A fascinator is a stylized hair piece that usually includes a tiny veil or netting.
A fascinator is a type of fancy hair clip that often includes a small veil. This type of clip is used for evening wear in lieu of a hat. Fascinators feature flowers, vintage jewelry, veils, ribbons, trim and feathers. The central decoration is glued and sewn together to a support fabric. To attach the headpiece, fabric-covered alligator clips are sewn to the underside of the support fabric. Covering the clips takes only a few minutes.
Alligator Clamps
An alligator-style clamp has a pivoting finger grip that holds the hair clip together.
The first step is determining the size or number of clamps you need for the weight of the fascinator. Alligator clamps range from 1/2 inch in size all the way up to several inches. The basic clamp is unattractive. Usually it is a silver pot metal in color. The clamp has a set of finger grips on one end along with a pivot hinge and a tension spring. Hold the finger grips and press to open the jaws of the alligator mouth. Some clamps have teeth along the mouth while others are smooth.
Clamp Size
It can be difficult to use more than a single clamp for one headpiece. However, some fascinators are large and heavy and they may require a central clamp and several ancillary clamps to hold the headpiece in position. This becomes even more important if the woman wants to dance or move her head around a lot while wearing the headpiece. Each clamp should be positioned to be hidden by the design of the headpiece.
Covering Clamps
Measure the length of the clamp and multiply by two. Cut grosgrain ribbon in a color that closely matches your fascinator. Grosgrain ribbon is a strong, corded ribbon that does not fray easily when it is cut. The ribbon should be 3/8 inch wider than the width of the clamp. Use a lighter to fuse the ends of the ribbon to prevent fraying. Apply quick grab or hot glue to one side of the ribbon. Insert the ribbon into the clamp glue side up, curve down. The end of the ribbon should be tight to the pivot. Fold the other end of the ribbon over and align and stick the two parts of the ribbon together. Press the ribbon around the handle and hold the ribbons while they dry.
Sewing the Clamps
Position the fascinator on your head in the position you want. Fit the clamp to the position you need to hold the headpiece in place. Remove both. Fit the clamp and headpiece together and sew the underside of the fascinator to the ribbon top part of the alligator clamp. Sew neat stitches around the entire perimeter to make the headpiece secure. Repeat with smaller clamps.
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