Fabric Labels Tutorial
I've been looking for custom fabric labels for the bags and other stuff that I make. They can be pretty expensive, especially if you want them printed with your own logo in non-standard colors (lime green & aqua). Making bags isn't my full-time job, so I can't justify spending a lot of money on custom labels. So, I decided to try using printable transfer fabric and twill tape to make my own labels. It was really easy and I am pleasantly surprised that they don't look too homemade. The paper costs $10 and the twill tape is $1.50. Depending on the size of your image, you can make around 120 labels using 6 packs of twill tape. Total cost: $19. Here are the steps I took to create the labels:
This is the paper and twill tape that I used. This paper only works on white or light-colored fabric.
STEP 1: CREATE IMAGE FILE
I created my logo in the correct size using Macromedia Fireworks (you can use Photoshop, or any other graphics program). The twill tape was 3/4 in wide, so my logo need to be smaller than that. Mine was 1.75 inches long and 0.6 inches high. I set the resolution to 300 dpi (dots per inch) since it was being printed (70 dpi is standard for images being used on the web).
STEP 2: PRINT IMAGE ON TRANSFER PAPER
I copied the image into Microsoft Word and pasted it 44 times, leaving some space between each image. When you print the page, you have to select "mirror image" in your printing options. I printed the page on a regular piece of paper before using the printable transfer paper, just to make sure everything looked okay. Then, I printed it on the transfer paper as pictured below. You have to wait 30 minutes for the ink to dry before you continue to the next step.
STEP 3: CUT OUT IMAGE
Next, I cut out the images to transfer to the twill tape. It is best to leave a little bit of white space on the sides of the image, so you have room to peel off the backing paper (in a later step).
STEP 4: IRON TRANSFER TO TWILL TAPE
Cut the twill tape at least a half inch longer than the image on each side. Turn the image face-down and press with a HOT, DRY iron for about 15-20 seconds.
STEP 5: PEEL OFF BACKING
According to the directions for the transfer paper, if you want a matte look to the image, then peel off the backing while the image is still hot. If you want a glossy finish, then wait for it to cool down. I wanted a matte finish, so I immediately peeled off the backing. This didn't always work - sometimes it was too hot, and the image was still stuck to the backing. So, I eventually found that if I blew on it for 3 seconds before I peeled the backing, then the label would be perfect. I screwed up about 4 labels before they started looking good, so don't be nervous...just keep trying different things until it works (maybe turn down your iron setting and/or press it for longer than 20 seconds).
STEP 6: SEW ONTO FABRIC
Turn the edges under and stitch onto your fabric. If you use the iron to press the edges, be sure not to touch the image with the iron. I used polyester twill tape, which tends to unravel easily, so you may want to use Fray Check on the edges.
You could also create a looped label, instead of the flat one that I made. With the looped kind, you could transfer another image to the "back " of the label that has the washing instructions (great for washable tote bags or diaper bags).
Please let me know if you use these instructions to create your own labels. I'd love to see how they turn out! Or, if you have other budget-friendly alternatives for creating custom labels, I'd love to hear them.







I have used the tutorial at Soulemama for making twill tape labels before. She just printed right onto the twill tape. (You tape the twill tape down to a piece of paper or card, I can't remember which.) It worked brilliantly, and has held up to lots of washing on my son's daycare clothes.
Posted by:Sarah | January 31, 2007 at 07:08 PM
What a great tutorial and lovely labels! Thanks for sharing it with us. I did something similar last week but mine was too boring--a simple "Made by June" thing that lacked any imagination whatsoever. I've also used Soulemama's technique on twill tape. I'm trying your idea next.
Posted by:June | February 01, 2007 at 09:16 AM
Those look great--very professional!
Posted by:Kim | February 01, 2007 at 05:13 PM
hello
you did a fantastic job with your labels I love using that transfer paper
I just wisjh it was a little cheaper
carol
Posted by:carol | February 02, 2007 at 09:18 AM
Oh, Thank you! And I love your label design. I will file this under "must-try".
