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03.21

300 clothing labels for $20

Welcome to See Kate Sew! If you’re new here, sign up for my email newsletter for access to free patterns, tutorials and all the latest sewing news! Tour my sewing room HERE!

clothing labels for the masses
tutorial

My most frequently asked question is about my clothing labels. Where did you get them? Did you make them?

I did make them. And it was really easy. And the price was right. You can’t beat $20 for this many quality clothing labels and that’s a fact!

I’ve also made lots of promises that I was going to tell you my secret and make a tutorial. It’s only taken a few months :)

So here it is. If you are looking to brand your product to sell, or just for fun, this is a great way to start out at a low cost. Clothing labels aren’t cheap. The nice woven ones usually cost at least .50 cents each, and you normally have to order a bazillion.(Total cost: half a bazillion dollars!) So this will get you started. It really is fun to add a little touch of you to each thing you make.

These labels are great because: you can print in FULL COLOR! You can use your logo, words, pictures, whatever. They are 100% washable and colorfast. Plus they look legit. Bonus: they are made in AMERICA because YOU make them.

They aren’t so great because: you have to make them (it takes TIME) and you might burn your fingers with the iron. No biggie. Just be careful.

I used Spoonflower to print my fabric. But first I calculated out how big I wanted the labels to be and created a logo in Photoshop (You can use other editing software but it has to be able to size your label precisely in inches or centimeters.) Your file needs to be exact.

When you are calculating out how big the label needs to be make sure to add 1/2″ on all sides so you can iron the edges over later.

Then upload your image to Spoonflower. Choose basic repeat to make them easy to cut out later.

Order your fabric. If you want to test it you can just get a fat quarter or swatch.

When it comes, rip it open, jump for joy and revel in your new fabric with your logo all over it!

Then throw it in the washer. When it’s all done, iron it flat.

Then cut out each label.

To make ironing the edges over easier, cut a thin piece of cardboard to the exact size you want your finished label to be.

Use it as a template for ironing the edges over. Iron the top and bottom over first.

Then fold the corners in on the sides and fold over the sides and press down.

Now you can sew up the edges and leave it waiting or just press it really well and let it sit until you need it. I like to put a few pins in the keep the edges straight.

Sew close to the edge, just to make sure the edges stay where you want them.

DONE!

Now go sew it onto your smashed ruffle clutch:

Your gdiaper inserts:
A quilt:
Your zipper pouches:
And anything else you can get your hands on!
Thanks for stopping by!
Come back tomorrow for a sponsor giveaway!
DIY Clothing Labels | clothing label diy | how to make your own clothing labels | sewing tips and tricks | sewing hacks | 300 clothing labels for $20! | diy clothing tags | homemade clothing labels || See Kate Sew #clothinglabels #clothingtags #diyclothingtags
DIY Clothing Labels | See Kate Sew

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Reader Interactions

88 Comments

  1. Bella

    03/21 at 1:38 PM

    Oh wow girl, this was a great tutorial. So how long does it take to iron and sew 300 labels??? Do you do them all at once, or one at a time as needed. Gosh it sure does beat saving $130.00.

    Thanks so much Kate, you are awesome for sharing your little secret.

    Hugs,

    Bella :) Bella Before and After

  2. Meredith

    03/21 at 2:21 PM

    Sweet! So so cool. Thanks for sharing, i’d love to try this.

  3. Amber Branconier

    03/21 at 2:35 PM

    thanks for sharing! they looks so great!

  4. Jamie

    03/21 at 2:55 PM

    What a great idea. Thank you so much for sharing. I hope you stop by DIY Home Sweet Home and link up to More The Merrier Monday.

    http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/

  5. Kiana

    03/21 at 3:11 PM

    I love this! Not thinking of selling anything but they would be nice to put on things I make as gifts!

  6. Sarah @ Sarahndipities

    03/21 at 3:46 PM

    These are awesome! I’d love for you to link up at may Make Something Monday link party!!

    ~Sarah

    http://sarahndipities.blogspot.com/2011/03/make-something-monday-link-party-3.html

  7. Randi

    03/21 at 3:52 PM

    That’s such a great idea. Is there any reason you sew the edges of the labels in advance rather than just sewing them down when you put it on the product?

