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How to Make a Grosgrain Ribbon Brim Binding

Bind the brim of your hat with grosgrain ribbon and make a hat band and bow from the same ribbon for a coordinated look. Grosgrain ribbon does not stretch so it must be tucked or gathered before it can be sewn around a hat brim. Grosgrain is more durable than bias bands cut from fabric, so the extra effort is worthwhile. A new brim binding can save a straw hat that is beginning to fray.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure
1-inch grosgrain ribbon
Sewing machine
Matching thread
Straight pins.

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the circumference of the hat brim and cut a length of 1-inch grosgrain ribbon, 1 inch longer than this length.
- 2
  Set a sewing machine to sew a straight seam with a long stitch length. Sew along both edges of the ribbon, one-sixteenth inch from the edge.
- 3
  Pull the bobbin threads on the seams to gather both edges of the ribbon. Gather the ribbon until it makes a circle the size of the hat brim. This will also cause the ribbon to fold down the center of its length. Adjust the gathers until they are evenly distributed.
- 4
  Pin the ribbon around the edge of the brim. The edge of the brim should run along the center of the ribbon and the sides of the ribbon should be even on the top and underside of the brim. Fold the final end of the ribbon under one-half inch, lap it over the first edge and pin it in place.
- 5
  Sew one-eighth inch inside the edge of the ribbon on top of the hat. Try to catch the edge of the ribbon on the underside of the brim in the seam. When you finish, turn the hat over and sew this edge down in any spots you missed.

Sewing