Free Pattern and Directions for Making Your Own Sewing Lables

If you like to sew for others, even your own children, you probably have considered purchasing those “cutesy” custom labels at one time or another. You can pick up standard sew-in labels at most craft/sewing stores but to get really custom labels you have to pay big bucks and get stuck with way more than you might need. Why not make your own?

You will need some kind of transfer paper, scissors, printer, computer, iron, and Satan ribbon.

  1. Decide what size of ribbon you are going to use and which direction you want your label to run across the ribbon. Do you want the label to run horizontal or vertical across the ribbon. Be sure to choose a smooth satin ribbon.
  2. Measure the ribbons width. You will want your design small enough to fit within the raised edge of the ribbon. Determine the length and width of your design.
  3. Depending on the type of transfer media you purchase they may provide you with a program to lay out your design. In most cases your text or artwork will have to be inverted (turned upside down) prior to printing it out. This might require a design software package. Design and print out a sample of your logo on plain paper to test first. Cut it out and lay it on the ribbon for sizing and make sure it’s exactly what you want – keeping in mind it will be upside down. If everything looks good, feel your page full and print out on your transfer paper.
  4. Use a paper cutter/trimmer to ensure you have straight edges on your transfer. Leave plenty of empty space on either side so that the film from the transfer paper will continue across the entire ribbon and not stop right after the printing does.
  5. Press ribbon to make sure it is flat. Then lay transfer over the center of the ribbon and press on following instructions that come with your paper. Cool.
  6. Remove backing and fold ribbon tag in half and sew where desired.