drewgarcia618
New in Town
- Messages
- 5
Hello all, I’m in need of some assistance!
I have a size 59 Screencapped hat in 50-50 Beaver/Rabbit that was custom made for me, but it’s a touch too big. While I have many western hats in 59 or 7 3/8 (Stetsons/a Standard Hatworks custom), the block used on this hat different enough that it’s just little too big.
I’m aware of and have tried putting foam, felt strips, paper towels, and leather into the sweatband. While these are serviceable, I’d like a more permanent solution. I also have wetted it and left it my truck on a hot day and tried the lamp trick, but neither of those did much of anything. I asked this question on Club Obi-Wan, since the maker is primarily an Indiana Jones hatter, and my hat is a riff on the classic Indy… one user suggested pulling the reed. I’ve never attempted this, and honestly I wouldn’t know what a reeded hat would feel like vs a non-reeded hat. That said, it doesn’t feel like there’s any wire or other reinforcement at the base of the sweat.
What I have thought about is removing the original leather band, ordering a new sweatband, and then sewing it in. I believe I only need to tighten it by .5 to 1cm. It’s not like I’m going from a 59 to a 54 haha.
Would this accomplish what I need done? Or, do I need to have it rebooked to a smaller size? I’m a teacher by day and tinkerer at heart, so being able to do this affordably and hands on would be ideal. I’d rather not throw $100 or more at reblocking a hat if I can avoid it.
Pics, if the link will work. If not, I don’t think they’re too important to my dilemma:
I’m pretty confident in my sewing ability. I do leatherwork as a hobby, have sewn patches onto jackets, repaired waxed canvas bags, etc. I have a speedy stitcher awl and small sewing machine needles I plan on using for this job, if I move forward with it.
I have a size 59 Screencapped hat in 50-50 Beaver/Rabbit that was custom made for me, but it’s a touch too big. While I have many western hats in 59 or 7 3/8 (Stetsons/a Standard Hatworks custom), the block used on this hat different enough that it’s just little too big.
I’m aware of and have tried putting foam, felt strips, paper towels, and leather into the sweatband. While these are serviceable, I’d like a more permanent solution. I also have wetted it and left it my truck on a hot day and tried the lamp trick, but neither of those did much of anything. I asked this question on Club Obi-Wan, since the maker is primarily an Indiana Jones hatter, and my hat is a riff on the classic Indy… one user suggested pulling the reed. I’ve never attempted this, and honestly I wouldn’t know what a reeded hat would feel like vs a non-reeded hat. That said, it doesn’t feel like there’s any wire or other reinforcement at the base of the sweat.
What I have thought about is removing the original leather band, ordering a new sweatband, and then sewing it in. I believe I only need to tighten it by .5 to 1cm. It’s not like I’m going from a 59 to a 54 haha.
Would this accomplish what I need done? Or, do I need to have it rebooked to a smaller size? I’m a teacher by day and tinkerer at heart, so being able to do this affordably and hands on would be ideal. I’d rather not throw $100 or more at reblocking a hat if I can avoid it.
Pics, if the link will work. If not, I don’t think they’re too important to my dilemma:
I’m pretty confident in my sewing ability. I do leatherwork as a hobby, have sewn patches onto jackets, repaired waxed canvas bags, etc. I have a speedy stitcher awl and small sewing machine needles I plan on using for this job, if I move forward with it.
