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.

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