This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
I never had a desire to have labels for my sewing creations until I made some zippered pouches. I usually sew rugs and placemats so I felt that I don’t really need a label on them. For me, I just personally hate the look of labels on items. Even when I purchase items for myself from stores I tend to veer away from those with them sticking right in the middle. Just a personal preference. But, when I made my new zippered pouches I just felt like maybe this should be the time to try some labels out. I was thinking about trying to build up a stock to sell for the holidays. Maybe having labels would be a good business move.
That’s when I started looking into different ways to make my own labels. I’ve researched in the past, but never really settled on anything. I found some transfer paper that I could get at my local Walmart or online at Amazon. I am using the Printers Jack Iron-On Heat Transfer Paper for White and Light Fabric. This comes with 20 sheets good for any inkjet printer. It states that you can use on light color cotton, nylon fabrics, polyester, canvas and they suggest fabrics with more than 30% cotton content for the best transfer effect.
The first thing I did when making these homemade labels was to use Canva to create them. They have a wonderful selection of fonts and icons you can use for free. Once I figured out my design I needed to figure out the size. Now, depending on the program you use you can size these correctly. For some reason though when I do these I need to put a few different sizes and then see which ones are the right fit. I printed out a sheet of regular paper and took my cotton ribbon to check. I found what size I wanted and then I went back to create a full sheet with two sizes.
After you figure out the size you want you will need to mirror the image. That way when you place the transfer paper down the wording and design will be facing the right way. I totally forgot to do that with my first sheet of transfer paper! Most programs you use to design should have something to flip the image. In Canva if you click on the image you created you can “flip” it horizontally. Then it will be ready to print out.
I followed the directions on the Transfer Paper to adhere the labels to my fabric ribbon I used. I was using left over from something I purchased. They also sell these blank rolls on Amazon here. I cut my little logos out to size and put them face down on top of the ribbon. I used an ironing mat and some pins to hold the ribbon in place. Then I used my iron to press and adhere the transfer paper. I lifted the paper up and you can see the logo there! Easy enough… I think the hardest part is the designing and sizing.
I did notice that if you didn’t leave the iron on long enough the image will not adhere all the way and you can have some spotty missing sections. It also would be a little sticky if I did not leave the iron on long enough. The sticky part did fade though after cooling. After I trimmed down to size the little labels. I plan on sewing them onto my zippered pouches. I know many people use a straight stitch and down just the two ends or go all the way around. I was wondering though if you could do a tiny zigzag stitch and how that would look all the way around it. Guess you just gotta try and see what you like! That’s what I will be doing.
Cotton Twill Tape Ribbon 1/2 Inch Wide Tape Herringbone Webbing Roll Natural (White, 10 Yards)
Natural White Cotton Twill Tape 3/4″ x50yds Herringbone trim
These labels will be a great addition to your jelly roll rugs, placemats, giant bows, and handbags and purses!
Steps to Create Your Own Sewing Labels.
- Purchase Transfer Paper
- Purchase Cotton Ribbon for Labels
- Design Your Logo
- Size Your Logo
- Mirror or Flip Your Logo
- Print Out Logo on Transfer Paper
- Follow Directions for Transferring
- Sew Lebel to Desired Sewing Creation
Next I am waiting to see how these personalized tags come out. They have nice reviews and I wanted to compare to making them at home verse having someone make them for me. I will update when I get them to see how they look!
Personalized Fabric Tags for Clothing, Custom Fabric Labels for Handmade Items, Single-Color Printing, Pre-Cut or Ribbon Roll – 2×5.7cm
