How to Make Your Own Clothing Labels

A lot of people have been asking me lately where I bought my sewVery clothing labels.  And since I've been having to retype pretty much the same reply over and over again, I thought I would finally take the time to write up a post on how I made them.

Here's the entire story and how-to behind my colorful mix of sewVery labels!

Several months ago when I started sewing a lot, I decided I wanted to brand my clothes like so many other bloggers were doing.  I searched Etsy, but the price for even a small quantity of custom labels with color seemed expensive.  After more research, I came across a post from Kate at See Kate Sew, where she shared some basic information on how she made her own labels by printing them out as custom fabric at Spoonflower.  I used her post as a guide to get me started.

My first step was to create a graphic for sewVery.  For me, I wanted something pretty plain that could be used on either boy or girl items.  Now, since everyone uses different photo editing software, I'll just give you the steps on how I spaced my labels and the dimensions I used.  Anyone can create a simple logo using Word (that's what I used), Photoshop, Picasa, PicMonkey, or any photo editing or drafting program. I'll also give you tips or advice based on my experience.

My configuration is based on an 8 1/2" x 11" area that is filled with four columns of labels and uses a minimum pixel size of 150 pixels.  In my example, I have two sizes of labels; however, you can just design one or even more.  The thing to keep in mind is that the spacing between the columns and rows must stay the same in order to make cutting out the labels with a rotary cutter easy to do.

My large sewVery labels are 2 1/4" wide x 1" tall, and my smaller labels that can be sewn into the seam on a piece of clothing are 1" x 1".  See the examples below.  Keep in mind that you'll need at least 1/4" blank space around all sides of your labels in order to cut them out and turn the fabric under for pressing. That ends up being 1/2" between labels on your layout and a 1/4" margin on the top/bottom/sides of the overall page.  For my labels, I figured I could get two columns of large labels and two columns of smaller labels per page.

When you upload your file to Spoonflower (read below for further instructions on how to do this), you'll repeat the 8 1/2" x 11" page over and over on a yard of fabric to get approximately 500 custom labels all for roughly $20!

For my labels, I used the Basic Combed Cotton offered at Spoonflower, and I've been very pleased with the overall look and performance (wash after wash) of the labels.  For the Basic Combed Cotton and the Kona Cotton, Spoonflower inserts the image on a piece of fabric that will have the 42" wide measurement as the width and the 36" wide measurement as the height.  If you are wanting to order a certain number of labels, you can use my example below to calculate the number of labels you'll be able to fit onto a yard of fabric.

Here's the math for 1 yard of fabric:
1 yard of fabric area = 42" x 36" = 1,512 square inches
sheet of paper area = 8.5" x 11" = 93.5 square inches

1,512 / 93.5 = 16.17 sheets of paper per yard of fabric

* Keep in mind that with the 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper configuration I used, you'll actually only get 15 full sheets of labels plus the top two rows of of 5 more sheets.  

Since I can fit 16 large labels and 16 small labels per sheet of paper, this means I can get
32 labels per sheet of paper x 16.17 sheets of paper per yard of fabric  = 517 labels per yard of fabric!

I was very indecisive about what colors I wanted to use for my labels, so I just put together lots of color combinations that I liked and ran with it.  The result was that I can color coordinate my label to the item that I make!  I often get compliments on my labels because of this!

I suggest consulting the color chart from Spoonflower prior to designing and placing your order.  It includes the RGB color and code. Here's what it looks like.



Spoonflower has a very useful Help page that includes a lot of valuable information about color selection. For instance, don't use two dark colors because the colors will blend together too much when printed on fabric.  Contrasting colors work best together.  I wish I had considered this before I placed my first order because a couple of my color combinations didn't work well.  Also, the script font in white on the smaller labels didn't show up as I had hoped.  As you can see in my examples above, the yellow, white, pink, and teal blue options all turned out really well.

Once you've created your logo and saved it as an image file, you'll be ready to create your labels. First, upload your file to Spoonflower HERE.  Once the image is loaded, make sure the Fabric tab is selected then choose Basic Repeat, the Design Size (no smaller than 150 dpi), the fabric you'd like to print your labels on, and the quantity of fabric you want printed.  You'll see a preview image of your labels laid out on the quantity of fabric you are ordering.  At this point, either save your design and/or add it to your cart. Pay for your order and your label yardage will arrive in the mail in just a few days!

