Grosgrain ribbon composition

[tonyb]

I know (thanks to JT) that for hat band purposes, grosgrain had better have at least some cotton content. For us, it's a rayon/cotton blend, right? That 100 percent polyester stuff will only lead to disappointment, right?
So what other blends might work? How 'bout silk/cotton blends? I ask because I have a line on some and I would of course rather not waste my dough on something I can't use.

 

[J.T.Marcus]

tonyb, Sorry. I have no experience with cotton blends other than cotton/rayon. In theory, it's the cotton that shrinks to fit the shape of the hat crown. Maybe someone else has tried what you're looking at. Good luck.

 

[carldelo]

Doesn't spandex degrade pretty quickly? - within a couple of years, anyway. Might be an issue as hats are exposed to a good bit of UV radiation (unless you live in Seattle, of course)

 

[Feraud]

Having to frequently replace a hat ribbon does not lend iteself to outclassing vintage hats in any way. Technology is a good thing but relying on it for the sake of itself makes no sense.
Some of the older technologies have proven themselves over time.

 

[jeboat]

Grosgrain ribbon

According to Art Fawcett the vintage ribbon that he uses is made with wood-based rayon while newer rayon is purely synthetic. The older ribbon conforms better than the newer stuff.

Art....??

jeboat

 

[SPRFINO]

If you ever have an opportunity to inspect a ribbon off a hat you will see how much shaping is required to fit the contour of your hat.