Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Homemade Sewing Labels

I've been promising this little how-to for a while. I like to add a little homemade sewing label to certain projects, especially my pillows. I've had several people ask me to explain how I make them, and I'm glad to share my technique.


You've seen my labels before on my Acorn Patch Pillow, Vintage Postcard Pillow, and Scrap Buster Fall Pillow...
I'm going to show you two different methods, and both are super quick and easy to make.

Method 1

You need a piece of scrap fabric 2" x 4" and ink jet iron-on transfer paper. That's it! Start by creating your logo or name in a word processing program (I use Microsoft Word). Make sure the wording is no longer than 1.75" and no taller than about 3/8". Copy the name over and over again in a column, or several columns depending on how many you want to make. Load your iron-on transfer paper into your printer. When you go to print, you need to go to advanced printer options and check the "mirror image" box. You need to print your names backwards on your transfer paper.


Cut out one of your names from your transfer paper. Leave about 1/8" of blank space on all sides.


Now you're ready to start working with your fabric. Take your 2" x 4" piece of fabric and fold the short sides into the center (You can, of course, use different sizes of fabric depending on the size of what you are putting on your label)...


Press...


Fold the fabric in half, bringing the raw edges together...


Press again...


Place you name face down on one side of your fabric along the folded edge. Think about which way you want your name to face before you do this. It's a personal preference...


Iron your transfer paper in place following the manufacturer's instructions for your particular paper...


When the paper and fabric have completely cooled, peel off the paper backing...


And you're done!


Now you just sew your label into your pillow, garment, etc. Make sure you really think through placement before you sew your label into your project. For example, for my pillows I have to place the label inside the pillow when it is inside out in order to sew it into the seam. So think twice, sew once!

Method 2

OK, this method does not use a computer. You need a piece of scrap fabric 2" x 2" and a permanent fabric marking pen. Follow the directions in Method 1 for folding and pressing your fabric until you have something that looks like this...


Now get out your permanent fabric marking pen and write your name, draw a picture, whatever floats your boat...


And sometimes I add a little note on the back with care instructions...


So these are the two methods that I use to make my labels. There are certainly other ways to do it. There are several tutorials out there that use different methods or variations. Here are a few that I like...

Use printable fabric to create labels with Allyson Hill
Use fabric pens to make labels with kojodesigns
Make twill tape tags with Patchwork Pottery
Use a custom rubber stamp to make labels with Handmade Therapy

Thanks for stopping by today! Hope you found a sewing label to suit your needs. It's a nice touch to add a little tag to your project, especially if it is a gift.





I'm linking up!


25 comments:

Janet said...

Thanks so much for the tutorial! They are such a fun addition to your pillows!

Naturally Carol said...

That is a terrific way make tags, Gwen. I will be on the lookout for that iron on printable paper so I can try it out. I love all the comments you left me earlier!!

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

I love these tutorials. I love the handwritten one loads. It just looks so individual and unique.

Thank you!!!

Sarahx

Tricia said...

Thanks for the tutorial. Have you noticed that your iron on transfers peel? I've tried a similar technique, and have had my labels peel. I'm not sure if I'm not heat setting them properly, or if my labels might be a bit old. I was just wondering if I was the only one with the problem.

Cecily said...

Oh my gosh, Gwen, these are fantastic! Thanks for this tutorial!

Unknown said...

These are SO cute. And they make everything look so professionally done. I wish I had cute handwriting like you :)

Jess@craftiness is not optional said...

awesome! I need me some labels!

Katie said...

If I sew anything fabulous enough to put my name on it, it's nice to have the know how. I already have everything I need:)

Amy at Ameroonie Designs said...

I've been meaning to do this. Now that I have your tutorial, I'll get right to it! ;)
xoxo,
Amy

kate of here we are together said...

oooh, I never actually considered sewing my own,
it's certainly cuter than buying them!

Anne said...

Awesome tutorial! I don't have an inkjet printer, so I'm lovin' your permanent marker and folded fabric trick.

I linked to your tutorial over at Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-diy-fabric-labels/2010/12/16/

--Anne

Stacey said...

I've been using fabric labels for a while now, but it's been more of a hassle than anything. The first method you showed is going to be my new method - thank you so much for this!

Cammie said...

So wonderful! Thank you I've wanted to make my own for a while now, such a helpful tutorial! And many thanks to Craft Gossip for sending me your way, I'm a new follower :)

Karen said...

I never thought to make my own labels! I can't wait to try it. I mentioned your post on my blog.

Andi said...

So I guessed I nagged you enough about how to make these! Thanks for the tutorial!

Unknown said...

Yahoo! I've been looking for something like this. Thank you so much!! I'm going to try this out this weekend!

Naptime Seamstress said...

thanks for the instructions - very clear.

Also, just an interesting tidbit - we named our fourth daughter Gwendolyn Grace. Sometimes we call her "GG", sometimes we call her "Gwenny Penny"!

Rachel said...

Those are really nice! Thanks for the how-to, I'll be linking.

Larissa@Just Another Day in Paradise said...

I have been wanting to make tags forever. I am totally going to do this. New to your blog, going to look around. Stop by my blog sometime...LOVE new bloggy friends :)

Just Another Day in Paradise

siteseer said...

What an easy way to make a tag.... why didn't I think of that!! I was led over here by a post by Karen. Thanks for the tutorial

LJabin said...

I love it love it. Thanks so much for the clear directions. I'm linking it on my blog.
LuluMarie
Craftingnanny.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Love this idea! My daugther, BadAmy the yarn harlot and indie dyer has store bought tags, but I just need some thing simpler--like this! Thanks for the heads up.

Heather D. said...

Thanks for this wonderful post! I have labeled ZERO of my projects and want to come up with something cute. Your post gives me lots of great ideas!

Hilda said...

Oh I love your printing idea! So easy! Thanks so much for linking up my tag tutorial :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this tutorial! So lovely and so easy to make. I linked to your tutorial on my blog, hope you don't mind!

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