When the fabric arrives, be sure to wash and dry it.  If you measure the labels after washing and drying it, you will notice some minimal shrinkage.  Iron the fabric and then take your cutting mat, ruler, and rotary cutter and start cutting out your labels making sure you leave an approximate 1/4" border all the way around the label.

I keep my labels sorted by color and size in some clear plastic sheet protectors.  When I need a label, I then fold the raw edges to the back and iron them.  To keep these edges from unfolding, I then add a small amount of fabric glue to those seams.  After it dries for a minute or two, I then press the entire label again from the front side.

For the smaller inseam labels, I fold the side edges in, press, and tack down with a little glue (if necessary).  Then fold the label in half so that the raw edges meet and press.

When I'm ready to sew one of the larger labels onto an item, I simply pin it in place and stitch around the edge following the border I created on the image.  For the smaller labels, position the label in between two pieces of fabric with right sides together making sure that the white portion of the label will be sewn into the seam allowance.

That's it!  Now you can make your very own clothing labels in a wide variety of colors for just pennies!  I hope I've answered all your questions on how you can make your own clothing labels. As always, I welcome your comments and would love to hear from you.  Hope you'll come check out my other sewing projects and tutorials!

Have fun sewing!

Two Giveaways Ending Today! Hurry and Enter!

There are two giveaways ending today that I want to remind you to enter if you haven't already.

The first is the Craftsy Quilt-As-You-Go Tinker Tote Bag Class Giveaway!  Click the link HERE to go to the original post, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and enter the contest by signing up for or signing in to Craftsy.  One entry per person.  Winner will be announced here on the blog and on my sewVery Facebook page tomorrow, Wednesday, August 28th.

The Craftsy class winner is Chelle (aka Kweenbee)!  Chelle, just log into your Craftsy account to see the class waiting for you!

I haven't made the bag yet, but I did test out my quilt-as-you-go skills that I learned in the class by making this cute potholder!  The class shows you how to make one, too!

It's not too bad for my first attempt (at least I don't think it is)!

The second giveaway I want to remind you to enter is for the $20 gift card I am giving away to Spoonflower over at Pattern Revolution.  This contest closes in just a few hours, too, so be sure to enter HERE in my guest post on How to Make Your Own Clothing Labels.  Again, the winner will be announced tomorrow, Wednesday, August 28th, here and on my Facebook page as well as on Pattern Revolution.

The $20 Spoonflower gift certificate winner is Cynthia F. Cynthia, I'll be emailing you shortly!  Congrats!

You can make a ton of labels, like the one below, in a variety of colors and sizes using my tutorial!  Please be sure to check it out!

See you all here tomorrow with the names of the winners!  Thanks for all your support and friendship!

Guest Posting at Pattern Revolution + Giveaway to Spoonflower

Today I'm guest posting at Pattern Revolution with information on how I made my sewVery clothing labels!

Be sure to check it out and to enter the giveaway to enter a $20 gift card to Spoonflower from ME so you, too, can make your own labels!

Win 100 Size & Care Labels from Forever Threads 2!

Are you in the mood for a giveaway?  I thought so!  Keep reading to find out how to enter to win 100 size and care labels from Forever Threads 2!

About a year ago, I decided it was time to start putting some size and care labels in the items that I make for my daughter.  Her handmade wardrobe was growing exponentially, and I could no longer keep track of when I made what and by what size!  Plus, if I ever decide to sell or give away any of these pieces, I wanted to correctly represent their size.

So I went in search of a good online source for size and care labels that could be purchased in small quantities and not cost a fortune.  That's when I came across Forever Threads.  I ordered a variety pack of 100 labels for sizes 2T through 8 plus three different care labels.

I use them in almost every item I make now, and they hold up perfectly wash after wash.  They are woven labels that are soft and not scratchy, and Ella has never complained about them making her itch.

Fast forward several months when I saw a post on Facebook announcing that the Forever Threads' shop was closing so that the owner could spend more time teaching sewing classes through My Sew for Hope!  I immediately began counting labels to see what I needed to replenish, but to my relief, the owner Rita, decided to transfer the business on to her sister, Elise.

