Unstructured Hat Embroidery Instructions Using The Gen 2 Cap Framing System

We’re going to show you a step-by-step process on how to frame up your unstructured cap on a Gen 2 Cap frame system. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page to watch a step-by-step video.

Step 1: attach the T-bar Framing Gauge to your workstation put it at a comfortable working height as its pictured here on the hoop tech framing station; but you can attach it to your work table or your machine stand.

Step 2: place the frame on the framing gaugeand tilt the frame up and away from you to set it on over the two tabs at the back of the framing gauge then set it down until it lays flat.

Step 3: open the Gen 2 cap frame. Release the latch and open the top of the frame. The top will rest in an open position. The framing gauge has an orange lever underneath which allows you to move the top plate in and out. The position of the top plate will vary depending on what kind of hat you are framing up; for this unstructured hat pull the plate out to make it even with the ends of the frame as shown here.

Step 4: slide the backing underneath the backing clips on each side and take a piece of three and a half by 11 tear away backing, slide one side under the clip and bring the backing over to the other clip and slide underneath.

Step 5: push on the backing to push through the tabs until they are visible. This is important because these tabs will hold the bill of the hat during stretching.

Step 6: turn out your sweat band holding your hat facing away from you turn your sweat band out.

Step 7: put your hat on the frame. Hold the cap and sweat band at the pointy ends of the bill and place the hat on the frame. it is easiest to put the right side of the cap in first on the hinge side work the left side over so it sits on the support at this point look to make sure the sweat band is still turned out.

Step 8: position the T-bar inside the bottom of the hat. Place your index fingers inside the sweat band and pinch the sides of the cap near the bottom. Pull out in the opposite direction to open up the hat. Pick up the T-bar with the rest of your fingers and tuck it inside the bottom of the cap make sure it’s in as far as it will go past the sweat band this ensures that it stays in place once you begin to apply pressure.

Step 9: Center your hat to make sure that the cap is in the right location for stretching hold the bill on each side and push the cap forward until it is sitting in front of the two tabs we push the backing through earlier you should be able to feel the tabs on each side under the fabric on the cap, center your hat on the gauge.

Step 10: apply pressure with your right hand push straight down on the T-bar handle. Apply enough pressure for the fabric to lay down flat. Not every hat pulls down the same make adjustments as you work with the hat. It may be necessary to pull the fabric down and smooth it out several times to get it to lay down so it will so well.

Step 11: while still applying pressure close the frame. Use your left hand to grab the top of the frame and pull it over to close hook the latch and then close.

Step 12: take the frame off of the gauge lift up on the T-bar and remove the back of the cap grabbing the top of the frame. Lift it straight up off of the T-bar frame gauge. Because the bill is pressed down you are able to sew closer to the bill and because the backing is supported so tall you are able to sew taller designs.

Step 13: click onto your cap driver make sure that the latches engage on both sides now you are ready to sew you.

Now you’re ready to maximize your embroidery of unstructured hats and increase both profits and productivity. If you have any questions or would like to get more information on how you could us the Gen 2, The T-bar, and the framing station give us a call at (513) 829-7768