How Do You Shape A Cowboy Hat?
• Decide on the shape you want. • Many fur felt cowboy hats are made with flat brims, so you can shape your own to the style you prefer. Brims can be rolled on one or two sides or all around. They can be folded up softly or sharply. • Boil water until it steams in a large pot or a kettle with an open spout. • Hold the brim of the hat carefully over the steam until the fur felt softens. • Work with one section at a time to keep the felt soft. • Use your fingers to gently shape the steamed portion of the brim. • For a gentle roll, hold the brim with your fingers on the upper side and your thumb on the bottom and curl the brim within even pressure. • For a crisper fold, press the steamed brim against your stomach, crown out, and use both hands to sharply bend the brim outward. • Repeat the shaping motion until the felt cools and sets. • Continue working on the next section of the brim. Spray the finished hat, if you wish, with a hat stiffening spray (available at Western stores or online)
