About

"Handmade by Jens" was founded in 2023 by myself, Jens F. Østvik. 

I was born in Norway in 1989 and I grew up in a small place called Nordbråtan in Modum municipality.

I bought my first sewing machine in 2019, an Adler shoemaker machine (Adler 30-15). This machine was bought to perform simple repairs on outdoor gear. Later on, I ventured into crafting my own unique creations, and my determination to master the craftmanship of caps (especially newsboy caps) emerged. 

I mostly use old sewing machines from the 1920s-1950s with a 1-needle straight stitch and a standard presser foot (for example Singer 201K, Naumann kl.24, Pfaff 230).

Crafting newsboy caps with sewing machines from the appropriate era brings a unique sense of satisfaction and I believe adds to the originality of the products.

I strive for excellence in my work, though the idea of perfection can be hard to define. I take great care in handcrafting my caps, with a sense of pride and affection in every stitch. Those subtle stitching quirks and the one-of-a-kind assembly, I view them as the heart of true craftsmanship. They represent the human touch, and it is what makes handmade products so perfect and unique.

In addition to caps, I also make leather products and forge knives (when time allows for it).

Feel free to follow me on Instagram and Facebook.

Newsboy cap maintenance

If the entire cap needs cleaning, it must be delivered to a professional dry cleaner.

Spot cleaning: Hand cleaning only, using cold or lukewarm water on a washcloth with a few drops of a wool safe detergent.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach as they may damage the fabric. Let the cap air dry in room temperature. Do not place the cap in the dryer or other heating sources. The cap may shrink when exposed to hot air.

If the cap is soaking wet (from rain etc.), it`s a good idea to gently stretch the cap occasionally while it dries. This to prevent shrinkage.

Do you have any questions? Please let me know post@handmadebyjens.com