Table of Contents
Watch the video: “How to Adhere Patches on a Cap: Heat Transfer vs. Embroidery” by Ricoma
If you want crisp, custom cap patches that hold up and look pro, you’ve got two clear paths: tack them down by stitching or bond them with heat. This guide follows Ricoma’s walkthrough step by step—so you can match the look you want with the timeline you’ve got.
What you’ll learn
- How to embroider patches in batches, finish the edges, and tack them onto a cap
- How to apply heat-activated adhesive to a patch and press it onto a cap cleanly
- Which settings and checks matter (trace stitch, thread/needle, heat and time)
- Real-world notes on durability, speed, and profit potential
Understanding Patch Adhesion: Embroidery vs. Heat Transfer There’s no one “right” way to attach a patch to a cap—just different strengths. In the video, the host demonstrates both methods: stitching a patch onto a cap using a multi-needle embroidery machine, and bonding a prepared patch with a cap heat press.
Embroidery (stitching) trades time for longevity. Heat transfer trades time savings for a potentially shorter lifespan. The host sums it up simply: heat pressing is “way faster,” while a stitched patch will generally last longer.
From the comments
- Several viewers asked about adhesive specifics; the channel clarified Fast Tack 87 by name in the video’s first couple of minutes (noted in a reply as around 1:31).
- Longevity questions came up often. The channel noted that glue-on results vary by adhesive quality, fabric, and care—often lasting multiple washes and months or more.
Pro tip If you plan to produce lots of caps quickly, batch your patches first, then either heat press or tack-down stitch them to speed up your workflow. ricoma hoops
The Ricoma MT-1501 and HP-0408FC: Your Tools In the tutorial, patch stitching and attachment are handled with the Ricoma MT-1501 (15-needle). Heat application is done on a cap-specific Ricoma HP-0408FC heat press—featuring an auto-open and touchscreen controls for streamlined temperature/time adjustments.
Watch out Machine specifics like model availability, accessories, or dimensions beyond what’s shown aren’t detailed in the video. If you need exact specs, the host points viewers to learn-more links in the description.
Profit Potential: Maximizing Your Investment The host offers a simple cost snapshot. For heat transfer, the initial investment counted an adhesive sheet and a thick fabric or cutaway stabilizer; for stitching, you’re using thread you already have. Numbers cited include adhesive sheets at a craft store price, cap cost around $3.50, and a sample selling price of $25. The example math lands near $9.52 profit (heat transfer) versus $17.51 (sewn/embroidered), depending on materials, sources, and your labor/time.
Quick check
- Are you selling at a price that covers materials and time? The video’s figures are examples—actual prices vary by supplier, region, and volume.
Method 1: Embroidering and Sewing Patches Preparing Your Patches for Embroidery Hoop your fabric (the host uses a thick fabric scrap; a cutaway stabilizer can also work). Place the bottom of an E-size hoop on your table, lay the fabric flat, and press on the top hoop until everything is tight and wrinkle-free.
Pro tip If your fabric is thick and stable, you can keep trimming clean; if it’s looser or stretchy, a firm stabilizer helps the patch edge cut and seal neatly. ricoma mighty hoop starter kit
Digitizing and Machine Setup for Patches The host selects an “Eagle One” design, multiplies it side-by-side to stitch two patches at once, and adds 70 mm of spacing between them. Choose the hoop size (E-size), confirm the color steps, center, and run a trace so the needle doesn’t hit the hoop. Speed is set to 1,000 stitches per minute for this run.
Digitizing details called out later include adding a visible trace stitch and a tack-down stitch when attaching to the cap, and using pull/push compensation to widen the patch border (the host mentions 130%) to leave room for placement alignment. The border is wider than both the trace and the tack-down.
Quick check - Needle and thread: The video specifies a 75/11 needle and 60-weight thread for the patches. Confirm your own settings match your fabric and design density.
Embroider two patches and let the machine run. The example shows roughly 16,000 stitches per patch (around 33,000 total), estimated at about 35 minutes for the pair.
Attaching Embroidered Patches to Caps (by Stitching) Once your patches are stitched, remove the hoop, cut a square around each patch, then trim close with curved scissors. Clean the back, and lightly singe the edge with a lighter to seal loose fibers—be cautious with open flame, and make quick passes to avoid scorching.
Hoop your cap on the cap driver and seat it tight. Select the cap tack-down design that includes two steps: (1) a visible trace stitch and (2) the tack-down stitch. The host chooses red for the trace (Needle #3) so it pops on a black cap and black for the tack-down (Needle #11) to blend with the border. Enable “frame out” after the trace so the cap pops forward for manual placement.
Run the first step and let the trace stitch mark placement on the cap surface. When the machine frames out, spray a light coat of adhesive on the patch back (or use tape), align the patch within the red trace outline, hold for a few seconds, and then run the tack-down. The machine secures the patch with the second step in black.
Watch out
- Misalignment can happen if the patch shifts during the tack-down. Use just enough spray to hold, and press the patch into place before restarting.
- Always trace on caps to ensure you won’t strike metal hardware or ride too high on the crown.
From the comments
- A viewer noted slight misalignment in an example; the host’s process emphasizes a clear trace stitch and frame-out to help prevent that. A contrasting trace color makes alignment easier.
- Another question asked about stitching without the original patch file. The channel responded it’s harder—you’re estimating the outline, and trial and error rises. Heat transfer may be simpler in that case.