  8. Jayna Rae

    03/21 at 4:11 PM

    Thanks for the directions. You are always so helpful. Now I just need to learn how to create a good logo without having photoshop. This is where my tech savvy FAILS.

  9. Sibylle

    03/21 at 4:35 PM

    wow! they look really nice! a lot of work though! maybe it would not look bad if you just cut them and sew them as is!
    cheers,
    Sibylle (fun.kyti.me)

  10. Amy

    03/21 at 4:46 PM

    Love this! I absolutely love your labels. Love that lil birdie perched on the K.

  11. Brandi

    03/21 at 5:43 PM

    You’re not going to believe that I have been looking and looking for a tutorial on how to do this! I’ve been trying to figure out how I want to put my name on my knit/crochet items using Photoshop & Illustrator and this IS IT :) Yay!!! I couldn’t figure out what kind of paper my logo needed to be printed on in order to sew it on the finished product, but this is even better! I love the idea of using Spoonflower! Thank you!!!

  12. noolygirl

    03/21 at 5:50 PM

    absolutely genius!!!!!

  13. Sarah

    03/21 at 6:10 PM

    Nice work! I have never heard of spoonflower, but it sounds great!! Thanks for the info! Oh…i am also one of your newest followers :)

  14. Catherine

    03/21 at 6:25 PM

    Heavenly!! I’ve been looking and looking for something like this! Thanks!!

  15. Laura

    03/21 at 7:12 PM

    Great idea! I wonder if it would also work to have it printed on canvas or twill and just put fray check on the edges? It seems like a lot of labels are printed on twill, etc. and it sure would be nice to skip all that ironing and sewing! :)

    • mommy2pipnemm

      07/20 at 4:52 AM

      I love this idea!! I hate actually sewing but love making anything & everything I can lol

  16. April

    03/21 at 7:36 PM

    thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou, dear friend!!!! so excited to make mine :]

  17. Susan @ Living with Punks

    03/21 at 7:38 PM

    Thanks this is awesome…gonna get busy :)

  18. ~The Bargain Babe

    03/21 at 7:56 PM

    Your labels look fantastic! I have never used spoonflower before. Or photoshop. Clearly I am living in the 18th century. :)

  19. Joan

    03/21 at 8:00 PM

    Thank you SO much for sharing. I use Spoonflower, too. This is an excellent idea that I can’t wait to try. Thank you for sharing.
    Have a fun day!
    Joan

  20. Bec Clarke

    03/21 at 8:12 PM

    Wow I never would have thought of Spoonflower, thank you.

  21. ALi

    03/21 at 8:36 PM

    I just found your blog and was going to ask how you did your labels. I am definitely going to give this a try. Thanks for sharing.

  22. Emily

    03/21 at 11:21 PM

    So smart! Love these!

  23. Tamara--MochaMishMash

    03/21 at 11:26 PM

    Thanks for sharing! I’d never heard of Spoonflower…but now I’ll have to give them a try!

  24. Rachel

    03/22 at 12:26 AM

    That is such a great idea! I have used fabric sheets and printed them on my inkjet, but I always worry they will fade after several washing.

  25. sarah*spunda

    03/22 at 1:42 AM

    sweet tute! thanks for sharing….best diy labels I’ve seen…nice and crisp colors! I might cut them into long strips of labels and iron the tops and bottoms that way, then cut into individual labels and iron the sides…..might save yourself a few burns that way :)

  26. ruby murray

    03/22 at 2:00 AM

    Great idea, thanks for sharing it!

  27. Amy Gilman and Emily Lee (Sisters of the Wild West)

    03/22 at 3:19 AM

    brilliant!!! Great idea. Love your out of the box thinking on this. Love how it saves money and they look fantastic. Everything looks so professional. So glad you shared this!
    Amy
    @SistersoftheWildWest.blogspot.com

  28. Quin

    03/22 at 3:48 AM

    Thanks for such a great idea! I’m with Sarah though-I’d cut them out in strips and iron top and bottom and then sew them, then cut them in smaller pieces and iron and sew sides. (or vice versa) Although yours look prettier all sewn at once…..choices, choices!

  29. Andrea

    03/22 at 4:24 AM

    brilliant!

