Making leather hat patches

[@martinsnibbor7691]

Artisan hat Love it , I’m an Electrician by Trade and a woodworking hobbyist just discovered the laser community and I’m addicted . My father was Cobbler and I remember as a child watching my father hand sew. That hat was amazing and is worth more than regular just pressed on. You earned my sub keep up the great content.

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks. I like the sewn on better myself, they are more labor intensive but most og my customers would rather pay extra for real leather and some stitching.

[@kendrahowell1927]

Thank you for sharing a video with leather. I am in the process of buying the xTool 20W and want to use it to do leather work but you are right there aren’t a lot of videos available to see how it does. I’m with everyone else on your little tool to hold the leather down. I would definitely buy them. I love watching your videos and have been in the process of setting up my shop so I’m very glad you discuss how you have yours set up. Looking forward to learning more from all your videos.

[@TheClackShack]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks

[@chucklenz9011]

1. Try dampening the leather and let it set in a flat state as it dries out a little bit. The key is spritz it with a spray bottle and do this on the back side, don’t soak it, dampen it.

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks, I may try that

[@paulmassey1089]

FYI...a small dab of hot glue will hold it in place momentarily while you place it. And, if you get it wrong, it comes off real easy. Just make sure the glue is UNDER the patch and not seen.

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@AlfredoLugo-ug8ue]

this is awesome and very honest, really appreciate your input

[@TheClackShack]

I appreciate that!

[@LynnLaceyLLWW]

Very nice video dude, thanks for sharing your process. I love leather patch hats and will make some with my logo. One thing in the video that is a little annoying, stop apologizing and repeating that you aren't a pro and this is how you do it. One disclaimer in the beginning is enough. Its a good process and it works, no apologies or repeated disclaimers are needed. Agai - thanks for sharing.

[@TheClackShack]

Gotta be sure the Karen’s hear it…lol

[@i_s_a_i_a_h]

@@TheClackShack Funny how you can't make everyone happy (karen's and the kyle's). Great video and apologize away brother!

[@nopriors]

I think once you start stitching you are supposed to go to the left. Just kidding... It is really generous of you to share the information you do on your channel. My xTool is arriving today and my first task is to make your vacuum table. Thanks

[@TheClackShack]

I invented this method..lol.. its called the Clack Shack method..

[@gregpresnell8500]

You need to put the leather hold down pins on your Etsy shop! I'd buy them ! I've got a Foxalien laser 10w laser but I use the XTool honeycomb. Um please! Love your videos and the yellow cat!

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks, Fluffy likes the videos also.

[@rustyridgley972]

Question do you think just using the glue would hold the patch on. Not sure that I want to sew. Thanks

[@TheClackShack]

I know people that use a hat press and glue with good results. It is possible

[@daleplant5275]

If you do not mind a suggestion, I would use a saddle stitch. That way if the thread wears it won't completely unravel.

[@TheClackShack]

Maybe one day, I really don't see the thread wearing out before the hat is falling apart. If it was a wallet maybe.

[@daleplant5275]

@@TheClackShack Lol, I thinking for myself. My big fat sweaty head wears stuff out faster than normal.

[@RebelYell95]

You only need 3 times the length of the seam(s) for thread length. And it is best to saddle stitch the patches on for securing. You should also poke all the holes before stitching.

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@donaldb169]

Looks great my friend

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@rmgf1005]

Hi Clack, Fiebings is a very good glue for leather. Speaking as a leather worker. Also a good contact cement works very well.

[@TheClackShack]

I have had good luck with it. Thanks

[@RealDustyChandler]

RMGF what type of contact cement do you use? I want something that holds stronger than the Fiebings leather cement. I went the heat press route with HydBond adhesive, but the corners give me trouble. Thanks!

[@jakerazmataz852]

Bless you. I don't have the patience for that. I would make it and sell it, but I'm no taylor.

[@TheClackShack]

I don’t have the patience for it either, my wife usually sews them.

[@werdayat8905]

Good video and good looking patch. If I may ask? How do you like the laser you were using on the leather? I currently do custom leather patches but I have the patches subbed out. I was wanting a laser so I could do more experiments with designs. Thanks

[@TheClackShack]

I have done them on several different machines and other than the time it takes, they all do a good job with the correct settings.

[@zachlambert6634]

Do you mind sharing your power and speed settings with leather. They look great. Just got my d1 pro and I’m a little to burned on leather

[@TheClackShack]

Should be in the video, I usually share the settings while recording. Just remember that not all leather burns the same.

[@justincornelius1884]

im trying to figure out how to make the stitch holes on my design how to you do that?

[@TheClackShack]

Create a small circle, I use like 2.5 mm then duplicate to path in lightburn. I use a tool line as the path.

[@merrillalbury8214]

Good system for small orders. If you do a lot then getting a heavy duty sewing machine makes sense but this looks good due to cut holes.

[@TheClackShack]

I try to avoid larger orders. Thanks…

[@jamesshelton9126]

Just a thought about your hold downs, Have you ever thought about rare earth magnets. Get the long skinny ones and place them on your speed jigs?

[@TheClackShack]

I have some that I use but they require being set on the material, These guys are just more verstile for me

[@TyK-ld7vk]

What software do you use to create the patches? I bought some precut leather patches but I can figure out how To create a template for the patch

[@TheClackShack]

Lightburn

[@TyK-ld7vk]

So do I measure my patch and then create the design with in it?