Pro tip If you plan to stitch a lot of patches to caps, create a dedicated tack-down file with an easy-to-spot trace color and a border width that forgives tiny placement variances. ricoma embroidery hoops
Method 2: Heat Transferring Patches Preparing Patches with Heat-Activated Adhesive Set your cap heat press to 380°F (193°C) for 30 seconds. Place a protective fabric layer on the press pad so adhesive doesn’t stick to the rubber. Position the patch face down, lay the adhesive sheet adhesive-side down onto the patch back, and press for 30 seconds. Let the patch cool before peeling off the backing and removing any excess adhesive around the edges.
From the comments
- Adhesive sheet sources: The channel confirmed you can buy them on Amazon.
- Brand callouts: Viewers mentioned using HeatnBond Ultrahold. The channel also named Fast Tack 87 early in the video.
Quick check Cool before peeling. If you peel while hot, the adhesive may stretch or not set fully.
The Heat Press Process for Caps Seat the cap on the cap press so it’s snug. Center the patch on the front panel (adhesive side down), cover with a Teflon sheet, and press at 380°F for 30 seconds. That’s it—the heat bonds the patch in place.
Pro tip To minimize indentation marks from the lower platen, try pre-pressing to remove moisture, adjust pressure so it’s firm but not crushing, and consider a pressing pillow plus Teflon on top for a cleaner finish. Several viewers shared these tactics, and the channel echoed them in replies.
Tips for Successful Heat Transfers
- Confirm temperature and time before every run.
- Use a divider fabric on your press pad when activating the adhesive on the patch back.
- Let the adhesive cool fully before peeling backing.
- Center carefully; re-check alignment before locking down the press.
From the comments
- One viewer reported a patch falling off with a particular adhesive. The channel suggested industrial-strength fabric glue or an iron-on adhesive like certain “Ultrahold” products, and reminded that stitching is the most secure option.
Pro tip Batch your patch prep. Apply adhesive to multiple patches in one session so you can move fast on press day. mighty hoop for ricoma
Side-by-Side Comparison: Durability and Efficiency Longevity: Stitched vs. Heat-Applied The host’s conclusion is clear: stitched patches are more durable over time because the border is physically sewn to the cap. Heat-applied patches go on faster, but the bond can loosen with wear and washing depending on adhesive, fabric, and care.
That said, adhesive tech varies. Some commenters swear by heavier-duty formulas and certain setups; the video does not test multiple adhesive brands head-to-head. If maximum longevity is your top criteria, plan to stitch or sew.
Time and Workflow Considerations
- Speed: Heat transfer is fast—great for volume runs or events under a tight deadline.
- Control: Sewing (on a sewing machine) sits between the two methods: you can manipulate the cap and stitch path with more control than pure machine tacking.
- Consistency: The embroidery method’s trace and tack-down routine helps standardize placement if you’re repeating the same patch shape.
Quick check If your patch has to survive hard wear, heavy sweat, or frequent wash cycles, stitching is the safer play. If you need a fast turnaround and expect light wear/care, heat transfer can be efficient.
Pro tip Create a simple checklist—hoop check, trace color set, frame-out enabled, adhesive ready, Teflon in place—so nothing is forgotten when you shift between methods. ricoma mighty hoops
Your Choice: Which Method is Right for You? Project Scale and Volume
- Fast runs: If you’re producing many caps for a one-off event or quick delivery, heat transfer minimizes time per unit.
- Long-haul uniforms or repeat-use caps: Stitch them. The physical bond outlasts adhesive in most cases described in the video.
Desired Aesthetic and Finish
- Heat transfer shows the full patch face without an added stitch border on top of the design—some prefer the cleaner look.
- Tack-down stitching frames the patch and can blend with the border for a classic embroidered finish.
From the comments Questions surfaced about materials: the team suggested twill or polyester for patch fabric in replies, and in the video the host used a thick fabric scrap or cutaway stabilizer.
Watch out If you see indentation marks after pressing, reduce heat as much as your adhesive allows, pre-press to flatten and de-moisturize, and fine-tune pressure. A pressing pillow and a Teflon cover sheet can help.
Pro tip If you don’t have the original patch file but still want to stitch-attach, expect trial and error. The channel recommended heat transfer in that scenario as the simpler route. 8 in 1 hoop ricoma
Expand Your Skills with Ricoma The video references digitizing the circle “trace + tack-down” file and expanding the border width using pull/push compensation. If you’re new to digitizing, start with a simple placement outline and a secure tack-down stitch that matches your border color.
From the comments Viewers asked for deeper dives into digitizing patches and even thick borders for labels. Ricoma has separate tutorials for digitizing fundamentals; check their channel’s patch-focused videos for step-by-step lessons.
Pro tip Standardize your cap workflow: a visible trace color for placement, frame-out enabled after trace, and a matching tack-down color. This keeps your runs consistent across styles and sizes. mighty hoops for ricoma
From the comments: rapid answers you asked for
- Adhesive brand? Fast Tack 87 was named early in the video; some viewers also use iron-on adhesives available on Amazon.
- Needle and thread? The run used a 75/11 needle and 60-weight thread in the tutorial.
- Where to source caps? A viewer reply pointed to Otto Caps; prices vary by supplier and volume.
- Indentation marks? Lower temp if possible, pre-press, adjust pressure, and consider a pressing pillow under a Teflon sheet.
Final take
- Choose heat transfer when speed rules.
- Choose stitching when longevity matters.
- For mixed jobs, prepare patches in batches, then pick the attachment method that matches the project’s demands.
Pro tip If you handle lots of caps, keep a dedicated cap driver setup and a small finishing station (curved scissors, lighter, Teflon, adhesive, scrap fabric for the press pad) ready to go. mighty hoop ricoma