The straw hat trade flourished in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire from the early 1800s. Straw plait was made also in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Essex. Much work was done by "out-workers", who could work from home, often assisted by their children.

As the straw hat trade remained largely a domestic industry, many houses had workrooms built at the rear, and established small-scale manufacturing units.

In the early 18th century, children were taught to plait at home, often from as young as four years of age. They often went to plaiting schools, which were known as "sore thumb schools". Girls left the plaiting schools when they were old enough to work steadily without constant supervision, after which time they worked at home. Boys were brought up to plaiting as well as girls, until old enough for more suitable employment.