How to trim a brim?

[Randal]

I have a wool felt Indy hat with a 3 inch brim that I wear when doing yard work. I want to cut the brim to 2.5 inch. My question is how can I do this without major damage to the hat. I don't want to use scissors because I'll hack it to death. What should I use and how can I get a smooth, even cut all the way around?

 

[gtdean48]

I've never cut down a wool one but doing a western felt, I used real sharp scissors. I used a compass, like you used to draw circles & do angles in school, to mark the same distance from the edge inward. You need a good compass that locks in well. I cut along the line, then used sand paper to smooth out the edge. As long as you have something to press against, I guess you could use an Exacto Knife or such. I have seen brim trimmers on a website in 2 gauges. I guess they have a razor inside that cuts 1/8" or 1/4" off the brim as you pull it around. I think those were the 2 options. HTH...

 

[bolthead]

I've done it twice....

Once to a wool felt and once to a 100% wool.

Both times I used a very sharp scissors, and then sandpaper, just like "gtdean48" has stated.

I wouldn't feel comfortable using an exacto knife. [huh]

 

[bdb71]

I just trimmed a brim 1/2 " on a Bailey gangster. I used a square and a white china marker to mark of the 1/2" and then cut it with scissors, actually kitchen shears. I cut just shy of the line and finised it off with 100 grit sandpaper. It may look a little notchy when you finish with the scissors but the sandpaper evens it out pretty easily. Don't blow the sandings off or youll end up with itchy eyes, please don't ask how I know this.

Also you can use a strap cutter you can get them from Tandy Leather for about $20 they are the same basic principal as a brim cutter but adjustable to 4" and about 1/3 the price

 

[bolthead]

Cool Site....

Thanks for the tip......:eusa_clap

Also you can use a strap cutter you can get them from Tandy Leather for about $20 they are the same basic principal as a brim cutter but adjustable to 4" and about 1/3 the price.

 

[cooncatbob]

I used scissor and a compass too, cut counter clockwise it's very easy to cut right down the line, I then used 200 and 32o sandpaper on the edge.

 

[St.Ignatz]

Ha anyone tried a mat cutter from a hobby or art supply?

 

[TombstonePhil]

Brim Trim

I'm brand new on this site. I do own a number of store bought hats-Stetson Chatham, Temple and a few others. My question is this: Some years ago I bought a really nice Indy style fedora-but I hate the way it looks on me-I think if I cut 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the brim all the way around, I would have a nice fedora without "Indiana Jones clone" written all over it. Any comments or suggestions?

 

[Feraud]

Trim as minimal as possible. You can always remove but cannot add if you've trimmed too much.

 

[gtdean48]

lots of brim trimming info in Conversion Corral thread....sharp scissors & some sandpaper...nothing to it....like Feraud states, you can't put it back on so go a little at a time.
It is amazing what just 1/8 to 1/4 can do to a brim. We had some Campdrafts cutdown from 2 7/8" to 2 5/8". That 1/4" looks totally different.

 

[Winston Carter]

I know this thread is old but I just joined. I cut all my Fur, Beaver, Stiff Felt hats down to 2 3/4". I use a guide made out of thick cardboard and pencil to trace around brim. Cut with scissors and sand down any rough edges. Steam to shape and your done.

 

[RJR]

I know this thread is old but I just joined. I cut all my Fur, Beaver, Stiff Felt hats down to 2 3/4". I use a guide made out of thick cardboard and pencil to trace around brim. Cut with scissors and sand down any rough edges. Steam to shape and your done. View attachment 126272

I have found trimming with one of these to be pretty easy.