  30. j.g.photography

    03/22 at 6:39 AM

    LOOVE this idea. Definately on my to do list. I don’t sell things either, but I do gift ALOT! How about instead of cutting each label out individually, you cut them into one long strip, and feed it through a bias tape making thing, THEN cut and finish the sides?! just a suggestion. WHEN I design my logo, and try this tute for myself, I think i’m going to try the bias tape thingy! Thanks!

  31. Woman of Many Thoughts

    03/22 at 6:41 AM

    Thanks for the idea! What about printable fabric? I’ve wanted to try making my own labels and thought printable fabric would work…I haven’t checked out the fabric though so it might not be soft enough for what I need. Thoughts?

  32. j.g.photography

    03/22 at 6:42 AM

    LOOOVE this idea! I don’t sell items, but I gift alot! Would love to try this myself. First I need to actually design a logo, then I can follow your instructions, and have some sweet labels! just a suggestion though, how about instead of cutting each label out individually , you cut them into long strips, and feed them into a bias tape thing, iron, AND THEN cut each label out, and finish the sides!? Make sense? WHEN I try this tutorial, I think i’m going to try the bias tape thingy too.

  33. MessyMissy

    03/22 at 12:52 PM

    Great idea and thanks so much for the tutorial. I would love it if you would link this up to my Marvelous Mess party. Each party I pick one project to feature on my sidebar for a week!! Here is the link: http://bit.ly/i5BHt8

  34. Sewing Princess

    03/22 at 3:34 PM

    Instead of photoshop you can create your logo using a program called GIMP, which you can download via Portableapps.com. It’s free and has nearly all the functionalities that Photoshop has. If you need any more info, drop me an email

  35. OneRadMother

    03/22 at 4:35 PM

    WOW – this is the BEST IDEA EVER!!! I’ve already ordered my Spoonflower labels!!

  36. FullertonRegan

    03/22 at 5:56 PM

    Brilliant! I love it when I come across a tutorial that is so common sense that I never would have thought of it. Isn’t it funny how the brain works that way? Like you can only do something one way because it’s the only way you know, until someone (like yoooooooooooooou) comes along with something so profoundly simple and awesome that the whole world just changes. Thank you for this! I’d never thought to use Spoonflower for mass printing. :) xoxo

  37. Jenn @ West Sac Honey

    03/22 at 6:16 PM

    Oh you just made my day/week/year! I’ve been trying to decide on who to use for a vendor for labels and they are all so expensive!! This is PERFECT!!

  38. Crystal Hendrix

    03/22 at 9:06 PM

    SOOO CUTE!! Love it! I thought it was going to be harder! But so easy! Thanks for sharing!

  39. Jill

    03/23 at 6:55 AM

    BRILLIANT! Thanks for sharing that, I’ve been wanting to make labels for ages, and couldn’t get the colour ink from my basic computer printer to hold through the wash! You’ve solved my problem- thank you!
    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a great week!

    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

  40. atrendymom

    03/23 at 3:31 PM

    Sew fabulous! Thanks for sharing.

    http://bucketofbuttons.blogspot.com

  41. Summer

    03/23 at 3:51 PM

    Thanks for linking up! I’ll be featuring this on my blog on Saturday!

    http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com

    Sumo:)

  42. Kathleen Frances

    03/23 at 7:18 PM

    If you printed them on the bias and sprayed with no fray spray you might not even have to hem them.

  43. Lowri

    03/24 at 12:21 AM

    Great ideas and really well photographed!
    I love it!

  44. Kristie

    03/24 at 4:12 AM

    Great idea! I have to do this. Thank you so much for sharing!

  45. Jaime

    03/24 at 6:56 PM

    These are sooooo fun!! I’d love for you to link up to Wow Me Wednesday!

    http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/2011/03/wow-me-wednesday_23.html

  46. Gracefully Vintage

    03/25 at 9:05 PM

    Oh My, those are the cutest lables ever. You did amzing, thanks for sharing.. Just Darling -happy new follower. Thanks for sharing ideas-inspiration
    Karryann

  47. Emily

    03/25 at 9:40 PM

    Hi – what size is your labels you have…I love that size! :) Thanks

  48. Marriah

    03/26 at 4:44 PM

    Thank you thank you thank you . I have been trying to figure out how to make my labels.

