Laser Engraving (Real) Leather Hat Patches: Step-by-Step Guide 2023

[@namegoeshere6923]

Your assistant is the best!!!!

[@LaserEngraving911]

She's great!

[@dian3145]

Your shop assistant is great! Thanks for the great demo, will certainly be exploring both suppliers.

[@LaserEngraving911]

She is Amazing!

[@davidarnold354]

Thanks for the video! I just recently purchased a laser and I am new to everything. Looking into trying my hand at leather patches and this video was very informative.

[@LaserEngraving911]

Thanks David! Glad you got some value! Laser On!!

[@negretem1]

awesome video great tutorial - great tip on the temperature for the hat press!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Thanks for watching!

[@CrazyKatOutfitters]

Love your videos! Always learn so much. Thank you!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Thank You!!

[@clairemunley7460]

So informative! Thank you!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Your so welcome! 🐱‍👤

[@VinnysProjects]

Here's a tip: put the patch in a paper towel or TP roll for a few mins to shape it to the hat. It'll sit perfectly on the hat and not move when you put the cover sheet over it.

[@LaserEngraving911]

Love it! Thanks!

[@gloria6508]

In a damp/wet paper towel?

[@VinnysProjects]

@@gloria6508 no, just the cardboard tube. No moisture needed.

[@gloria6508]

@@VinnysProjects Thank you kindly.

[@mavrikmavrik3032]

Thanks for the vid! I'm thinking about adding this to my leather business so I'm doing some research.

[@LaserEngraving911]

Glad it was helpful!

[@perfectdesign6086]

Look very cool

[@LaserEngraving911]

Thanks!

[@perfectdesign6086]

Hey, your welcome. I stumbled across your video and enjoyed watching it. Have a great day. Keep up your great work.

[@akantola2323]

Thanks a bunch!

[@LaserEngraving911]

You're welcome! glad you got some value!

[@Victoria.Henderson]

Great video. Loved the classic Transformers transition 😂

[@LaserEngraving911]

Glad you loved it! It's a classic

[@pablopicasso3641]

I want to start later engraving and I like your channel and suggestions. Can you please do an updated video for top 5 laxer engravers?

[@LaserEngraving911]

I need to do this, for sure!

[@LuisCasstle]

Make sure your IR thermometer has a setting for measuring on shiny surfaces, as a shiny surface will throw the temp way off.

[@LaserEngraving911]

Great tip!

[@texx8891]

Great tutorial dude!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Thanks!

[@StumblingBumblingIdiot]

Cool tutorial man. Your son stole the show :) Was wondering why you didn't use the vevor for the hat? Is the machine you used better for the final patch?

[@LaserEngraving911]

I try my best! I always feel they are too long so I appreciate that!

[@sfkid57]

what do you think about the Laserpecker or XTool ? i do leather work as a hobby. thank you,rob

[@LaserEngraving911]

xTool It's good. If you want to get into making patches and cut and engrave some sheets of leather in your hobby shop I would recommend you look at this unit, to get you foot in the door without braking the bank shrsl.com/4d8q2 the S1 is a flat bed diode laser perfectly capable of cutting and engrave all your leather, just make sure you have good fume extraction! cause its stinky :) ..I would NOT recommend anything form laser packer, they are toys.

[@sfkid57]

Laser Engraving (Real) Leather Hat Patches, thank you for your video. Most people talk fast because they done it many times and leave out some details. You are talking slow enough that some of us can follow along. that means a lot to me, rob

[@LaserEngraving911]

appreciate that!

[@JesusLopez-sb3ir]

I hope this message reaches you in time , but what kind of laser engraver do you recommend for beginners that will cut or engrave more that 1 patch or other material, at the same time for about 1000 dollars ?

[@bucknboard]

I have an X Tool D1 Pro 10watt / any tips or suggestions on engraving leather? I don’t think it’s powerful enough to cut leather?

[@LaserEngraving911]

I would think you can do think you can do thinner leather maybe 1-2oz thickness, but you may need to run the cut twice, just make sure you have good fume extraction, leather is stinky :) and you will not want that smell in your shop 😉

[@jasonlittle8814]

Says step by step guide and showing you everything on how to do it, then leaves out the hardest part that actually needs explaining. Of course that's on another video. It's not step by step if you leave out steps.

[@LaserEngraving911]

What parts is the hardest part you would like to see covered?

