Purchasing custom labels can not only be expensive, but also restricting.  You have to use THEIR format and are forced into purchasing a minimum order (which is usually in the hundreds).  What happens if I don't like the way they come out?  Or if I had a couple ideas for labels in mind?  Tough luck!?

I prefer to make my own labels, in which I decide what size, text, graphic and colors I want.  And I can experiment without breaking the bank!  These handmade labels are totally machine washable and will not fray.  No special equipment is required other than an iron and a home printer.  All supplies can be found in your local fabric store.

SUPPLIES
  • 1 Sew-In Fabric Sheet for Ink Jet Printers (usually found in the quilting section)
  • 1 Bottle Fray Check
  • Rotary Cutter & Cutting Mat OR Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Home Ink Jet Printer


DIRECTIONS
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1. Design a logo, text or graphic for your label.  It can be as simple as "Made by Ellen" or "Handcrafted by Miley".  Once you have a logo, create a table or grid using a standard office program such as Excel.  Leave room around each logo to be able to sew finished labels in place.  Don't forget to minimize the margins for maximum printing area.  Place the Fabric sheet in the printer with the backing paper still on (this gives the fabric some weight and body allowing easy and clean printing.

2.  Once your logo has been printed, allow at least 10 minutes for the ink to dry completely.
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3.  Peel backing paper off of fabric sheet.  Discard.
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4.  Rinse under COLD water.
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5.  Pat dry with a clean towel.  DO NOT RUB.
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6.  Dab with iron on high heat (cotton setting) to dry completely, NO steam.  This will color treat the fabric so it will be able to be wash and not have the ink run off.  Be gentle when ironing as not to distort the image.



7.  Once the fabric is dry.  Cut your labels.


8.  The last step is to fray check your labels.  Place a small dab of "Fray Check" in a shallow dish.  Lightly dip all edges of you label that will be exposed.  Make sure not to put too much or there will be a residue left.  Lay flat to dry.
Finished!!

Now your are ready to brand or personalize all of your fabulous sewing projects :)
 


Comments

Tina Scholl

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 11:06:07 am

What a great tutorial! I was just looking for such a solution to personalize my stuff. Thank you very much for this and all your other ideas. Go ahead!

 

Miranda

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:00:17 pm

That's a great idea, I have just been thinking how nice it would be to have size labels for the clothes I make. You can also iron freezer paper to the back of any fabric that you already have, cut to size to fit in your printer and voila! no need to go hunting for the special paper at the store.

 

Trish

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:10:22 am

This is so easy. Thanks for the great tutorial.

 



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