"Jocking" a cap

**CMcG** · 27th September 13, 05:06 AM

I seem to recall something about "Jocking" being done to avoid the "flying saucer" look of a bonnet that hasn't been broken in

For those who don't live near a pristine burn, creek, or other suitable bit of flowing water, perhaps a "pilgrimage" to the nearest one is in order!

**auld argonian** · 27th September 13, 08:06 AM

The idea of dipping one's headgear in a creek may work out for those of you who live in relatively pristine areas where the flow is provided by clean mountain runoff....those of us who live in the "flatlands" may not have those advantages. I'd be semi-reluctant to dip any article of clothing in the Chicago section of Lake Michigan and as for the Chicago River....I seriously doubt that any fabric dipped in the Chicago River would emerge intact. That or one would find one's self in a tug of war with a monster carp for the balmoral...

Best

AA

**English Bloke** · 27th September 13, 05:18 PM

Jock's original 'Jocking' thread is one of the best ever published on here, although he's actually being quite gentle compared to some of the shrinking and shaping methods I've seen done to similar head-dress.

Bonnet or beret, they look dreadful fresh out of the box and need a little 'individualisation' to give them character.

**sailortats** · 27th September 13, 06:24 PM

Ok, I understand the concept for jocking but......... is there any chance of ruining an expensive balmoral in doing this? No streams nearby and San Francisco Bay is not the place to try it so cold water in the sink is my best option. How long does it need to stay in the sink and how do I "wring" out the excess water before wearing it until it dries?
I tell you guys, I am scared stiff to try this with my Robert Mackie.

**BCAC** · 28th September 13, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by sailortats

Ok, I understand the concept for jocking but......... is there any chance of ruining an expensive balmoral in doing this? No streams nearby and San Francisco Bay is not the place to try it so cold water in the sink is my best option. How long does it need to stay in the sink and how do I "wring" out the excess water before wearing it until it dries?
I tell you guys, I am scared stiff to try this with my Robert Mackie.

Phil, don't worry, you can't ruin your bunnet giving it a good jocking.

You answered your own question about the excess water, though. You "wring" it out (with your hands).

**Rick Y** · 28th September 13, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by sailortats

......... is there any chance of ruining an expensive balmoral in doing this?

The alternative: is there any chance of ruining a CHEAP balmoral doing this? Although I would love to have a quality bonnet my budget fits best into the cheap regions of purchasing.

**BCAC** · 28th September 13, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by Rick Y

The alternative: is there any chance of ruining a CHEAP balmoral doing this? Although I would love to have a quality bonnet my budget fits best into the cheap regions of purchasing.

What's the worst that can happen? It will shrink? Only as far as your head size coz you're wearing it till it dries.

**English Bloke** · 28th September 13, 11:57 AM

Sink, bucket, shower tray, 'owt will do. You can even tow it by the ribbons behind a rapidly paddled canoe. The only difference is you won't need to fill it with stones to stop it floating downstream and off to the Sea.

In a former life, and when tiny berets were the vogue, we used to use two washroom sinks, one filled kettle hot, the other filled cold-tap cold. We'd cut out the inner lining then dunk the butchered headwear in first hot, (mind your fingers) then cold, then repeat. The hat was then squeezed rather than wrung out... ie. don't twist it. It was then donned, shaped to suit and worn for several hours till dry (don't do it in the dead of winter). Like I say, the tinier the better was the way at the time.

This method used to cause maximum shrinkage, so much so that we'd often have to snip through the headband where it's hidden under the flap to get it to fit again.

I don't recommend you take these extreme measures with a Balmoral, you will ruin it, but the principle is the same.

Soak it in cold water only and squeeze don't wring. Then get it on your head and shape it while it's damp. Then don't take it off till it's completely dry. That'll do it. It'll work for a cheap hat as well.

Edit: I've still got my old beret somewhere. I occasionally throw it back on at remembrance services if I'm at home and not working.

**piperdbh** · 30th September 13, 07:37 AM

The creek/burn is not the important part; the coldness of the water is the important part. Heat, moisture and agitation cause wool to shrink. Remove the heat, and you eliminate the shrinking. Replace the agitation with stretching, and the wool loses its memory of the shape that the factory built into it. The purpose is to make the bonnet look not-new, as having somethinh new is seen as being pretentious, or at least that's what Jock says.

**plaid preacher** · 27th September 13, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

The idea of dipping one's headgear in a creek may work out for those of you who live in relatively pristine areas where the flow is provided by clean mountain runoff....those of us who live in the "flatlands" may not have those advantages. I'd be semi-reluctant to dip any article of clothing in the Chicago section of Lake Michigan and as for the Chicago River....I seriously doubt that any fabric dipped in the Chicago River would emerge intact. That or one would find one's self in a tug of war with a monster carp for the balmoral...

Best

AA

Auld, no need to toss your new Bonnet into the sewer ... your bathroom sink will do in a pinch!