[@sallymiller4325]

At what speed and power setting are you cutting your leather? I have a 90w CO2.

[@LaserEngraving911]

oh, you can cut thick leather all day with that 90 W CO2 I would try to stick with 2 to 3 ounce leather. I wouldn’t go much thicker than that unless you have a dual heat source hat, press, where you can heat the patch from the bottom and the top when you’re present it, my settings that I use for my Epilog Laser aren’t going to translate well to your 90 W CO2 laser so you’ll have to just start getting some thick leather and dialing in your settings

[@sambarney5100]

Love this, thank you! What is the weight/ thickness and type of leather you order from them to make hat patches?

[@LaserEngraving911]

I use vegtan Leather, 2-3oz, You cans use saddle leather too, or any type, just dont want to go to thick unless you have a dual heat hat press

[@JohnOliver-c4z]

Thought fake leather gives off toxic fumes whe lasered engraved ?

[@LaserEngraving911]

Hey There, everything gives off toxic fumes when you laser cut and engrave it. That is why you need a great extraction fan, venting outside or a good fume extractor. Some things you never want to engrave or laser cut are, carbon fiber, PVC, ABS but this is mostly due to the fact that they offgas VOC's that will hurt the internals of your laser. For fake leather that is safe for your machine I recommend using Leatherette from JDS or Johns Plastics Plus. There are fake leather that do not have PCV in them.

[@reneeallison9059]

What laser do you think is best for leather patches on caps? Economical please?

[@LaserEngraving911]

Hey There, good questions, for budget friendly units that are not only very easy to set up and use, for doing leather and faux leather patches, I would def recommend the XTool S1 shrsl.com/4d8q2 and really good fume extractor or a strong inline fan venting outside, Leather is super stinky when cut and engraved as well as faux leather. The S1 is my recommendation.

[@RedPillSurvival]

Will the hats be machine washable with real leather? What about if using PU leather?

[@LaserEngraving911]

iffy.. I dont know many folks that wash their hats. though. I dont. Best to just spot clean.

[@BarbaraBeachy-qw2ce]

Could you please add a link to the laser machine you use or give a little insight as to what i should use to start with ??

[@LaserEngraving911]

Sure thing, I use Epilog Co2 Lasers here in my shop for all my work, but...but! They are pricey! as they are the fastest and the highest quality Co2 lasers you money can buy. For you jus starting out and to not break the bank, You should look into the P2 By xTool! shrsl.com/4e18r it can do everything I do in my business, just not as fast,

[@carlosgarcia6361]

Thanks for the video is quick and to the point.

[@ErickCarbajal18]

Hola buenos días,creo que ya es tarde para que me regales una gorra verdad ?😢

[@LaserEngraving911]

yes 🥺

[@AlexElizabethDiaz-mb8fp]

Hello, which machine(s) would you recommend starting with. Primarily want to do leatherette hat patches with the intention of creating a business, but would like to be able to try other things if desired, like tumblers. I'm looking to spend the least to start (no more than 6k but would prefer to stay under 3k if possible) and will upgrade machines as needed. I would like plug and play or closest to, and reliability, most importantly I'd like to make a great product from the get go. Thank You !

[@LaserEngraving911]

I would def consider the S1 Rotary Basic package by xTool I just reviewed for your price range, it can do all you need it to without banking the bank, and the user interface is easy to use. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4nVmYyJgrB_l6c Here is my link to the package ✅xTool S1 Rotary Package “ Best Package For Getting Started” shrsl.com/4d8q2

[@AlexElizabethDiaz-mb8fp]

Awesome , thank you very much for your reply . Would you pick that over the omtech polar?

[@MikesLife87]

Great video. So I have a question that no one has answered and also haven’t found. How long did it take you to laser engrave each sheet? Just a rough estimate per sheet you did. I just engraved mine and for one 2.5 inch patch at 300mm speed and 20% power. It took about 10 mins. Is that a normal time?

[@LaserEngraving911]

Hey Thanks for the comment, so the answer to your questions is relative to the laser machine you have. The short answer is YES that is normal for lower cost budget machines, the the Xtool S1 and P2, Thunder Laser, Boss Laser, Omtech,Gewike Cloud etc, all didoe lasers, etc. While these machines are good at engraving and cutting they are very slow compared to professional Co2 lasers. That run time is normal, for reference I have Epilog laser machines in my shop, which are the best machines you can buy, and also cost 26k to 52k, they can do a 2.5" patch ins 1min and 20 sec. The more you pay for a laser. and that s not to say because the low cost machine are slow you cannot run successful business with them, not at all, you just cant output large volumes each day, and will be limited to how much you can produce each month. Hope that helps!

