Mastering Richardson 112 Trucker Hat Embroidery: Pro Tips from Battle Born Clothing

Posted by Rob at Battle Born Clothing January 5, 2026

Hey there, embroidery enthusiasts and custom apparel pros! If you're in the world of custom hats, you know the Richardson 112 trucker hat is a absolute staple. Its structured front panel, breathable mesh back, and timeless trucker vibe make it a customer favorite for everything from branded merch to personal swag. But let's face it – embroidering these bad boys can come with its fair share of challenges, like that pesky center seam causing needle breaks or registration slips.

At Battle Born Clothing, we've embroidered thousands of Richardson 112s on our trusty Happy HCD2-1501 multi-needle machine, and we've dialed in the process to perfection. Today, we're excited to share our insider knowledge through a brand-new YouTube video packed with tips and tricks. Whether you're a seasoned embroiderer or just starting out in your garage shop, this guide will help you level up your hat game and produce crisp, professional results every time.

Why the Richardson 112 is a Game-Changer for Custom Embroidery

Before we dive into the video, let's talk about what makes the Richardson 112 such a powerhouse in the custom apparel world. This hat isn't just popular – it's versatile. With its mid-profile crown, pre-curved visor, and adjustable snapback, it fits a wide range of heads comfortably. The cotton-poly blend front holds embroidery like a dream, while the mesh back keeps things cool and casual.

From corporate logos to outdoor adventure brands, we've seen it all at Battle Born. But the real magic happens when you nail the embroidery. A well-stitched design can turn a basic trucker into a statement piece that customers wear proudly. However, without the right techniques, you might end up with puckering, broken needles, or designs that just don't pop. That's where our expertise comes in.

Watch Our Exclusive Tips & Tricks Video

We've put together a comprehensive 10-minute video tutorial where I, Rob, walk you through my top strategies for embroidering Richardson 112s on the Happy HCD2-1501. From prep work to machine settings, it's all here to save you time and frustration.

In the video, we cover five key tips:

1. Hat Prep & Flattening the Seam: Learn how a simple thumb-press technique can "break" that stiff center seam, reducing bounce and preventing needle deflection – no steamer required!
2. Hooping Technique: Step-by-step guidance on using the Happy's wide-field cap frame for wrinkle-free, super-tight hooping. We emphasize adding tear-away or cut-away backing to handle the mesh and ensure spot-on registration.
3. Design & Digitizing Choices: Tips on avoiding the "Bermuda Triangle" (aka the center seam) by sequencing designs bottom-to-top and keeping them under 2.5 inches tall. Plus, why 3D puff works wonders on these hats.
4. Needles, Thread & Machine Settings: We swear by Groz-Beckert 80/12 sharp point needles from Texmac Direct for clean punches through the buckram. Dial in your speed to 500-600 SPM, use polyester thread, and adjust that presser foot for optimal hold.
5. Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting: Avoid pitfalls like running too fast or using dull needles. Quick fixes for nesting, looping, and shifts to keep your production humming.

This isn't just theory – it's real-world advice from our shop floor, complete with close-up demos, before-and-after shots, and B-roll of the machine in action. If you've ever fought with a Richardson 112, this video is your new best friend.

Beyond the Video: Additional Pro Insights from Battle Born

While the video is the star of the show, here are a few extra nuggets we've learned over years of running high-volume orders:

• Material Matters: The Richardson 112's buckram backing is tough, so always test your designs on a scrap hat first. We've found that lighter thread colors show up best on darker panels, and vice versa for contrast.
• Scaling Up Production: If you're doing runs of 50+ hats, batch your prep work. Flatten seams in advance and pre-hoop if possible. Our Happy HCD2-1501 shines in multi-head mode for efficiency – we can knock out dozens in an afternoon.
• Customer Favorites: At Battle Born, designs with bold outlines or minimalist logos perform best on the 112. Think adventure-themed patches or company emblems offset to one side for that trendy asymmetrical look.
• Maintenance Musts: Keep your machine happy (pun intended) with regular oiling and tension checks. A well-maintained HCD2 means fewer downtime headaches.

If you're inspired to try these tips, stock up on Richardson 112 blanks – they're affordable in bulk and come in a rainbow of colors to match any brand.

Ready to Stitch Like a Pro?

Embroidering Richardson 112 trucker hats doesn't have to be a battle. With the right prep, techniques, and tools like our Happy machine and Groz-Beckert needles, you'll be turning out fire designs in no time. Head over to our YouTube channel for more tutorials, and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe – tell us your biggest hat embroidery challenge in the comments!

At Battle Born Clothing, we're all about empowering creators like you. Check out our shop for custom embroidered hats, tees, and gear, or hit us up for bulk orders. Let's make your vision come to life – battle-born style.

What are you waiting for? Watch the video now and elevate your embroidery game!

Shop Now: https://shopbattlebornclothing.com/pages/custom-embroidery-battle-born-clothing Follow Us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@battlebornclothing  Contact Us: sales@battlebornclothing.com

Thanks for reading – now go create something awesome! Rob & the Battle Born Team