Rookie Hat Bash: Double-teardrop Western (thanks to much useful info posted here)

[H Weinstein]

A couple of months ago, I knew almost nothing about hats. Then, while searching for an affordable Western style, I stumbled across the gang here at the Fedora Lounge. What I learned here about choosing and shaping hats sounded like lots of fun. So rather than spending a huge amount on a near-custom hat, I decided to order a Sand-color Akubra Bobby and to attempt to re-shape it myself (using many tips found here).

While awaiting its arrival from Australia, I practiced with steam and shaping on a couple of cheap hats. Then I tackled the Bobby.
Started with this out of the box:

...and after just a couple of hours of steam and gentle felt-sculpting (and a new band), I ended up with this double-teardrop pinchfront Western style:

I'm pretty pleased with it. And I just wanted to thank the folks who answered various questions for me, as well as those who've shared lots of entertaining and useful posts I was able to find and read here.

 

[Cane Rod Maker]

DT

You did a real nice job on that double tear drop.:eusa_clap

 

[theinterchange]

Looks good! I'd never guess that you were a beginner at this!:eusa_clap I really like the color on the hat, a sand Akubra is on my short list of hat wants.

Will look forward to the inevitable on head shot!

Just one parting observation, isn't the band a tad loose in that second photo?

Randy

 

[H Weinstein]

Loose band...

Yep, it's loose. I just slipped it on for the photos.
I'm actually saving that dark-brown-and-silver band for a black Akubra Bobby which is on order.
Not sure yet what band or ribbon to put on this Sand one yet.

Speaking of which, with a leather band, do most of you guys stitch it to the hat, or otherwise attach it in any way? Or just let gravity do the work?

 

[jimmy the lid]

Excellent job on that crease! :eusa_clap

Cheers,
JtL

 

[theinterchange]

Yep, it's loose. I just slipped it on for the photos.
I'm actually saving that dark-brown-and-silver band for a black Akubra Bobby which is on order.
Not sure yet what band or ribbon to put on this Sand one yet.

Speaking of which, with a leather band, do most of you guys stitch it to the hat, or otherwise attach it in any way? Or just let gravity do the work?

Ahh, I was wondering if that were the case! Have you given any thought to a horse hair band on the sand hat? Something similar to this one?

Just a thought.

I've never fiddled with bands, but I believe if I were to, I'd let gravity do it's thing just in case I want change it out or to sell the hat down the road.

Randy

 

[H Weinstein]

Thanks, JTL...

Excellent job on that crease! :eusa_clap

Cheers,
JtL

Your teardrop tutorial was a HUGE help and inspiration.
As you and others have often noted here at The Lounge, decent fur felt is pretty forgiving and not all that hard to coax into a variety of shapes.

 

[H Weinstein]

Horsehair...

Ahh, I was wondering if that were the case! Have you given any thought to a horse hair band on the sand hat? Something similar to this one?

Just a thought.

I've never fiddled with bands, but I believe if I were to, I'd let gravity do it's thing just in case I want change it out or to sell the hat down the road.

Randy

Thanks for the suggestion, Randy. I've seen some nice woven horsehair bands on eBay. I prefer the bands with buckles, so I may go for one of those.

 

[RBH]

Wonderful job!!!
I am sure it will not be your last!

 

[frussell]

A few stitches

Lots of us that wear western hats put them crown-down when we take them off, which means your band will come off. I always attach mine with one or two strategically placed stitches in thread the same color as the hat. I don't stitch the whole thing down, just a "keeper" or two in case the band wants to slide off. Causes very little damage to the hat, and I don't lose any heirloom or irreplaceable hat bands. Good job on the crease. Frank

 

[scottyrocks]

Thats an amazingly well done first (or even second or third, or you get the idea) attempt. Congrats on it and wear it proudly.

 

[randooch]

Wow!

You did a fine job. I've never tried a double, but you have me intrigued. Did you use anything other than your fingers? It's very symmetrical. Impressive.

Let's see it atop your noggin'!

 

[H Weinstein]

Thanks!

You did a fine job. I've never tried a double, but you have me intrigued. Did you use anything other than your fingers? It's very symmetrical. Impressive.

Let's see it atop your noggin'!

Once I popped the old crown shape into a smooth open crown (with tea-kettle steam and a spongy Nerf soccer ball as a round block for the top), I just used steam and fingers to do the double teardrop. I'd actually done a standard teardrop/pinchfront initially, then decided there was enough surplus crown to give the inner-teardrop a try. It was surprisingly easy!

As I learned from so many of the Lounge posts I read before trying it myself, felt is pretty easygoing and I was amazed at what I could do with a little steam and gentle massaging when it came to getting everything to line up properly.

 

[theinterchange]

Thanks for the suggestion, Randy. I've seen some nice woven horsehair bands on eBay. I prefer the bands with buckles, so I may go for one of those.

You're welcome! Looking forward to any "finished project" photos you post!

Randy

 

[Pilgrim]

That's a LOT better than any of my attempts have turned out! :eusa_clap

 

[animator]

Nice work!

 

[1961MJS]

Hi

Great job on the crease. I can't decide if it belongs on a cowboy hat or if it doesn't. I guess with an ostentatious crease, it needs a more ostentatious hatband? Really good job on the crease though.

Later

 

[EggHead]

Very nice work on the crease. It may serve as an inspiration to other loungers!

 

[H Weinstein]

Akubra Bobby softens up rather nicely...

Just thought I'd add this, in case any Western fans are considering this hat. It was pretty stiff when it arrived, though not as stiff as new American Stetson and Resistol cowboy hats I checked in the local Carol's Western Wear store here in Maryland.

I followed tips I read on The Lounge and pummeled the hat quite a bit before I started working on it. Once the shaping was done, I gently massaged the sides of the crown to get some of the softness back after the steam seemed to re-stiffen it somewhat. That appears to have done the trick.

I haven't even worn the hat yet -- it's been too warm -- but I think it'll be pretty comfortable right from the start when the weather cools off.

Thanks again for all the great tips and the kind words about my first hat project