[@MikesLife87]

@@LaserEngraving911 thank you so much for your answer. I have an Omtech 50w Co2 laser. I’m still new to this and lightburn. 😑. And hopefully I can upgrade in the further when the budget is right. Thank you again sir.

[@747dom]

Hi, thanks for te video but I missed something I really wanted to know: how did you clean your patches after engraving? Whats that stuff? Thanks.

[@LaserEngraving911]

I don't use cleaner, on my real leather patches, I just use a rag, and some walnut oil, or neatsfoot oil to wipe off any soot, cleans up real nice, if I'm cutting leatherette patches (faux leather) I just use some window cleaner on a rag, and wipe off.. Hope that helps.

[@747dom]

That helps alot, thank you very much @@LaserEngraving911

[@GPOutdoors]

Hey thanks very much for the detailed walk through and for letting us know the products you use. Question - is that adhesive permanent? In other words , after several months or some point in time, does the patch begin to peel off the hat? Thanks!

[@LaserEngraving911]

very permanent

[@CherieBlanchette-x4k]

Do you spray any water on the leather before you engrave it?

[@LaserEngraving911]

No, I don't just engrave it as is :)

[@pfiltz]

I'm not a hat guy, but do these Glued on patches withstand machine washing? I know some guys love their hats, and machine wash them.

[@LaserEngraving911]

Not so sure about that, I don't know to many people that throw their hats in the machine machine though, That would not be good for the leather, or the hat.

[@pfiltz]

Sure.... I'm just aware in these parts, that's what they do. I think I'll provide a card with each hat stating they should not be machine washed. I've got a hat press that I used years ago. I'm thinking of selling hats now that I have a laser. @@LaserEngraving911

[@drewmatney1907]

What a great video! I recently started trying to get a laser engraving business going. You are by FAR the best resource for any questions I had started out! Love the work!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Glad to help! Comment any questions you'd like for us to do in a future video!

[@torowazup1]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👌🏼🤓

[@JunkieVirus]

I notice when doing this, my leather get mush darker after the heating treatment. is that something you have too?

[@LaserEngraving911]

no not really, might be too much heat, or the type of leather your using, or you might need to use a cover sheet, like parchment paper, or silcone.

[@JunkieVirus]

I used the paper, but it must be a heat problem than I think. I’ll use the silicone next time. The leather is very high quality cow hide, around 2,5 mm thick.

[@captainmurphy66]

I'm really enjoying your videos. Thanks for the information

[@coscu1193]

How void burns and how you clean w

[@LaserEngraving911]

Air assist can help, i would not recommend masking tape, clean up with La totally awesome, or windex :)

[@davidwoodruff5609]

Nice video, do one one that LC-400

[@LaserEngraving911]

Noted!

[@B-raddDaily]

This is a very informative video. I’ve been thinking of making hats for my wife’s boutique and selling them online. This video was very helpful. Thank you.

[@LaserEngraving911]

You can do it! Its really a great money maker and super easy once you get your technique down!

[@thenuttybowler]

Great video. Been looking at expanding with leather patchwork and hats and this just sold me. Love it.

[@13stitchesllc60]

I have the same cap press as you. You do not mention pressure I do not think. I even stopped video to see if I could see it on the machine, but it looked like "0". Thank you,

[@tyler4462]

Awesome video! I’m definitely going to have to try the Lone Star adhesive. Seems a lot easier than the 3m spray. I’ve been struggling with lasering the patches a bit. A can get the patch to look really good but I haven’t found a way to remove the soot from the engraved part. I can try to clean it off with oil but it darkens the leather too much. And suggestions so the soot doesn’t rub off on things?

[@LaserEngraving911]

Glad it was helpful! couple of things, to try, mask off your leather before engraving (not my favorite way, but effective) 2nd turn of your air assist when engraving only, leave air assist ON for cutting only. Having air assist on during engraving is the main cause of soot and causes extra work for clean up. amzn.to/3LHp2l8

[@rotorrabbitfpv]

Awesome video! So detailed and really gives nice step by dtrr we p instructions.

