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Why PatchForge

One tool instead of five

Most patch makers stitch together a design app, a mockup generator, manual cut-line prep, a pricing spreadsheet, and email approvals. PatchForge folds that into a single, purpose-built workflow.

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What it replaces

Drop the workarounds

The patchwork most shops live with — and the single step that replaces each one.

Instead ofWith PatchForge
A full vector editor just to prep a patch and cut lineA patch builder with automatic, production-ready cut lines
A separate mockup generator for product photosLive mockups on real hat photos, front and back
Manual sheet layout for multi-patch runsAuto-nested gang sheets with registration marks
Email threads and screenshots for approvalsShareable proof links with approve / request-changes
A spreadsheet to quote sizes and quantitiesA built-in pricing calculator
Exporting by hand for each machineOne click to print, cut, engrave, LightBurn, and xTool files

Built for the job

Everything is patch-hat specific

Not a general design app with patches bolted on — every feature is shaped around making and selling patch hats.

UV print or laser engrave

Design for full-color UV printing or single-tone laser engraving — the builder adapts the workflow to each.

Auto cut lines

Every shape gets a production-ready cut line; die-cut contours trace your artwork edges automatically.

Real hat mockups

Drop your patch onto real hat photos across hundreds of colorways, front and back, then download or share.

Gang sheets

Auto-nest many designs onto one sheet with registration marks for clean print-and-cut runs.

Production files

600 DPI print PNGs, cut-line SVG, engrave layers, plus native LightBurn (.lbrn2) and xTool (.xs) exports.

Client proof links

Send a shareable link so a customer can approve or request changes — bundle several options in one link.

Honest about what it is

PatchForge is a design, mockup, and production-file tool. Produce on your own printer, laser, and blank caps — or order finished patches (custom engraved or UV printed, with bulk pricing) through Maker Foundry. Either way, PatchForge makes the design-to-file part fast and repeatable.

It focuses on what ships today: UV-printed and laser-engraved hat patches, real-hat mockups, gang sheets, client proofs, and clean exports. We’d rather do that well than promise features that aren’t here yet.

See it on your own design

Common questions

Do you print or ship patches?

Yes — you can order finished patches, custom engraved or UV printed with bulk pricing, through Maker Foundry (makerfoundryco.com). Or produce them yourself: PatchForge exports the designs, mockups, and machine files for your own printer or laser.

Is this just for laser or just for UV?

Both. Choose the process per design and the builder adapts the artwork, materials, and exports.

What don’t you do yet?

There’s no AI generation, 3D preview, storefront, or built-in checkout at launch. The roadmap adds more over time; the copy here only reflects what works today.

Trade five tools for one

Free 7-day trial — design, mock up, and export a patch today.

7-day free trial · cancel anytime