Letters On A Leather Patch

[Highlands858]

Hey there. My brother just asked me if I'd be able to make him a custom leather patch for his helmet. He wants a very simple design, and I shouldn't have any problems with the cutting/stitching of the patch. My question is more about how to do the lettering.

Here's a sample patch that's similar in design to what he wants:

I see white letters against a red background. Are they painted/dyed on? if so, how? Stencil?

The smallest letters on the patch he wants are the ones on the bottom that say "Fire Department." Rather than having white letters on a red background like in the picture (two contrasting colors on one layer), would it be feasible to cut the letters directly into the top layer of leather (the black layer in this picture) and have that sit right on top of a different color layer underneath? I tried cutting out small letters just now and gave up pretty quickly. Anyone have a technique for doing something like this?

Thanks for any and all responses, and I hope my questions weren't too confusing.

Also, any custom patch-makers who wouldn't mind sharing their work or any tricks of the trade, you are most welcome!

[Tree Reaper]

If I was making that I would stamp the letters, carve and bevel the numbers then paint.

Some here might carve the letters and the numbers.

[Zonker]

I cheat on things like that and cut a stamp for it with the CNC machine in oak then go back and paint.

[Fd3615]

stamping the letters works but often the text is too long to fit with stamps as the spacing doesnt work out. i print the text on velum paper and transfer it to the leather ad carve. i use red dye for the letters and will paint the center numbers white..