  49. Queen Bee

    04/01 at 7:06 PM

    I’m here for 2 reasons…
    I come on over from The Girl Creative Blog Hop and I had to tell you I ordered me some labels today.
    Now if you could just teach me how to sew…..

  50. leah

    04/07 at 5:53 PM

    This is fabulous!! Thanks for the tutorial!!

  51. Jodi

    04/08 at 1:51 PM

    As wonderful as your tute is, I am totally computer-challenged but have been wanting to make a bunch. I’ve been making them by hand as I need them, but it’s a pain and they don’t have anything cute on them. I’m going to see if I can get my daughter to check your tute out and make them for me! Thanks a bunch!

  52. colorfulpurls

    04/13 at 5:49 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing!!!!

  53. Brandi

    04/28 at 8:08 PM

    Kate! I finally borrowed my mother-in-law’s sewing machine and made my own :) I posted about it here (http://www.brandiscreativespace.com/2011/04/few-things-crafty.html) if you want to check it out ;) I’m sooo glad I found your blog! Have a great day ;)

  54. http://www.artfire.com/users/auntiechrisquiltfabric

    07/10 at 7:21 PM

    What a great idea.Thinking of a design for my own.

  55. a happy wanderer

    07/28 at 11:58 PM

    this is great! and i love the gdiaper inserts… now that i have a serger on my hands with baby #2 coming… i can make my own!!! brilliant!

    thanks for sharing!!!

  56. Jen Kruskamp

    08/03 at 8:28 PM

    the size of your labels are perfect for what i would like for mine. but i cant figure it out by just looking at ur screenshot of spoonflower! i have tried so many times lol! please help! what were your dimensions for your label in photoshop??

  57. While They Snooze

    08/22 at 1:06 PM

    Hi! Just wanted to let you know I just did this and it is awesome! I made a baby robe for my best friend’s little boy turning 1 and sewed in my first label. Looks so professional. I love it. Thanks for the idea. : )

  58. Dani G

    09/02 at 7:45 PM

    nice! I am definitely making my labels like this. have you tried using pinking shears to cut the labels?? that could help with the fraying and it gives it a raw-edge look. beats the ironing.

  59. lessa

    09/05 at 11:22 PM

    Kudos to you! such a smart idea of using Spoonflower! Love it, and have to give it a try soon!

  60. Becky

    10/01 at 2:33 PM

    Fabulous idea! I wanted some labels but did not want to special order them because of cost. Now all I need is a catchy phrase and then I’m off to make some!

  61. Sean + Angie

    01/19 at 5:32 AM

    I think these look BETTER and more legit than the spendy ones! I’m totally doing this, u rock!

  62. Sean + Angie

    01/19 at 5:33 AM

    These look BETTER than the spendy ones! Great job!

  63. Janvi

    01/23 at 6:55 AM

    Nice collection…Thanks for sharing with us…I really like it… Clothing Labels Company

  64. Robin

    01/24 at 3:24 AM

    Love the clothing labels! You are very talented and creative. Thanks for sharing your secrets. Robin therobinbirdsnest.blogspot.com

  65. Rvanrys06

    02/01 at 1:12 AM

    Thank you!!! Ive been looking for labels for my projects! what size do you have on photoshop?? i did mine at 1.75 x 1.75 inch

  66. Trumbelina

    02/23 at 8:41 PM

    Thanks for this!!

  67. thingsforboys

    02/28 at 3:02 AM

    Great idea! I printed some, but printed them diagonally, so that they cut out on the bias. Hoping then I wont need to fold over the edges and press and burn my fingers in the process

    http://www.thingsforboys.com

  68. Krista Montalvo

    04/04 at 5:14 AM

    I make purses, Marmie Bags, and do my own labels too! What a money saver. I have discovered a way to print my own fabric too! Here is my link to my DIY. It will give save you the $18 yard price (I think). Plus you can experiment on all kinds of fabrics & sizes.
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=174219642627024&set=a.174219635960358.36559.156395524409436&type=3&theater

  69. theyarntotell

    05/08 at 1:21 AM

    This is so neat! I’ve seen things like this around the internet for months, & kept thinking “I’d really like to do that”. Today I actually went for it, got my design made in Gimp & I’m about to purchase my ‘test swatch’! Spoonflower is a really cool site, & especially for this use – it’s so cheap! $6 for over 100 labels? WIN! Thanks so much for this wonderful idea!

