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Monday, August 14, 2017

My Custom Woven Labels


Happy Monday! Today I want to share my experience having custom labels made to use in my sewing projects. A few months ago I was contacted by Dutch Label Shop about trying out their labels. It was pretty serendipitous because I had just started thinking seriously about having some labels made.

Before we dive in: I was provided a credit from Dutch Label Shop to order my custom labels, so I paid very little out of pocket for my labels. That said, I was under no obligation to write this post, and would not have if I wasn't happy with my labels. Just wanted to be up front about that!

I've always been bad about properly labeling my projects, and I've started to feel more uneasy about it the more I make. In a perfect world, I'd make beautiful handmade labels with all the details for all my quilts, but I'm afraid we're past that point. I still don't know what to do about quilts I've already made, but I think I have found something that I'll actually do going forward. Enter custom woven labels.

Custom labels have been in the back of my mind for a long time, but I never really made it a priority to look into what it costs or where to order them from. Working with Dutch Label Shop was straightforward, and I was able to get a label that was exactly what I wanted. There are tons of different options for folded labels, flat labels, pretty much whatever you can think of. I knew I wanted something that I could use for quilts and other projects, so a sideways label with a fold was perfect for me.

At first it sounded too small, but I am so glad I sized my labels down during my design process. When sewn into a project my labels are 3/4" square. Tiny but mighty! I didn't want them to be huge, and I like that they aren't too obtrusive for bags and pillows too. I chose not to put anything on the back of the label, just my name/logo on the front. I added 1/4" of taffeta to each end which is the edge that's sewn into the seam allowance.


When I'm ready to stitch a label into a project, I find my spot and then baste it in place. Often times I'll pin the label flat to the project so that the finished side doesn't accidentally get caught in the seam. In hindsight, since I do make a lot of bags (which usually have a larger seam allowance), I probably should had done 1/2" or 3/8" of taffeta for the seam allowance. Since I'm basting them in place anyways, it's easy to mark out my 1/2" stitching line and place them accordingly.


I've been using my labels in most of my finished projects for the last two months, and I'm really happy with how they turned out. I went with my gut and kept them simple, just black and white, so they go with everything. My labels are the woven logo labels, which allowed me to upload my logo file and fully customize my labels. I put in all the information using their tool and then explained exactly what I had in mind in the comments box just to reiterate my choices. I got a photo proof, and they nailed it!

They also have a basic woven label tool that allows you to design your labels right on their website. You can add text and they have lots of cute sewing themed icons you can add too. Or use one of their pre-made templates. It doesn't have to be complicated!


Overall, I'm really pleased with how they turned out. I just finished a gift this weekend that has one sewn in, I'm so excited to give it! I feel like it not only adds a professional touch, but it's a little lasting note that says "Jeni made this!"


 Happy Making!

15 comments :

  1. Did you sew on the 1/4" of taffeta or did the label company do that for you?

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  2. I love your new label. It's perfect.

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  3. i have just recieved my labels and love using them they are so cute. Glad you love yours too!

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  4. Thanks for the post. I have been looking around for some labels myself!

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  5. I keep forgetting to put my labels in!! But I am grabbing one right now to place with my current project so I don't forget!

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  6. I got labels from Dutch Label Co too and love them. Unfortunately while they're perfect for quilts they're too large for pouches and bags. I think I'll reorder using your size info. Yours look to be a perfect size.

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  7. I love your labels. They're cute and simple and very appealing. It's a great idea. I have actually been very good about always making and attaching labels to all the quilts I've ever made - pretty much, quilts is all I make - and I've gotten in the habit of putting a lot more information on my labels: name of quilt, name of recipient, name of machine quilter (essential in my opinion), occasion for the present, date and place of completion. So while I love your ready made labels, I think, for me, it would be hard to get used to the scaled down version.

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  8. I love your labels! They're so sweet, pretty and simple! Very attractive.

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  9. Jeni, I've been trying to create a label but I don't see an option for adding the tafeta is this a special request on your part?

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    1. Hi! They talk about it in the FAQ (I'll put that link below), and I just asked for it in the comments section of the form! - https://www.dutchlabelshop.com/en_us/faq#faq-item-7

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  10. They look perfect on your projects. Noticeable but not detracting from the item itself.

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  11. They're sooo perfect Jeni, I just love the special touch they add. And agreed on the size, it's just right!

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  12. Thanks for posting. They are the perfect addition to your line.

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  13. Thanks for this info! I’ve been thinking of getting labels. Perfect timing!

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