Replacing ribbon

[Alon]

I'd like to replace the ribbon of my newly acquired fedora (See post below "It's a boy! ... erhm, I mean a biltmore!") and was wondering how this is done and if the hat might be damaged in the process? Would the leather sweat band and lining have to be removed?

 

[Mike in Seattle]

There are several posts in the hat section on the process.

 

[J.T.Marcus]

The lining has to be removed. The sweatband has to be turned out (not removed). The replacement ribbon must be cotton and rayon. (100% polyester will not work.) To get a good fit to the taper of the crown, the ribbon must shrink. Hat makers call this "swirling" the ribbon. Here's how it's done before sewing it to the hat.

http://vintagesewing.info/1950s/52-hmh/hmh-045.html

"SWIRLED RIBBON HEADBAND
Dampen ribbon and press into a circle, using a regular iron, (Illus. 6) if a steam iron is used, ribbon does not need dampening. Pin the large side of the ribbon circle to headsize, letting the small side of ribbon circle extend into headsize. Turn ribbon under and lap ends to finish ribbon headband."

I find, after I've tacked the new ribbon in place, I usually still have a slight gap, at the top edge. I then use my fingertips to dab water onto the entire ribbon, until it is saturated. When it dries, it usually shrinks to a perfect fit.
(Unless it is wider than 1 1/2", in which case, you may have to wet it again.)

There aren't many sources for new cotton/rayon ribbon. Here is one.

http://www.hatsupply.com/grosgrain_sweats.htm

 

[J.T.Marcus]

I'd like to replace the ribbon of my newly acquired fedora... and was wondering ...if the hat might be damaged in the process?

There's always that risk. It's best to start with a hat you can afford to lose, if you mess it up. As you learn, you can move up to better things.

 

[Alon]

Thank you very much, P. J. I have no intention of doing it myself, I just wanted to know the risks I'm running!

 

[Johnnysan]

...The replacement ribbon must be cotton and rayon. (100% polyester will not work.) To get a good fit to the taper of the crown, the ribbon must shrink. Hat makers call this "swirling" the ribbon. Here's how it's done before sewing it to the hat.

http://vintagesewing.info/1950s/52-hmh/hmh-045.html

"SWIRLED RIBBON HEADBAND
Dampen ribbon and press into a circle, using a regular iron, (Illus. 6) if a steam iron is used, ribbon does not need dampening. Pin the large side of the ribbon circle to headsize, letting the small side of ribbon circle extend into headsize. Turn ribbon under and lap ends to finish ribbon headband."

I find, after I've tacked the new ribbon in place, I usually still have a slight gap, at the top edge. I then use my fingertips to dab water onto the entire ribbon, until it is saturated. When it dries, it usually shrinks to a perfect fit.
(Unless it is wider than 1 1/2", in which case, you may have to wet it again.)

There aren't many sources for new cotton/rayon ribbon. Here is one.

http://www.hatsupply.com/grosgrain_sweats.htm

JT,

THANK YOU for this post! I wish that I would have had this info before my first attempt at replacing a ribbon a few weeks ago...I would have gotten a better result. This is great info - thanks again! :eusa_clap

 

[airforceindy]

See my post in "Improvements to my Dobbs". All you have to do is remove the liner and turn out the sweat, then Bob's your uncle. From there on it's pretty much self-explanatory. Just remember to double-knot your thread, especially if your felt is a little loose. And, if you want to make sure that the ribbon is covering the reed stitches, be very careful with your stitch placement. I covered about 1-2 ribs per stitch, no more. It came out to where the stitches were practically invisible.

Regards, Andy