The Fireflies: an engraved felt hat and leather details

The request: a distinctive look on a short schedule

The Fireflies wanted a special finish for styling within a creative production. The hat needed text and floral motifs, alongside separate leather elements for a jacket. The design was intended to stand out, while remaining technically achievable within a short deadline.

SDLG therefore started with the supplied designs and actual materials. Artwork that fits on a screen is not automatically achievable on a hat with a raised crown or on separate leather components.

The engraved felt hat: testing the material first

This project was SDLG’s first experience of processing felt with a laser. A material test established a setting that produced a suitable result. The motifs and text were then applied to the hat. That test related to this particular hat; its outcome is not a general setting for every type of felt.

The shape also affected the approach. The hat had to lie as flat as possible in the laser while remaining within the available height clearance. SDLG prepared a cutting file for the brim and allowed extra space at the opening for later work.

Leather details: preparing engraving and cutting separately

SDLG worked from original vector files for the leather components. The artwork and cutting contours were prepared so that engraved areas and shapes to be cut out were clearly distinguished.

The project photograph shows a rose and the words ‘POR AMOR’. The rose’s linework, lettering and outer shape each need a defined role in the file. For laser cutting, shapes and openings are therefore assessed separately from the surface engraving.

The result: custom details for a creative production

The engraved hat and leather details formed a personalised design for The Fireflies. The flowers on the hat and the cut leather shapes demonstrate two different applications of laser processing within the same styling project.

Preparation made the difference: testing the material, assessing the hat’s position and adapting the files to the intended process. This enabled the design to be produced appropriately within the short production schedule.

“Thank you so much!!”

Sofie Colmbijn · Creative Lead · The Fireflies · translated from Dutch

About the client: The Fireflies.

Frequently asked questions about personalising felt and leather

Can every felt hat be laser engraved?

We assess each hat individually. Material composition, shape, height and access to the engraving area determine the possibilities. For this project, the felt was tested first. Send photographs, dimensions and available material information for your own hat.

What file is needed for leather components?

An original vector file helps distinguish engraving from cutting contours. State the finished dimensions and which lines should be cut. Files are checked first; an image alone does not always define the required cut shape sufficiently.

Does this case’s short production schedule apply to my order?

Scheduling is confirmed individually after checking material, stock and the proposed work. An earlier custom project does not establish a fixed lead time. Specify when you need the finished items.

Would you like your own hat or styling component personalised?

Explore engraving customer-supplied products and send your artwork, material information, photographs, dimensions and quantity. SDLG in Breda assesses the possible execution and agrees any file preparation or material test with you beforehand.

Discuss your creative custom project →