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SPES products - technology & methods of manufacturing
Machine-made standard
- products with visible signs of using modern methods and tools in their production; e.g. visible outside and inside seams in clothing made with the use of a machine.
Mixed standard
- products with visible signs of using both modern and traditional methods and tools in their production; e.g. main, inside seams in clothing are made with the use of a machine while outside stitches and details are sewn by hand.
Hand-made standard
- goods with visible signs of using only traditional methods and tools in their production; e.g. all seams in clothing are sewn by hand.
*NOTE. We always use high quality materials and fabrics while making our products - the above standards of their production are not related to the materials used.
A medieval felt hat Heidelberg is a perfect combination of unique design with protection against wind and cold. This type of medieval headwear will work fine during any house duties and outdoors activities. Basing on historical sources we know that this model was worn mainly by men.
This hat is fully handmade. In this model we have used sheep fleece. A natural material makes this medieval headwear eco-friendly and ecological. Wool ensures high level of hygroscopy - a felt hat can absorb a lot of moisture without the feeling of it being wet. Fleece also ensures a natural thermoregulation.
Our historical hat covers a whole head, not including ears. It is finished at the top centre with a small antenna
We have prepared a whole range of colors, so you could easily get a medieval hat meeting your needs. You can find the colors of available felt here. Please write down a proper code in the comment section.
REMEMBER! to provide us your head (B1) girth. We will make your headwear the FASTEST!
NOTE! As felt hats are handmade, from many types of fleece, colors on pictures can be slightly different than the real ones.
Historical sources on medieval felt hat Heidelberg
An example of this medieval headwear can be found in Buch der Beispiele by Antonius von Pforr. It is a translation of an Indian collection of fairy tales Pañæatantra. Buch der Beispiele comes from the 2nd half of 15th century and it is kept in the university in Heidelberg, Germany. We used this city to name our hat.
Felting and fulling - how to make a felt hat?
Fulling is a process of joining natural animal (wool of sheep, animal hair) or plant fibers. This method can give dozens of adornments, accessories, or parts of clothing, characteristic for both former and modern fashion.
While making the felt, joined fibers are strengthened by hot water or chemicals, by pressing or rubbing. One can do it manually or with the use of a machine. The process is called fulling or felting.
Among others, there are two methods of felting used in making felt hats:
- full wet method – with the use of water and joining material, like soap
- dry method – with dedicated needle or tracer (cutting wheel), layers of fibers are joined and pressed
In past, a person making felt products was called a fuller.
What is felt used in medieval hats?
Woolen felt is one of the oldest human made textile materials. First marks of felt are dated on 6500 BC and come from area of modern Turkey, where Neolithic wall painting were found. A collection of felt products found in Altai are dated 7th-6th century BC.
Felt was used for centuries in making headwear like caps, hats or berets, but also in making footwear. It is an all-purpose material, used not only in clothing. It is used in insulating and soundproofing materials, and as a veneer for keys in keyboards and pianos.
There are legends on the creation of felt fibre. One of them says that it reaches the time of Noah’s Ark where sheep lost their wool on wet floor. It was trampled and later found by surprised Noah in a form of a carpet!
Another story says about Mondolian horse riders who put sheep fur under their saddles. It was rubbed during a journey and later found in a hardened form.
The most interesting story is connected with the patron of fullers – St. Clement. A pope during his pilgrimage in the 1st century scraped his legs. To relieve his feet, he put wool pieces into his sandals. Rubbing and sweat formed it into felt.