  70. Paula-Maija

    05/21 at 4:34 PM

    Thank you so much for the tip and great tutorial! I just placed my order in Spoonflower and hope to receive the fabric in few weeks time… Self-made labels will be just way much cooler than those expensive ones that also I was about to order before I found your blog post!

  71. Mink Schmink

    07/06 at 7:48 AM

    What a neat way to do your own labels – thanks for sharing!

  72. Cheap Clothing labels

    07/16 at 1:46 AM

    Wow neat post. That is impressive that you were able to do all that yourself. Please keep posting your stuff.

  73. Anonymous

    07/27 at 3:34 PM

    Seems like it would work to cut in horizontal strips, fold over top and bottom and stitch, then cut each label on the vertical edge. The sew each shorter side? Isn’t there a way to continually stitch, even if you’re stitching two separate pieces? Not a sewer, more of an engineer but just thought I’d pop in my two cents …

  74. The Elegant Hedgehog

    07/27 at 9:27 PM

    Absolutely awesome and thank you ever so for this! I am in need of labels but don’t have bazillions so I was going to be in trouble. You saved the day! I appreciate it.

  75. Bettina

    09/04 at 12:34 AM

    Hi Kate, I’ve just used this tutorial to make these labels. Thanks! Though i found it easier to use double sided interfacing. It made it so easier to fold back the edges. Thanks again.

  76. GloJoeSews

    09/07 at 9:59 PM

    Beautiful, except that I’ll use pinking shears to cut out. I don’t have the patience to iron and sew 300 tiny labels! You, on the other hand, are amazing!

  77. Amber P.

    09/25 at 2:12 AM

    Thank you SO much for posting this!!! I’m ordering mine as we speak!

  78. Margaux at YoungNesters

    09/27 at 4:30 PM

    Thanks! I used your tutorial and mentioned it here: http://www.youngnesters.net/2012/09/how-to-make-craft-labels-for-your-brand.html

    Very helpful :)

  79. Cyndi loves to stitch

    10/23 at 4:33 PM

    KATE, I LOVE YOU because I am doing this as soon as I can get my act together and design a logo, but have one small suggestion…or big if it works. :)
    What about putting your text DIAGONALLY on fabric so all your labels would be cut on the bias, minimal raveling no stitching required unless desired. Am thinking about just stitching all the lines top, bottom, both sides while fabric is whole then use a rotary cutter, or have them printed with label borders lines, wavy or straight and cut them apart leaving 3/16 or so raw all the way around label. Could be stitched or not, and wouldn’t ravel beyond stitching or very far if not stitched because of the bias?? Is just a thought !?! I am going to try it any way. I can waste 20 dollars easier than I can a half a bazzillion on labels printed overseas. And if the first few I cut off on one corner to experiment with don’t work out, I can use the fabric to line a totebag or something. Spoonflower is GREAT, I bought fabric from them before!!! Have a great day…I’m off to scribble out some ideas ;)

  80. Celeste Teat

    11/05 at 9:28 PM

    Absolutely fabulous! I just ordered some ribbon with my “logo” on it, and I like it, but I will like this much better! Thanks for the idea, absolutely genius!

  81. A Little Bit of Everything

    02/06 at 6:06 AM

    Your site is AMAZING!! Thank you for sharing your awesome ideas. Keep up the great work. I new fan!!!

  82. Megan

    02/19 at 2:47 AM

    Kate, Can you please tell me the size that you created in photoshop? Thanks

  83. My Journey

    02/24 at 6:23 PM

    Have you had any problems with the print washing off? I want to put my labels on cloth diaper so I want the labels to hold up with tons of washings.

  84. kv barn

    03/11 at 8:50 PM

    great idea – thanks!

  85. Antoinette Brierly

    04/02 at 11:40 PM

    Oh my goodness! I could kiss your face for sharing this. Thank you soooo much. You are awesome.

  86. Jodi Ciampa

    04/26 at 2:56 AM

    Thank you so much for sharing this… I have been looking everywhere to be able to put my logo on a label….youre a living Angel x

  87. Brenda

    04/30 at 11:36 AM

    Just stumbled upon this post while searching for a place to buy labels! :) This is BRILLIANT! I’m so excited to have found this tutorial! Thank you, thank you!!

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