Posted by:Allison | February 03, 2007 at 07:32 PM
Very clever of you!
Carol
Come visit me!
http://ourreddoor.blogspot.com
Posted by:Carol | February 04, 2007 at 09:20 PM
They look really nice- good job!
Posted by:Jennifer | February 09, 2007 at 02:23 AM
Love that tutorial! The labels came out adorable! I need to try that....someday, I'm a chicken!
Posted by:Arlene Tomasetti | February 09, 2007 at 09:32 AM
Wow, this is just what I nee to do! What a super idea, thanks! I adore your blog...
Allison x
Posted by:Lark | February 12, 2007 at 09:58 PM
What a great idea! Can't wait to try it myself. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by:Elizabeth | February 27, 2007 at 11:20 AM
I use extra wide bias tape instead of twill tape. Raveling is less of an issue with bias tape.
Posted by:Elaray | March 30, 2007 at 12:59 PM
I tried your idea, but ironed the sheet onto an ecru bandana that I got at Michaels. I then used my pinking shears to cut them out and then sewed them on.
It worked fine for my purpose and was a bit quicker.
Posted by:Cindy | April 09, 2007 at 08:34 PM
Thanks for this great tutorial! I needed something like this for my custom kids clothes.
Posted by:Caroline's Closet | May 23, 2007 at 09:41 AM
Found this blog doing a Google search for homemade twill tape labels. This is just what I was looking for! Thanks for posting such clear instructions for the techno-illerate folks, like Yours Truly. ;)
Posted by:Erin | July 04, 2007 at 10:30 AM
hi, i'd like to try this but was wondering can i have to use an ink jet printer?
Posted by:heather | August 03, 2007 at 05:37 AM
Thanks..you have saved many of us from having to pay a ton of money to get our labels designed. I will be creating mine soon!
Ellie
Posted by:Ellie | August 10, 2007 at 02:24 AM
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! this helped a lot. i was trying to find a way to make them myself instead of buying them! :)
Posted by:LoRi | December 10, 2007 at 04:27 PM
Very cool :) I just bought the supplies and will be trying it soon!
Posted by:Becky | January 13, 2008 at 02:43 PM
This is SO Clever! Great job!
Posted by:Tia Curtis | January 14, 2008 at 02:43 AM
I was looking for a way to make labels for the things that I make and thankfully I found this site through searching on Google. I am new to selling my creations and money is tight at this time and I am so grateful to have found this because it works so great for what I currently needed. Thanks Again!!
Posted by:Casey | January 21, 2008 at 04:33 AM
Great idea!
Just my 2 cents worth:
1)My local Walmart sells packs of iron on transfer paper for less than $5. Only a few sheets, but is better if you don't need as many labels.
2) Kinkos sells the transfer paper by the sheet and will even do the copying for you at small cost. Used it once to put photos on a shirt.
3)The problem with printing directly onto the fabric is that you must have permanent ink. That is why in my opinion this is a better method (and why I don't use Soulemama's method. No offense, Soulemama ;}!) With the transfer paper your ink ends up sandwiched between the fabric and the transfer paper coating. This allows you to use a cheep printer or copy machine with the ink you already have. My mother uses this method to add photos to her quilts.
Posted by:sarah | February 09, 2008 at 03:47 PM
These really are washable? I want to believe! They look so great.
I tried this way and after a washing the ink faded and bled a little bit. Where did I go wrong?
Thanks! :)
Posted by:urban hen | March 03, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Your tutorial is really handy. I only search for tutorial when I got myself doing silly mistake. I forgot about doing printing out as mirror image. LOL
Posted by:Aniza | May 09, 2008 at 02:13 AM
what about using a stamp and fabric ink on the twill tape? of course it would have to be a small custom stamp, but it should last forever
Posted by:Andee | May 11, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Your tutorial is really a great idea. But instead of ironing the label to twill tape I just cut them apart and iron them to my sewing project, saves time and sewing and it still looks the same.
Thanks!
Posted by:Rachel | June 04, 2008 at 02:53 PM