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.

Comments

[Sarah]

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.

[June]

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.

[Kim]

Those look great--very professional!

[carol]

hello
you did a fantastic job with your labels I love using that transfer paper
I just wisjh it was a little cheaper
carol

[Allison]

Oh, Thank you! And I love your label design. I will file this under "must-try".

[Carol]

Very clever of you!
Carol
Come visit me!
http://ourreddoor.blogspot.com

[Jennifer]

They look really nice- good job!

[Arlene Tomasetti]

Love that tutorial! The labels came out adorable! I need to try that....someday, I'm a chicken!

[Lark]

Wow, this is just what I nee to do! What a super idea, thanks! I adore your blog...
Allison x

[Elizabeth]

What a great idea! Can't wait to try it myself. Thanks for sharing!

[Elaray]

I use extra wide bias tape instead of twill tape. Raveling is less of an issue with bias tape.

[Cindy]

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.

[Caroline's Closet]

Thanks for this great tutorial! I needed something like this for my custom kids clothes.

[Erin]

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. ;)

[heather]

hi, i'd like to try this but was wondering can i have to use an ink jet printer?

[Ellie]

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

[LoRi]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! this helped a lot. i was trying to find a way to make them myself instead of buying them! :)

[Becky]

Very cool :) I just bought the supplies and will be trying it soon!

[Tia Curtis]

This is SO Clever! Great job!

[Casey]

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!!

[sarah]

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.

[urban hen]

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! :)

[Aniza]

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

[Andee]

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

[Rachel]

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!