HATS
The one I bought is called " E-Z HAT MINI " and I got it from
Power Micro Solutions. The only reason I bought that particular one is
because of the price. It was used and I got it for $99.00. When they
shipped it to me they included a small amount of the sticky paper to use
with it. I decided to try it out so I went to the Dollar Store and bought a couple of their cheap ball caps, chose a design, added some lettering and stiched away. It turned out great on the first one, only a little high. So if you get this brand you must make sure to put the design low enough in the frame on screen.
I had the density set at .42 for satin and .45 for fill. I used a #14 needle and 40 wt. sulky thread.
Maybe I just got lucky, but I loved it. The frame is SO easy. Even a little kid could use it.
Hope this helps some. Good luck.
Phyllis
HAT RACK
I have the Hat Rack and love it. I tried the Hoop It All and could not
get it to work. This is how I use it.
1. The hat rack has an etched mark on the front of the bar between the two red knobs. I took a white marker and marked the center of the back of the hoop so I can line up the seam in the hat.
2. I roll the excess top of the hat towards the front and then tape it down. Make sure you put the tape a little past the front folded roll. This prevents it from getting any grease marks from under your machine. Especially white and light colored hats.
3.I also put marks to either side of the front of the hat. That way I don't have to measure everytime. And seeing I use the same type of hat every time, I don't have to worry about it. I like the 5 panel w/bucrum in them.
I just thought in case someone who has never done hats, these tips might help. Right now I am doing 26 hats. They are due tomorrow.
Sue Hager
HAT RACK
Just thought I'd let you know about my hats....At first it was awful...no kidding. Then after a dozen tries or so it started getting better...I sew a really good hat, but it takes more set up time and supervision than say a polo shirt. ( so I charge A LOT for hats) I sew mainly on the wool blend 6 panel caps with the seam right down the front...also on the twill 6 panel. I use the hat rack ( the ez mini hat broke)
Here is the basics...
1. Cap prep...staple sweat band to the bill...this lets me get it into the rack the best..I unsnap the back strap first...oh yea it takes 5 to 6 staples and doesn't hurt the bill at all.
2.then I set up rack w/ sticky paper
3. Then measuring for placement is the key...the front is super easy the seam down the front lines up with the white mark on the rack then I meadure from where the bill meets the hat edge to the front bar on the rack left and rgiht sides...those measurements should be as close as possible to equal.(this is a whole lot easier to show than type)
4.Then press cap down in rack center beam front to back then out to the sides...
You can stop sewing at any time to repress the hat to the sticky paper..
ok enough of that,,,here are the best tips...
*measure right up front sews best when hooped right
*use heavy tearaway backing under sticky paper...this helps stabilize your stitches(tremendous visual difference)
*to avoid problems w/ the center seam....you can do a couple of things...when I have a fill over it make sure the stitches aren't vertical cause they will fall into the seam...horizontal is good...but if fill needs to be at an angle just add a few horizontal stitiches as an underlay and that will keep them from sinking...If you are doing lettering...you can adjust to where you miss the center seam...or not...brush works fine over the seam.
I think the hat rack is a great tool to use w/ the EU to produce a
professional quality hat...Hats are not my favorite things to do, but it will sure give you a feeling of accomplishment to get one done so nicely.
Tracey Hess
Just got done sewing a hat. I use the hat rack. It is black metal and very sturdy. I had at one time tried the another type of hat hoop, but it was not good to me.
I use filmoplast, that sticky paper backing ( I think at the show in Dallas they call it " pressure sensitive backing " ) I call it sticky paper...Let me find that # it was a good deal...30 yards of filmoplast already cut to 5.5 inches wide...will do a gross of hats (that is alot of hats)it was around $30, but that was a while ago. Still beat out any other price I could find....From a company called E-Z Hoop Products in Ohio # 12168567826...but I think the area code maybe 330 now. Anyway, I have been on the same roll for what seems like forever.
But they suggested (they being show folks in dallas) using a firm tearaway behind the " pressure sensitive backing " for more support for the embroidery...Voila' it worked. I added some heavier tearaway and boom it sewed great...my best hat yet.
I had purchased the Hoop it All from Clotilde's but it didn't work. Not on hats or visors. I tried everything. Then someone at a embroidery show told me that the Hat Rack works wonderfully. So I ordered it from Joyce Bentz, and it does. It's also much sturdier.
Tracey
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