Grosgrain Ribbon on Straw Hat

[rgrice]

Help! Easiest ways for novice to apply? Sewing, hot glue, Elmer's, fabric glue, etc.? I have a vintage Dobbs without ribbon that I need for gigs starting tomorrow!

 

[AndyR]

My Panama hat ribbon was attached with hot melt glue, but in another thread, someone posted the idea of using double sided sticky tape. Can't remember who, but it was a good idea.

 

[Art Fawcett]

Sewing is usually the least damaging of methods. I'm sure there are videos on it

 

[AndyR]

Sewing is usually the least damaging of methods. I'm sure there are videos on it

Interesting. Thanks Art. Honestly, I never really loved the fact that mine was put together with hot melt glue. It kind of takes away from the 'romance' of the hat making process.

 

[Frunobulax]

It doesn't take too long to throw a few single stitches into a straw to secure a ribbon. All you need is maybe 4-6 stitch points.

 

[EstherWeis]

Well, if you swirl your ribbon it will stay put by just sewing it where the bow is with a couple of stitches.

I wouldn't recommend glue..

 

[Wesslyn]

I've used glue before because I suck at sewing. But I've not done it on straw. Not too sure I'd want to. I'd rather put on a pug.

 

[rgrice]

Thanks, everyone. How do you keep the top of the ribbon flush with the hat?

 

[rgrice]

Well, if you swirl your ribbon it will stay put by just sewing it where the bow is with a couple of stitches.

I wouldn't recommend glue..

How does one swirl the ribbon?

 

[EstherWeis]

Thanks, everyone. How do you keep the top of the ribbon flush with the hat?

How does one swirl the ribbon?

Swirling means ironing your ribbon round. This way the bottom of your ribbon is flush with the bottom and flush with the top.
You iron it round by slightly pulling it round while ironing.
Be careful to not iron any pleats and to use a cotton or cotton blend.
Synthetic won't swirl.

 

[Frunobulax]

Swirling means ironing your ribbon round. This way the bottom of your ribbon is flush with the bottom and flush with the top.
You iron it round by slightly pulling it round while ironing.
Be careful to not iron any pleats and to use a cotton or cotton blend.
Synthetic won't swirl.

It takes a bit of practice, IMHO. My first few were only slightly swirled. Once I got the hang of it, though...

 

[Art Fawcett]

I've had people tell me that there are some youtube videos on the subject so give it a search

 

[T Jones]

Help! Easiest ways for novice to apply? Sewing, hot glue, Elmer's, fabric glue, etc.? I have a vintage Dobbs without ribbon that I need for gigs starting tomorrow!

If you have another hat that you can wear to your gig I'd do that. Sewing on a new ribbon and bow is going to take some time to learn with trial and error to get pretty at fair it, especially if you plan to sew one on a vintage straw. Definitely no glue.

 

[rgrice]

Thanks! I made a decent bow but it wasn't great and took almost 3 hours! I have tons of hats and wore a different one last night!

 

[rgrice]

If you have another hat that you can wear to your gig I'd do that. Sewing on a new ribbon and bow is going to take some time to learn with trial and error to get pretty at fair it, especially if you plan to sew one on a vintage straw. Definitely no glue.

Gonna take it to nearest hatter in Charlotte, NC. I've had enough! Love the Reagan quotes.