conventional cap frame

[Wishes]

We are using the conventional cap frame with flex fit camo hats, but we are finding holes on the sides where the points grip the hat. Has anyone else experienced this? Solution?
Margaret

[signman]

What are you using for backing? I use the same frame, same hats, and a stiff tear away-almost like thin cardboard.
Never noticed holes from the grippers...

Roland

[Steve]

This does happen on thinner material caps. Put a couple pieces of cutaway backing between the teeth and the cap.

[Steve I]

Margaret,

Try a piece of athletic tape over the prongs. I had that problem with the thinner caps (when I used those frames). If you like the results you may even want to get some Plastidip and coat the prongs with that, it will smooth the edges and the soft plastic will help keep the cap from slipping.

Steve
Trinity Embroidery

[signman]

thanks for the Plastidip idea Steve...I was wondering after reading her question if my open can of Plastidip would work...and maybe stop the 'slipping' I get with some hats.
I'll try it today!

Roland

[Barbara Bunker]

Can you buy Plastidip anywhere other than from the manufacturer??

Barb

[signman]

I bought mine at the hardware store down the corner, used it to dip all the 'hook' ends of bungee cords I bought for my jeep trailer...seems ALL the ones I bought last year ended up in my son's jeep! Had to replace all my ratchet straps for same reason...twice! Now I color code them.
If I could only find straps in PINK he wouldn't touch them-he gets cooties from 'pansy' colors...LOL.
The plastidip is probably at Home Depot, hardware store chains, etc. Just CLEAN the metal first with alcohol for a good 'grip'. It's not much more than a liquid plastic coating.

[signman]

Just some feedback on the plastic dipping stuff...I coated both faces on the CCF (black hoop) cap frame last week. Used a 1" foam brush and laid it on, the wide flat band where the backing sits, and along the 'jaws' where the teeth are. On the hinged 'top' hoop,did the inside of recesses where the teeth would go-anywhere on the frame that would contact the hat. Working on a 72 piece hat order (and you KNOW how I hate doing hats) and after a couple dozen so far...it's working great. I noticed the backing does NOT shift while adjusting the hat-used to finish a hat and turn it over-to see the backing had slide off and only partially sewn in. Not once so far! And while adjusting the hat itself-find that it stays in place and while being sewn, it doesn't pull out towards the outer (top of hat) portion of the hoop and shift the image. Working with a design about 1 3/4" tall on a low crown unstructured hat. 1 piece of stiff tear away for backing...so for this test-the stuff is great. Now I'm going to coat the rest of them. I bought it right down at the nearby hardware store-I'd bet Home Depot, Lowes, maybe Wally world would also have it.
Short term shelflife-once it's opened and some is used-it will start to gel and get thick in a week.
So have your tools (or husbands) handy and after you coat your hat hoops, do his tool handles, etc. to make them non-slip! LOL
I used it first to coat the metal 'hooks' on a couple dozen new bungee cords I bought-because all my old ones ended up in my son's jeep and he says those are his. Now with bright red coated ends...I can spot mine anywhere. And they stay mine...