My First Attempt at Making a Fedora.

[DarrelMorris]

This is my first attempt at making a fedora. It was blocked on a 5 1/2" Hat Shaper and the brim was cut by hand as well since I don't own a rounding jack. I'd love to hear any suggestions, comments or critiques that you all may offer. I will try and get some more photos tomorrow when the light is better.

 

[LoveMyHats2]

I can tell you this much, you exhibit more courage than what I have! it looks like what you wanted to do, a Fedora, and for not having what "tools" you could have used, I think for a first time you hit the mark!

 

[winter_joe]

Nice very good first attempt I think.

 

[MarkJohn]

That is a great looking hat and a first attempt too :eusa_clap

If this is no.1 what will no.10 be like?

 

[Simonds]

:eusa_clap good job!

 

[DOGMAN]

Good start.I made a rounding jack that I have used to cut about a dozen brims so far.Works pretty good.Can't wait to see your next hat.

 

[gtdean48]

Got a photo of the guts?
Nice ribbon work....

 

[scottyrocks]

Looks real good, even for a more than first attempt.

 

[Tomasso]

Another hatter born. This place seems to be a breeder.

 

[DarrelMorris]

OK. Here are some more photos from other angles. Feel free to offer any critiques. In fact, please do. I would love to hear about all of the "issues" that you see in my workmanship. I am completely self taught and the only way I can improve my work is with honest feedback.

 

[jbucklin]

What exactly is the "Hat Shaper"?

 

[DarrelMorris]

What exactly is the "Hat Shaper"?

It's an inexpensive plastic hat block for hobbyists. They aren't perfect, but they will work.
http://www.hatshapers.com/

 

[tonyb]

It's an inexpensive plastic hat block for hobbyists. They aren't perfect, but they will work.
http://www.hatshapers.com/

A fine first effort, Darrel. Those hatshaper things are no substitute for "real" blocks, though.

I'm confident that once you've made a hat or three on a proper wooden block (check eBay, and Etsy) you'll never use that hatshaper again. It'll go faster, and easier, and better, really. But before you rush out and buy blocks, carefully consider what style(s) of hat you wish to make, and shop accordingly. And expect to pay more for the more desirable blocks, which are typically the taller, straighter ones, in sizes most of us moderns wear.

 

[DarrelMorris]

A fine first effort, Darrel. Those hatshaper things are no substitute for "real" blocks, though.

I'm confident that once you've made a hat or three on a proper wooden block (check eBay, and Etsy) you'll never use that hatshaper again. It'll go faster, and easier, and better, really. But before you rush out and buy blocks, carefully consider what style(s) of hat you wish to make, and shop accordingly. And expect to pay more for the more desirable blocks, which are typically the taller, straighter ones, in sizes most of us moderns wear.

I completely understand. The Hat Shapers are fine for my pirate hats, but I already have plans to make some better blocks. Eventually I will also want to make some flanges too, but I'm on an extremely tight budget so it's got to be one step at a time.

 

[scottyrocks]

OK. Here are some more photos from other angles. Feel free to offer any critiques. In fact, please do. I would love to hear about all of the "issues" that you see in my workmanship. I am completely self taught and the only way I can improve my work is with honest feedback.

Okay, but only because you asked.

The stitches in the bow are a bit large, but that's the only thing that really sticks out to me.

 

[DarrelMorris]

Okay, but only because you asked.

The stitches in the bow are a bit large, but that's the only thing that really sticks out to me.

Thank you. I know people are reluctant to criticize, but I really do encourage it. I find it's the best way to improve my craft and learn from my more experienced peers.

 

[casechopper]

My criticisms would be that:
The tacking on the bow might look nicer if it were a bit more subtle.
The sweatband looks like it's a bit deeper into the crown than it should be. i have a hat that has the sweatband deeper like that and it ends up with a lot more sweat on the felt as there's contact between my forehead and the felt. In my experience you want the sweatband to sit flush with the base of the crown and the reed edge to bend outwards over the under edge of the brim just slightly.
Many on this forum would prefer a fuller, less tapered crown on a hat but there are plenty of people who would prefer the crown shape that you've made as well. These are relatively minor issues but as you've asked for criticism...

 

[jbucklin]

A fine first effort, Darrel. Those hatshaper things are no substitute for "real" blocks, though.

I'm confident that once you've made a hat or three on a proper wooden block (check eBay, and Etsy) you'll never use that hatshaper again. It'll go faster, and easier, and better, really. But before you rush out and buy blocks, carefully consider what style(s) of hat you wish to make, and shop accordingly. And expect to pay more for the more desirable blocks, which are typically the taller, straighter ones, in sizes most of us moderns wear.

Oh Yeah. I just wanted to make sure that that is what you were talking about. I have two of them. I really want to invest in real wood blocks and flanges. Tomorrow I will make a trip to Peter Brothers Hatters to get a brim re-flanged.

 

[RBH]

Oh Yeah. I just wanted to make sure that that is what you were talking about. I have two of them. I really want to invest in real wood blocks and flanges. Tomorrow I will make a trip to Peter Brothers Hatters to get a brim re-flanged.

Tell Joe I said Hello!

 

[Preacher Man]

Hey DarrelMorris, you did a good job!! This is an outstanding first hat, keep on learning, keep on working at it, and keep that open mind. I appreciate your willingness, your desire to learn and your obvious talent. Keep going!