Does a hat ever reach a stage where it becomes un-reblockable? My Keppler from filming is pretty beat up and I have tried reblocking it and it comes off the block fine, but as soon as I bash it, it tapers. Is there anything I can do? Leave it on the block longer perhaps? Try bashing it back to front instead?
Ken
Un-reblockability?
Moderators: Indiana Jeff, Dalexs
Hi Ken. What you need to do, is after the hat dries on the block, run a damp cloth over the hat, and iron it on the block. Iron it dry. I normally do this several times, giving the hat time to cool between ironings. This actually helps "set" the shape of the block. Before you take it off, you will have to hand pounce it just enough to get rid of the iron marks. That should do it. If you need anymore info, pm me. Fedora
PS. Oh, make sure the hat is completely dry before you start the ironing.
PS. Oh, make sure the hat is completely dry before you start the ironing.
How do you bash it Ken? Dry, damp or with steam. Remember that the block you got there, takes up PLENTY of felt in the crown. Most probably more felt than it had originally. With that said, the felt is stretched more than originally.
Now, after you set the felt to the shape of the block as Steve decribed, a good steaming would "open up" the felt again and it will go back to an "un-stretched" shape. If you can't bash it dry, try to make the felt just damp with a cloth, instead of using steam (only dampen the areas you want to bash).
What also helps on an "over stretched" felt, is to give it a cold shock; after you set it with the iron, put the entire thing incl. the block into the fridge. When cold, pull out, let dry, dampen, iron, back in the fridge. If you do so a couple of times, the felt will lose some tension as well.
Regards,
Marc
Now, after you set the felt to the shape of the block as Steve decribed, a good steaming would "open up" the felt again and it will go back to an "un-stretched" shape. If you can't bash it dry, try to make the felt just damp with a cloth, instead of using steam (only dampen the areas you want to bash).
What also helps on an "over stretched" felt, is to give it a cold shock; after you set it with the iron, put the entire thing incl. the block into the fridge. When cold, pull out, let dry, dampen, iron, back in the fridge. If you do so a couple of times, the felt will lose some tension as well.
Regards,
Marc