Trimming the brim of a fedora?

[masterjedi322]

I recently received a new Indy fedora. The block is very nice, but I think the brim is a bit too wide for my face, so I'd like to have the brim cut down a bit.

I'm thinking it would be best if I could see the results real-time, i.e. trim the fedora, try it on, and repeat as necessary, but I'm wondering if this is something the novice can tackle at home? Or is it better left to the experts?

Any recommendations would be most appreciated.

Sean

 

[ReturningSon]

When the Club Obi Wan forums reopen (the 5th) check it out...they have tons of stuff on this!!!

 

[Gatekeeper]

You may well do this at home, but go easy... removing a mere fraction of an inch changes the way the hat looks on you dramatically!
I suggest you mark out the cutting line with tailor's chalk. Follow the brim edge closely so you won't mess up the dimensional cut. Do not remove more than 2-3 millimeters (about 3/64 to 1/8 on an inch)! Try hat on and see if you're done. Repeat if necessary.
You can also even out the cut with some sandpaper if you think it looks uneven. Though bear in mind that the originals were quite uneven too... The hats ordered from Herbert Johnson back in the day that were dimensionally cut by Richard Swales had visibly uneven edges.

 

[masterjedi322]

Thanks for the tips so far. I did check over at COW and saw they were down until January 5th. I'll be sure to revisit them later.

As for cutting, do I need a special type of scissor? Or will any sharp pair do?

Sean

 

[Gatekeeper]

Any good pair of scissors will do fine.

 

[DarkHelmet]

Just trim a little at a time. I've trimmed a couple of felt and fur Burlington Coat Factory hats and it's almost impossible to cut in curves. I had to go back and round off the cut a little at a time.

 

[Laffo]

Rotary Cutter.
http://www.olfaproducts.com/
Won't believe how much you'll use it.
Laffo.

 

[Darth Mule]

Rotary Cutter.
http://www.olfaproducts.com/
Won't believe how much you'll use it.
Laffo.

Agreed. 3 years ago I started using one for cutting patterns professionally. Haven't looked back since.