at suport@dobedous.com.
East Village, East Village Hats, 80 E 7th St, (Located at Street Level), New York, NY, 10003 View Direction
Enter through the street-level storefront entrance. The space is wheelchair accessible.
East Village Hats is a working millinery studio and boutique in New York City, led by English milliner Julia Emily Knox. Trained at FIT, Julia joined Barbara Feinman Millinery in 2012 and took over the business when it moved to its current East Village location in 2016. The studio is also home to a collection of traditional millinery tools, including an antique sewing machine that reflects Julia’s appreciation for the craft’s history and enduring techniques.
Through its class program, East Village Hats introduces students to hat making, repair, styling, and related creative skills in a hands-on way. Taught by Julia and East Village Hats milliners, the workshops give students a chance to learn traditional tools, methods, and materials from people who work with the craft every day.
Please arrive about 10 minutes before the class starts so you can settle in comfortably.
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with directions and any important details for the class.
Class format, materials, and preparation are all outlined in the class description. Most classes are beginner-friendly unless noted otherwise.
All classes are taught by vetted artists and makers who are experienced in both their craft and teaching.
We offer local, artist-led classes that support ongoing creative learning and bring people together through community.
East Village Hats
East Village Hats teaches from the perspective of a working millinery studio. Julia Emily Knox and East Village Hats milliners bring their professional experience in making, repairing, restoring, and styling hats into the classroom. Their teaching is practical and material-led, giving students a chance to learn traditional tools, methods, and construction techniques as they are used in real studio work.
Classes at East Village Hats are small, focused, and hands-on. Students often describe the instructors as knowledgeable, helpful, and encouraging, whether they are beginners or already studying millinery. The atmosphere feels approachable and supportive, with enough guidance for students to try unfamiliar techniques without feeling lost.
Classes take place inside an intimate working boutique and workshop in the East Village. The space is filled with felts, straws, trims, sewing tools, and a long-collected set of hat blocks, including antique forms over a century old and newer designs by Julia. It gives students a close view of the materials, tools, and everyday setting of a real neighborhood hat studio.
If you don’t see what you’re looking for, view our FAQs or contact us.
Gifting
A DoBeDoUs Gift Card is a thoughtful way to give something meaningful to your loved ones. They can use it to join any class that inspires them. Gift cards never expire, have no extra fees, and are delivered instantly by email.