[@rcamoonpie648]

Great videos that are very informative and to the point! New subscriber so it may have already been explained… But what is the Laser Cleaning Machine on your bench? By the way my wife is rolling her eyes at the thought of another “Gadget” as she calls all my tool obsessions! I just took delivery of my Mira 9 and I’m scheming ways to make a buck with it and all my sewing machines and since I’m already pretty versed with sewing leather I figured I’d apply the 2 together to be creative. Thanks for your input and knowledge!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Sounds like a good combo, leather and lasers. The laser cleaning machine is a new item, Ill be doing a video on in the next few months. stay tuned. Thanks for watching!

[@BBS4uCrafts]

Thanks for the video it was very helpful, I learned something.

[@LaserEngraving911]

Glad to hear it!

[@brianpierrotti453]

so, just oil afterwards, no cleaner or degreaser? Mine always has lots of char after the cut even with air assist. Oh, also, do you only run air on the cut or do you run it for the engraving too?

[@jse-1982]

At 5:10 you mentioned peeling off the cover sheet. Would it hurt anything to leave it on there during the engraving process? Say someone orders 100 patches, I don't want it to get all dirty in the meantime. Thanks for the great video.

[@LaserEngraving911]

for sure, that would be a good way to ship and transport patches ready to go!

[@oclaser]

I still have the Stainless Steel water bottle when they just were interduced by Brookstone in 2008 (No double wall yet) and I put my son's name in trasformers font and Megatrone face on it. Of course he never used it, since you could taste the Stainless Steel in your water 😃. Thank You, for the tip on Lonestar Adhesive, will it work with Letherette as well?

[@LaserEngraving911]

It 100% works great with Leatherette!

[@mr.mrs.t.9292]

Great Video as usual. Would be interested in the #’s on your material costs and your suggestion of the margin for selling a hat. I enjoyed your previous videos on the topic of costs. I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge on the topics that matters to those in the laser business. Greetings from Vancouver, Washington

[@LaserEngraving911]

The hats I use usually cost about 5.00 -7.00 depending on how many I buy at once, usually 24pcs case ++ will get you best price, the leather and adhesive are pennies on the dollar, unless you get some some really fancy premium leather. I see custom hats like this at craft shows, and online ranging from 19.99 to 27.00 per hat, so there is profit to be made there for sure. Thanks for supporting my channel!

[@johnnyspropshop]

Very cool, thanks for sharing. Always enjoy you videos.

[@LaserEngraving911]

Glad you like them! Thank You!

[@midnightcoil]

Kids funny nice video

[@LaserEngraving911]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikesmith7989]

Are you using any bottom heat doing this process? Nice work. I'll give this a try. Thanks

[@LaserEngraving911]

Hey Mike, I am not.. I don't have the dual heat source hat press, would love to own one thought :) But I get by just fine for these patches and hats with the one I have, I would say for thicker patches dual heat press would be great to have, and you would only need to hit it once with dual heat source.

[@Howdedoda]

Top class videos, as I am just starting out with my laser, your videos are so helpful, thank you, Howard

[@LaserEngraving911]

Thanks glad you are liking them!!

[@hollyverbridge9676]

Thanks of the informative video. Love that you started with the source of your materials.

[@LaserEngraving911]

Of course!!

[@aalexander1252]

Hey so I know this is an older video, I absolutely love lonestars products but their adhesive is VERY expensive. I have tried Heat n Bond branded products and they're absolute Trash. Is there a more affordable adhesive that you can recommend for hats thats not 15$ per yard? Lonestar has to be sourcing this from abroad I think and I simply cant find it online

[@aalexander1252]

any guidance? @laserengraving911

[@bigfranksworld]

Can't wait to do some leather work when my laser gets here. Great video. Subscribed!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@joeb2147]

Answered a lot of questions I've had about heat presses. Thanks for the video.

[@LaserEngraving911]

Glad to help, Thanks for watching!

[@0311kjc]

What hat press is that.

[@LaserEngraving911]

It is a Hotronix hat press, single platen heat press.

[@denbig1]

Finally, a good hat video

[@elisetx213]

Love the informative video. Can't wait to try this on my hats! Cute kid too!!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Thanks so much 😊

[@manuelgarces1014]

Thanks for everything you share on your videos. Very informative and inspiring!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Thanks for watching!