Since Etsy would not allow her to transfer the business name to her sister, Elise opened a new shop called Forever Threads 2!  She is now open for business selling the same size and care labels at the same amazing prices.  And to kick off the grand opening, all labels and buttons are 25% off through June 30th with coupon code WELCOME.  When you order labels from Elise, you'll also receive a coupon code good through June 30th for 25% off all items remaining in Rita's original shop Forever Threads (which will be closed after June 30th).

And since Rita was feeling so generous, she's offering up a 100 label assortment pack to two of my sewVery readers!  Thanks, Rita and Elise!

Two winners will each receive their choice of size and care labels in multiples of 10, 25, or 100 for a total of 100 labels.  Here's the selection to choose from...

Just enter the Rafflecopter widget below and two winners will be announced next Wednesday, June 19th!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you can't wait that long or don't want to take the chance, you can always go ahead and purchase a pack of labels from Forever Threads2 and use coupon code WELCOME through June 30th for 25%!

Visiting Emmaline Bags & Summer Fun Dress Tutorial

I'm guest posting today at Emmaline Bags about this simple, cute little dress I whipped up for Ella.  I call it the Summer Fun Dress!  

Please check out Janelle's blog, Emmaline Bags, for not only my guest post but also to see her great bag patterns and hardware.  She's about to move from Australia back to Canada, so be sure to take advantage of the sale she's having in her shop now through August 15th.

Emmaline Bags

Now, here's the tutorial I put together for how to make the Summer Fun Dress.  

Here's what you'll need in order to make your little one her own Summer Fun Dress!  Hint:  You should be able to click on each photo to make it larger.

Missing from the picture above is the Hem Strip.

Start by adding the trim (if desired) to the edges of the decorative strip. Make sure you use washable glue, that way it will dissolve when you wash the dress.

Now time to make the two straps.

 

Now lay out the dress with the front half facing you.

 

 

 

 

If you want to add your personal label or a label for size and care instructions, then now is a great time to do that, too. 

Disclaimer:  At the time I created this tutorial, I only tested the size 4T measurements provided.  Please note that dimensions given for other sizes are approximate and may require slight modifications to better fit your child. 

If you have any questions, please send me an email at sewvery(at)gmail(dot)com.

This tutorial is intended for personal use only and may not be reproduced in part or in whole without my expressed written consent. 

Clothes Sizing and Care Labels + Offer

As you all know, I love to make cute clothes for my daughter.  In fact, I'd say that 75% percent of her summer wardrobe are items that I have sewn for her. But with so many pieces now in her closet, I'm finding it difficult to remember the size of each one.  The solution--start sewing sizing labels into the clothes I make.

So last week, I searched Etsy for sizing and care labels, looking for a shop that had the style of label I wanted and offered them in small quantities for a fair price.  It took me longer to find a shop that met those criteria than I thought it would, but eventually I came across Forever Threads.

I chose a variety pack of 100 labels and was able to choose up to 10 different labels with a minimum quantity of 10 per label type, all for under $8 including shipping!  How awesome is that?!

You can choose from approximately 25 types of care labels and over 100 size labels!

Photo of labels offered by Forever Threads

These labels are woven labels with finished edges and have the lettering woven into the label. They are super soft, too--another plus if you plan on using these in children's clothing.

When I placed my Etsy order, I sent the owner, Rita, a little message asking her a couple of questions about her shop. She messaged me right back, and we began a nice little chat for a few minutes about our blogs and the types of clothes we make.  Then the next day, Rita sent me a message saying she wanted to mention sewVery on her blog, and she also offered up a super discount to her shop for any of my sewVery readers!

Here's her offer:

Order labels from her shop, Forever Threads, during the month of August, and she'll double the labels in your order! All you have to do is mention sewVery in the comment box along with the quantity and label type you want to order.

How sweet a deal is that?! I think I may have to order more myself.

And while your in her shop, check out the other great items that Forever Threads offers. They specialize in items for making heirloom quality children's clothing, including lace, trim, buttons, and fabric.

I'm so glad I came across Rita's Etsy shop, Forever Threads.  I hope you'll take a look, too!