Laser Engraved Leather Patches | Custom Leather Patch Hats
Custom Patches, Made In-House
Every patch we sell is produced in our own Westlake, FL shop: no outsourcing, no drop-shipped blanks. Pick the method that fits your project:
Laser Engraved
Premium leatherette and genuine leather.
Full-Color UV
Fine detail, gradients and unlimited colors. Coming soon →
Embroidered
Traditional dimensional thread construction. See embroidery →
Finished Patch Hats
We supply the hat, manufacture the patch and apply it. Order finished hats →
Wholesale / Contract
Patch-only production for decorators. Apply for wholesale →
Design Your Custom Leather Patch Hat
Design your own custom patches right here. Pick a shape, a material, and your artwork, and see a live mockup on a real cap before you order. We laser-cut and laser-engrave both genuine leather and leatherette for leather patch hats on Richardson 112 and Yupoong 6089M blanks, heat-applied in-house.
Leather vs. Leatherette
Genuine leather brings natural grain, character, and a patch that develops a patina over time: no two are ever identical. Leatherette engraves with remarkably crisp contrast, delivers perfectly consistent color across a large order, and costs less. Small runs are absolutely doable. We can personalize individual patches (names, crew titles, unit numbers) within one order.
Heat Press Settings
Every patch ships with heat-apply adhesive backing already on it. Press with these settings:
- Temperature: 320°F
- Time: 15 seconds
- Pressure: medium
- Press type: hat press recommended
For best results use a dual-heat platen with both upper and lower heat units. Heating from both sides bonds the adhesive evenly across the curve of the cap panel, which is where single-sided presses tend to leave weak edges.
There is no peel step. Unlike DTF or heat transfer vinyl, leather and leatherette patches have no carrier sheet. Press, lift the platen, and the patch is applied. Do not try to peel anything off the face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are your patches heat press ready?
Yes. Every patch ships with heat-apply adhesive backing already applied, no separate glue or sewing needed.
What temperature and how long do I press them?
Press at 320°F for 15 seconds with medium pressure. A hat press is recommended, and a dual-heat platen with upper and lower heat units gives the best results because it bonds the adhesive evenly across the curved cap panel.
Is there a hot or cold peel?
Neither. There is no carrier sheet on a leather or leatherette patch, so nothing gets peeled. This is application only: press, lift, done. If you are used to DTF or vinyl transfers, this is the step you can skip.
Laser Engraved Patches vs. Embroidered Patches: which should I choose?
Laser engraved leather/leatherette patches give you a flat, modern look with fine detail and sharp contrast, and work well for photo-realistic logos and small text. Embroidered patches are dimensional (raised thread), read as more traditional/classic, and hold up extremely well to heavy wear. Neither is inherently better; it depends on the look you want.
What's the best patch material for Richardson 112 hats?
Leatherette is the most popular choice for R112: consistent color across a full run and the lowest cost per patch. Genuine leather is the upgrade pick when you want each patch to have natural grain variation and develop character over time. Both are laser-cut to fit the R112's curved front panel.
Can laser engraved patches be washed?
We don't recommend machine washing a patch hat. Leather and leatherette are surface materials, not woven fabric. Spot clean with a damp cloth only. Machine washing/drying can dull the engrave contrast and warp the patch.
How small can text be on a laser engraved patch?
As a general guideline, keep engraved text at 1/8″ (3mm) tall or larger for clean, legible results. Bold, single-line sans-serif fonts hold detail best. Our online designer will flag artwork that's too fine before you order.
What's a good custom patch size for hats?
Most cap front panels (Richardson 112, Yupoong 6089M) usable width is about 4.25", and most orders run 2 to 3.5" wide. Go too much larger and the patch starts to wrap the curve of the cap awkwardly.
How much do custom leather patches cost?
Price depends on size, material (leatherette vs. genuine leather), shape, and quantity. Use the designer above for an instant live quote. There's no need to call for a ballpark price.
Wholesale / contract patch production for screen printers and embroidery shops
We produce patch-only runs (no hat) for decorators who want to apply their own patches. Apply for wholesale access.