Hat Ribbon Trim

[Tiger_rifles]

Hello to all, I wish to rework two older hats I have. Both are Black felt and I wish to replace the ribbon trim at the base of the crown and brim edge. Can someone please suggest the best(and hopefully best priced, and easy to find!), source for this ribbon?
Many Thanks, Paul.

[Dave Myrick]

You simply need to use a black grosgrain ribbon of appropriate thickness.

Dave

[Carolann Schmitt]

There's grosgrain...and then there's grosgrain, or, more accurately, petersham.

Petersham is a woven ribbon with crosswise ribs that is traditionally used for millinery and hats. The edges of the ribbon will have tiny scallops where the weft (crosswise) threads wrap around the outermost warp (lengthwise) threads on the loom. The woven edge makes the ribbon more flexible, allowing it to curve around the hat without buckling or gaps. Period petersham was usually silk or cotton; many modern petershams are 50% cotton/50% rayon. However, they have the same body and hand as period petersham. You can shape these ribbons into a curve with a steam iron.

I do not recommend modern grosgrain ribbon available at mega-chain fabric stores. This ribbon is usually 100% polyester. It is woven as a fabric in wide widths, then cut into ribbons with a hot knife, sealing the edges. The edges on these ribbons are straight, often with a tiny raised bead from the heat sealing. They are stiff, cannot be shaped, and will not sit properly around the crown of the hat.

Do an Internet search on "petersham" and you'll find several sources. I've also found rolls of vintage petersham for very inexpensive prices at flea markets and antique malls.

Regards,

[Tiger_rifles]

Many Thanks Master Dave and Miss Carolann. Can you provide me with a direct source for this Petersham? I can't seem to find any that is not 100% rayon or Poly! Thanks, paul.

[Carolann Schmitt]

I did a search on "petersham ribbon cotton rayon" and immediately found this one.
http://www.judithm.com/shop/?page=shop/browse&category_id=c1043bdc6fdedec64ff2477188b6214b

There are several other sources listed. Sometimes you have to go beyond the first link or the first page. :-)

Regards,