Lowering Crown on Hat Blank?

[jetcanoe]

Howdy,

I searched the archives for this so hope its not a repeat, but how would one lower the crown on a hat blank? I'm happy with my current Tricorne, and got one of these blanks just to play around with. I want to do a floppy longhunter hat, or maybe a Rifleman's Round Hat/Marine Hat, but this thing is TALL. Looks like something from Billy Jack in 1971 :shocked2:

I understand one can soak or steam the felt do shape it but don't know where to start when it comes to lowering the crown by (I would guess) folding it into the brim area. Do you need a hoop of some kind?

Thanks as always,
-Jet

 

[LRB]

Only way I know is to cut the crown off, trim, and sew it back on. Lots of work, I'd say find another hat!

 

[mazo kid]

I had the same question a couple of years ago and a buddy steered me to the book "Lighting Grandma's Fire". There are detailed instructions on how to do as Wick suggested, then covering the seam with a hat band. I haven't tried to do this on my hat yet as it is an expensive one and I need to just get the courage to cut it.

 

[necchi]

Only way I know is to cut the crown off, trim, and sew it back on. Lots of work, I'd say find another hat!

Yup it some work, but I've done it a few times. if you keep an eye on second-hand shop's sometimes you can find a high quality cowboy hat,,(hard thick felt,Stetson or Bailey)for $20 or less. Pull the linning out. Soak the thing in hot as you can stand water, then round the top. I use one of the kids toy rubber balls that's just the right size too hold the shape and dry it. I flatten the brim at the same time by holding the whole thing down with weighted boards.
I use a 1 1/2" wide ruler to mark a line around the crown using the flat brim as a guide and cut it off.(tip: mark the inside with verticle lines, because most hats aren't round, your head his actually more of an oval shape) You need that much left on the brim to fit yer head later.
Cut what ever you want off the brim, remember it's easier to cut more off then to un-cut.
(Tricky Part),,,
The crown part is now smaller than the brim. Gentel pulling will stretch the felt of the crown, don't be afraid to re-wet or steam the piece and pull going around in circles. 4-6 V shaped notches about a 1/2" wide need to be cut in the circumfrence of the brim to allow the crown to fit over it or you'll get uncomfortable bulges when the 2 peices come together. I'll spare ya the details of stiching it together, but I like the crown setting about an 1/8" above the brim or you'll see the seam. 1/4 " wide stiching around the perimiter is plenty to hold it even in a stiff wind. Drop on a hat band of your choice. :thumbsup:

 

[tg]

I am curious where you found such a tall blank, how tall off the brim is the top? Mine run from 3 3/4 to 4 1/2 inches.

 

[jetcanoe]

Howdy Tg,

Its just a heavy blank from Crazy Crow. Just measured the crown at 4.5" but if you look at, say, the Clearwater Longhunter Hat for example, there's quite a difference in look and fit. Not that I'm comparing a $90 hat with a blank. This one would be a good slouch hat or Jed Clampett look :haha:

 

[old ugly]

i used a felt hat in the rain , it got soaked rite through , when it dryed the hat shrunk ,
maybe try soaking the top of it and see if it shrinks ? just a thought as that is what i would try .

 

[paulvallandigham]

Have you looked for a Hatter in your area? We had a small shop here for years, where you could get the hats cleaned, and reblocked. The guy was amazing. I took a leather hat to him and he stretched it out so it didn't hurt so much putting it on my head. You many have to go to a larger city to find them these days. Not too many men are wearing hats these days.