[@bigsargespeaks7384]

Awesome video! Been waiting on a video like this!!

[@LaserEngraving911]

More to come!

[@juicebox069]

Question on the hide, which Hide do you select? Do you use garments, Upholstery, etc?

[@LaserEngraving911]

Start with Vegtan leather from Hide House in Napa Ca. Its a great leather to engrave and cut, and you can stain too.

[@CandyceFew]

Can I ask what you would use to clean or wipe down the leather patch before you press it? Thank you.

[@LaserEngraving911]

A damp cloth and a little windex, or LA Awesome.

[@deejohnson5637]

Thank you very much for your Video

[@LaserEngraving911]

Thanks for your support!

[@brianroberts1605]

Thank you for sharing the video and all of the resources!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Sure thing!

[@opieshomeshop]

*_Ghost Busters_* 👻👻👻👻

[@LaserEngraving911]

My Fav!

[@opieshomeshop]

@@LaserEngraving911 HA HA. I could tell.

[@bcurtis1612]

Great informative video! Thank you.

[@LaserEngraving911]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ramonhidalgo8377]

Awesome video!! Will help enormously!!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Glad to hear it!

[@SAllen-lf7ft]

Love it! hope you’re enjoying your coffee! 🤣

[@LaserEngraving911]

Always!

[@LowLos59]

Yes! Hats!

[@ShyneflowLC]

Great video bud! I need to get a hT press lol

[@LaserEngraving911]

You should!

[@hcruz3008]

Here for the free hat!

[@LaserEngraving911]

of course you are! :)

[@antkol]

Nice thanks for the helpful tips,

[@LaserEngraving911]

You bet!

[@richardalves-cd5me]

Love the work thanks for all the tips!!

[@LaserEngraving911]

My pleasure!

[@AshleyForrester-k4i]

This is so helpful, thank you!!

[@LaserEngraving911]

You're so welcome!

[@aprildelibero6596]

I am excited to start making hats!! Veg tanned leather ✔️ Lone Star adhesive ✔️ Borrowed a friend’s spare hat press to get started ✔️ Just need hats. Would love some brand suggestions that you find work well with leather.

[@LaserEngraving911]

Sounds great! The hats I use are from a company called Otto Cap and they're great quality, ottocap.com/.

[@TP-si3km]

The vivor link doesn't work

[@LaserEngraving911]

Ill check it!

[@LaserEngraving911]

s.vevor.com/bfQTdj

[@justinheffernan8304]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[@LaserEngraving911]

You're welcome!

[@MichaelOliverSW]

Thanks for the video. That Vevor looks like it might come with a hat press in the photos. Did you get one with your order, and if so how well did it work?

[@LaserEngraving911]

Yes, it did come with the attachment, but we think the dedicated hat press from Vevor would work better than the attachment on the heat press. Here's a link where you can find some options for a dedicated Vevor hat press: s.vevor.com/bfQwOB

[@SmithAerosports1]

Awesome! Perfect timing for some leather work I’m doing

[@LaserEngraving911]

Glad to help for your project!

[@XBoughtonX]

Great video! I have been looking for something to do with my laser and never even thought of engraving and making hats! Very inspiring! Thanks!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Go for it!

[@ericwoodruff5516]

Thanks for all the information that you share. Always very helpful

[@LaserEngraving911]

My pleasure!

[@sethallen9272]

Love your videos I have learned a lot from watching them! Thank you for what you do!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Glad you like them!

[@JeffHartman]

That is awesome. Can't wait to give this a try. Thanks for sharing.

[@LaserEngraving911]

Have fun! Let us know how it goes!

[@miketipan4906]

Great video!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Thanks Mike! appreciate you! Thanks for watching!

[@drasus233]

Awesome video!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Thanks for the visit!

[@keithcopeland3412]

Great Video

[@LaserEngraving911]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@briankichta2027]

Good info!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Thanks!

[@TP-si3km]

👍😃Danke für das Video

[@LaserEngraving911]

Anytime!

[@gulfcoastlaserengraving9892]

Love the information presented here..

[@LaserEngraving911]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bhenriksf]

Awesome tutorial and hats

[@LaserEngraving911]

Glad you like them!

[@livelovesail5184]

Thankyou for the wonderful presentation and your son was awesome! Great information and very useful.

[@LaserEngraving911]

Glad you enjoyed it!