[@TheClackShack]

@@TyK-ld7vk , I cut my patches from sheets

[@Drippy_dripster]

Does anyone have suggestions on a beginner’s engraver to learn making patches and other stuff

[@TheClackShack]

There are lots of good machines out there. You will have to find one that meets your needs and your budget.

[@Jer0867]

2:51 Ever heard of wetting the leather? Costs nothing, takes less time than fannying around with magnets, and is quick. Plus, lasering wet leather results in FAR less smoke, and gives a cleaner image/cut.

[@TheClackShack]

Never tried that.

[@jeffreymartin9722]

Great video! How big are the stitch holes around the patch?

[@TheClackShack]

I think i set them at 2mm. Its been a while since I built the files.

[@cathygrant6838]

Just saw them made into stocking names on knit Christmas stockings. The people making machine knitted hats would be able to have little ones made with their logo on it.

[@TheClackShack]

That is a cool idea

[@merrillalbury8214]

How about Teak oil. We used this on our dive rig leather parts and it worked fine. Also how about putting tape on top to reduce soot when carving.

[@TheClackShack]

My experience with tape is it causes lines in the burns.

[@Jer0867]

3:19 "High speed dials"??

[@TheClackShack]

Dowels..

[@logoidea4u]

You need to use a stitching awl, is the way to doit, Or just heat press it!! I looks ok.

[@TheClackShack]

I have one of those but it takes me longer using it,

[@ernestoherreraschwartz3670]

gracias amigo.....

[@TheClackShack]

very welcome

[@Linzicat_Creations]

Love your vid! Question, I keep seeing veg tan is the only leather I should engrave due to toxicity of the other type. What’s your take? I see the link you provided doesn’t appear to be veg tanned. Do you feel the air exhaust to the outside is enough to avoid the toxins? Veg tan leather colors, well, suck and are expensive 😂

[@TheClackShack]

I exhaust outside. I had good exhaust systems and live in the woods. Not a concern to me

[@RebelYell95]

You should get a cork hat head to hold the hat up for patch placement

[@TheClackShack]

I am gonna make one from wood on my lathe when I get caught up…if I get caught up.

[@moyercreations]

Can you like your brackets to hold the leather down. I don’t see it in your shop. Thanks

[@TheClackShack]

I haven’t added them to Etsy yet. I will try to get that done this weekend

[@billhartman150]

Try Renia Aquilim 315. I do a lot of leather work and this glue works better than the Fiebings glue. It's water based and has no smell. Once it sets your not going to get the 2 pieces a part.

[@TheClackShack]

I haven’t had any issues so far. I may try it someday

[@billhartman150]

@@TheClackShack I haven't had issues either. I just find the 315 has a stronger bond.

[@pappukadri]

very well done 👍

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@jamietonubbee731]

thank you

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks for watching.

[@matthewsaunders7845]

Do you use air assist when engraving/cutting leather?

[@TheClackShack]

I run some air all the time…

[@LowesGuru]

How long does the xtool take to engrave and cut a sheet of patches? The size of the workbed

[@TheClackShack]

Each patch takes about 8 minutes, I usually only do them one at a time due to the unpredictability of the leather. Also, most of my leather sheets are 12 inches which is smaller than the workspace.

[@larrystaas1940]

Does the stitch actually hold the patch or is it just for looks?

[@TheClackShack]

Both, I like the look. But it also holds them on.

[@Potatocustom]

Do you by chance plan to sell any of those hold down pins?

[@TheClackShack]

I haven't but folks keep asking. I guess I need to add them.

[@Potatocustom]

Heck from all the comments, looks like they will sell good. I know I will definitely buy about 20 Lol

[@Potatocustom]

If you don't mind letting me know when you throw some up I will grab them. I have already subscribed to your channel and added you as a favorite sell on etsy

[@merrillalbury8214]

Make sure you use hats with a solid, not split 2 part, front panel. I use single panel for embroidery and much easier to work with.

[@TheClackShack]

The customer selects the hats. The solid front are much taller than these. The seem really isn’t too bad.

[@Hexxdump]

Is there a file available for the leather hold downs?

[@TheClackShack]

Not currently, I will work on it.

[@phillipgladden1034]

What color was the leather?

[@TheClackShack]

It is just called TAN. That is the only description under color. I have tried the bourbon colored but it is a little darker than I like.

[@TheClackShack]

.

[@daynafost]

You are lucky it is rolled. If it were folded you might never get the fold line out of the leather. That is why leather is always stacked flat or rolled.

[@TheClackShack]

I agree, folding would be worse. I would like it to be flat.

[@TrumanBraswell]

IF YOU WET THE LEATHER IT WILL LAY FLAT

[@TheClackShack]

If you steam iron it flat, it stays flat

[@DustyBolls]

oh come on people don't complain lol

[@TheClackShack]

If you say so....lol

[@Sm00thOp3r8or]

nope, this is definitely too much work for me , thanks for this video

[@TheClackShack]

You're welcome!

[@topcheese2889]

👍🏻

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@RebelYell95]

The smell will be less if you engrave and cut it while it is wet. Take a wet sponge and rub it over the leather, allow to soak in, leather should feel cool to the touch before you start engraving. Don't do this method on oiled leathers.

[@TheClackShack]

My exhaust is more than enough to keep the odors outside. So far, I am happy with the results I get from my approach.

[@thefilthelement]

If they want it to look pristine they definitely don't work on a farm 🤣

[@TheClackShack]

Agreed