Free (supported by Heritage Crafts)
Amersham Museum
Maximum 8 attendees

Straw plaiting was once a common industry in Amersham and the surrounding area, but is now a critically endangered heritage craft.  Join expert straw plaiter Veronica Main MBE [link: Hat Plait – Home] to learn and develop your own straw plaiting skills in a day’s beginners’ workshop, based at Amersham Museum. 

All workshop attendees will have materials and equipment supplied for the day, and have the opportunity to buy additional materials for ongoing making. Workshop attendees will also have access to a specially set-up network for new and established makers, to build their confidence, share skills and communicate about their making.   

What will I gain?

The repetitive movement of straw plaiting keeps fingers and mind nimble and with practice the length of plait grows quickly until you have enough to make a hat or bag, or whatever you want – within reason!

You will be keeping alive these skills and honouring the memory of the talented people, not only in and around Amersham but throughout the country who earned their living making plait to supply the milliners and hat factories.

How do I learn?

The workshops are aimed at adults or older children (minimum age 12 years, must be accompanied by a paying adult)

More advanced courses to develop skills are planned for later in the year.

The work does require manual dexterity.

Tea and coffee will be supplied but please bring your own lunch.

Who is the tutor?

Veronica Main MBE.

Awarded the MBE for her services to Straw Plaiting, Veronica has been working with straw for over 40 years and is an experienced teacher. She has written two groundbreaking books that record straw work’s endangered skills.

What shall I bring on the day?

Pair of small scissors

Notebook and pen or pencil

Bag to take home your samples

How do I continue working at home?

Plaiting straw and straw splitters will be supplied for the course but will also be available for purchase in the museum shop.

If you are interested but can’t attend the sessions listed, please email [email protected] to be added to the waiting list for any future sessions.