Best place to reattach sweatband on Stetson?

[Bob Roberts]

WOW! What a fun ride.

 

[KarlCrow]

I called it early. Just sayin'

The most knowledgeable hat people have tried but Charlie sheen keeps winning.

 

[splintercellsz]

I seem to recall an expression, "You can lead a horse to water but can't make it drink", or something like that.

 

[belfastboy]

I don't think Art has ever sewn anything that looks like garbage.

I agree, it is not in his DNA.

 

[alanfgag]

For those that might be interested in further discussion of the sweatband construction of a 7X Clear Beaver Quality sweatband, I have added a post to the relevant thread.

 

[suitedcboy]

I looked at my Stetsons that are in that age range and they all have visible wide set stitching under the ribbon where the reed tape was sewn to hat at the flange break. The one I have that has detached at front has no stitching visible in the detached area as thread must have broken and pulled out. On that hat if I look other places I do see the stitching.

Here is a reeded sweat with the attaching tape, below it is folded over

Here is a 3X with the wide set stitches on outside and the one below is a WHippet where the stitching is almost invisible since it has the thread on inside

I have had several with the stitching break up front where forehead sweat and acids must be toughest on the thread holding reed tape to hat. I pull up the ribbon and fold over the sweat band from reed tape. Align carefully like the adjacent area I'm not repairing and stitch it with needle and thread. I had one come loose when I was out of town on biz so I went to the front desk and got one of their mending kits and fixed it.

 

[boze]

Here goes my first Ignore/Block on FL. And on the day I replaced my first sweat too!

 

[Rockwater]

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/stitch-awl-tutorial-sweatband-installation.38010/

The good news in all this, is this thread posted by 'boots'. Step by step explained. I have a sweat ordered for a stratoliner and it will not be a problem.
This place is an amazing resource and I have used many techniques suggested by members, including gas bath, spot cleaning, etc. Thank you all so much.
If fact, I found a few drops of water in a gas bath will separate and the dirt will migrate to it, making the process easier for repeated rinsing.
Off topic, but you guys are so helpful!

 

[KarlCrow]

Here goes my first Ignore/Block on FL. And on the day I replaced my first sweat too!

he's just being a jerk, he might be alright when he quits being right.

 

[bond]

I asked what's-his-name very politely about reattaching the sweat and he replied to get double-sided sticky tape. I can send you a screenshot, if you don't believe me.

Haven't asked Peters Bros. because they can't be bothered to answer the *** **** phone.

This is "what's his name "and my advice to you to fix your hat was sincere . I use double sided acid free artist tape on more than a few things related to hat fixes if it warrants. Obviously you took offense and didn't like my answer but I was attempting to help you fix your hat yourself and save the expense of shipping and related costs.
When stitching starts failing in a vintage sweatband that is like fighting losing battle, similar to arguing with you, as the reeding material is frail and usually will not stand restitching as the material will usually rip or tear out without much effort . I have experienced this more than a few times attempting to reuse original sweats in vintage hats as I told you and is the reason I tried to offer my fix "free of charge"all to no avail. You've proved your character now with your comments and poor attitude.
Now I am happy I didn't make a rookie mistake and accept trying to fix your hat. As I said in closing to you before I hope you can get your hat fixed.
Good luck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[KarlCrow]

There's a touchy feely part of most folks here that wouldn't enjoyably go down the sticky tape route here. It being a reed, it is stitchable.

 

[Bamaboots]

There's a touchy feely part of most folks here that wouldn't enjoyably go down the sticky tape route here. It being a reed, it is stitchable.

I understand where bond is coming from on this. On some of the older hats, like early Stetsons, the tape holding the reed in place is a coated fabric that loses its stiffness and deteriorates over time unlike the newer ones with plastic tape, and the sweat can actually start to slip up and down over time. Punching additional holes in it only makes it worse. I experienced this on my Stetson Nutria cowboy hat that the sweat had detached due to rotting thread.

The sweat in the hat was still in great shape so in an attempt to save it I used contact cement and attached polyester ribbon about the width of the tape to the tape. I sewed through the ribbon when attaching it to the hat. So far so good.

 

[KarlCrow]

I understand where bond is coming from on this. On some of the older hats, like early Stetsons the tape holding the reed in place is a coated fabric that loses its stiffness and deteriorates over time unlike the newer ones with plastic tape, and the sweat can actually start to slip up and down over time. Punching additional holes in it only makes it worse. I experienced this on my Stetson Nutria cowboy hat that the sweat had detached due to rotting thread.

The sweat in the hat was still in great shape so in an attempt to save it I used contact cement and attached polyester ribbon about the width of the tape to the tape. I sewed through the ribbon when attaching it to the hat. So far so good.

Believe me, when I say this, I bow low to your greater knowledge. No pissin about, And keep sharing

 

[Redfokker]

Wow, this was quite a read. Didn't get into this thread until it was too late. I tend to leave the tough jobs (at least to me) to the professionals. If Mike, Art or any other experienced hatter in the family tells me they can do something, I yield to their expertise. Hell, I don't change my own oil in the Mercedes, why would I screw up one of my favorite hats due to my ignorance and bad eye sight. Oh well, on to the next one...

 

[Frunobulax]

Wow, this was quite a read. Didn't get into this thread until it was too late. I tend to leave the tough jobs (at least to me) to the professionals. If Mike, Art or any other experienced hatter in the family tells me they can do something, I yield to their expertise. Hell, I don't change my own oil in the Mercedes, why would I screw up one of my favorite hats due to my ignorance and bad eye sight. Oh well, on to the next one...

That's the thing, though. It ain't that tough. Sewing on a sweat or a ribbon is pretty basic, and after one or two it's cake. I've never sewn much before renovating hats, and I find them very forgiving.

What separates schlubs like me from areal hatter is the finesse and artistry they have. Kinda like pounding out "Chopsticks," then being followed by Van Clyburn.


Sent directly from my mind to yours.

 

[Bamaboots]

Believe me, when I say this, I bow low to your greater knowledge. No pissin about, And keep sharing

Karl, no need to bow. What knowledge I have about hats was gained through trial and error and mostly from hanging around this joint. Knowing bond, through business dealings and his postings here, I've learned to trust his judgement. Now I don't totally agree with his assessment that (what's his name) hat couldn't be saved, but without hat in hand, or definitive pics, certain judgements must be made. He ain't getting rich from his work. The last time I sent a hat to him for a sweat replacement, the labor was less than a sweat, which is around $15.

I think the bigger lesson here is, if you trust enough to ask the question, at least trust enough to listen to the answer.

 

[KarlCrow]

Karl, no need to bow. What knowledge I have about hats was gained through trial and error and mostly from hanging around this joint. Knowing bond, through business dealings and his postings here, I've learned to trust his judgement. Now I don't totally agree with his assessment that (what's his name) hat couldn't be saved, but without hat in hand, or definitive pics, certain judgements must be made. He ain't getting rich from his work. The last time I sent a hat to him for a sweat replacement, the labor was less than a sweat, which is around $15.

I think the bigger lesson here is, if you trust enough to ask the question, at least trust enough to listen to the answer.

I hear you. (-:

 

[RJR]

I hear you. (-:

+1

 

[Cane Rod Maker]

Maybe I should just have a bonfire to dispose of the hat.

T - aren't you glad, you came to me, look how many hours, it took back and forth, with pictures and words, as I helped you understand how to fix your sweatband, and re-apply the ribbon @25B I'd like to see some finished pictures. Tim