Thrifty Way to Make Your Own Personalized Sewing Labels

If you sew, quilt or crochet then adding a label to your handmade projects has probably crossed your mind. It is a nice way for you to put your name onto your work and give it a personal touch. Custom labels gives makers a way to be unique and get their brand noticed. Today I’ll show to you a thrifty way to make your own personalized sewing labels at your home using transfer sheets as well as a free label template plus your regular household iron.

Here's another handmade item I sell with the sewing label made with these transfer sheets. — Here’s another handmade item I sell with the sewing label made with these transfer sheets.

Why should I use personalized sewing labels?

Most likely you’re buying pre-made labels and those can get expensive. It also makes your item cost more than it needs to if you sell your products at markets or online. Today I’m sharing a product that only costs a few dollars but allows you to make your own personalized sewing labels for a fraction of the price. And it’s easy to do if you have a few simple supplies.

Quilts, tote bags, baby blankets, also small gifts are perfect for these labels. You can cut one label off whenever needed or make a whole sheet at once.

Custom fabric labels that you can buy online get pricey, especially if you make a lot of products and in large quantities. Here are some benefits of making your own personalized sewing labels:

Pros	Cons
Saves money	Cutting takes some time
Pick the fonts and colors you want	Labels are vinyl
Make any amount you want	Takes time to dial in your template
Logos and small icons	They are not soft
Simple to do	Must have computer and printer

In the event that you are starting to sell handmade items and you want something simple to start with, this is a great option for you.

Materials Needed

Transfer Sheet Package

Computer Printer

White or Light Color Cotton Fabric

Iron and Ironing Board

Rotary Cutter, Cutting Mat and Straight Line Ruler

Suggestions if you don’t have a computer or printer

Most of these you probably already have. If you don’t have a computer or a printer then here are some tips. I’ve gone to three public libraries around my area to do things on the computer.

Typically you have an hour on it but they have printers too. Try to find a small library and a nice librarian to assist. It’s free to use computer, you have to pay for your printed items. I haven’t gone there in years but it was 15 cents per page to print.

Another option is family or friends. I love this one and they won’t mind spending an hour or less helping you get your labels printed.

The last suggestion is to go to a FedEx Print Shop but you will need to pay to use the computer and your printed labels. Still cheaper than buying labels online.

Thrifty Way to Make Your Own Personalized Sewing Labels by Sew Nikki - here are the transfer sheets that I use. — Thrifty Way to Make Your Own Personalized Sewing Labels by Sew Nikki – here are the transfer sheets that I use.

How to use the transfer sheets

I used inkjet transfer sheets with regular computer paper to transfer light fabric. These sheets do work with a regular printer for use. Just follow the instructions and use the parchment paper when ironing, it’s in with the sheets.

Fabric needed

The best fabric for this project is linen or cotton. White and light colors work best with this fabric. Just remember that the color of your fabric will brighten or make your label dull. Test it on white fabric and a beige fabric to see the difference. I’ve used natural muslin but next time I will use white cotton.

Computer is a must

Canva is super simple. It is easy to use it too. You can start with a blank canvas or search specifically for “label template” in their search bar. The text should be such that it is clear and readable when it is printed small. Canva is great but you can just use a Word document too.

Most transfer sheets require you to mirror your design but not these. The image or brand name that is on your template will transfer as is to your fabric. That’s a big plus, you don’t need to have lots of technical skills to make these personalized sewing labels.

You can use Excel, Word, Canva or any other app to make your template. Whichever app you use, just make sure you can do columns, can outline all cells with a border line and a copy/paste feature is helpful too. The bold lines are just a grid to help you cut straight.

You should print out your design after you load up your transfer sheet into the printer. The labels should come out quite sharp. Therefore, use the highest quality print setting now. Allow a minute or two after drying.

Make Your Own Personalized Sewing Labels by Sew Nikki - these are the transfer sheets with my labels printed on it using a standard printer. — Make Your Own Personalized Sewing Labels by Sew Nikki – these are the transfer sheets with my labels printed on it using a standard printer.

Free Sewing Label Template

It’s not perfect but you can grab my sewing label template (in photo above) when you sign up for the newsletter. It’s sent twice a month with new pattern updates and other goodies. This is a Word doc that you can customize or just use as an example. It’s not perfect, but it’s a good place to start.

Be certain that you print on the correct side of the transfer sheet. Usually, there is a backing side, also a plain side.

Press at your fabric by use of a hot dry iron where labels face down. Apply some firm pressure so hold on each label for as long as it takes for the sheet to transfer to the fabric. Just follow the instructions included in the package.

Personalized sewing labels tutorial by Sew Nikki - use the transfer paper that comes in the package to but a barrier between your iron and the transfer sheet. — Personalized sewing labels tutorial by Sew Nikki – use the transfer paper that comes in the package to but a barrier between your iron and the transfer sheet.

Be sure to peel off the backing paper before you iron. Follow the directions of the transfer sheet package. The labels must be entirely cooled down for this.

A rotary cutter and quilting ruler trim each label to size. This provides edges that are nicely clean. If a rotary cutter is not available, use sharp scissors and also use a steady hand. Due to the rotary cutter absence, scissors are necessary.

Thrifty Way to Make Your Own Personalized Sewing Labels by Sew Nikki - let cool down after you have transfer the labels onto the fabric before cutting. — Thrifty Way to Make Your Own Personalized Sewing Labels by Sew Nikki – let cool down after you have transfer the labels onto the fabric before cutting.

Whenever any project is finished up, then a whole batch of DIY sewing labels are ready for their usage. I keep mine near my sewing machine in a small plastic container because they’re always ready.

You can:

When you use a simple topstitch, stitch them onto a quilt corner.

Join it with a stitch. A tote bag should have this on its side.

After folding them halfway, insert them in baby blanket binding.

Your style and the size of your label will also determine how you can use it on your products.

This is just an easy way for you to add a personal touch to some of your handmade items. This is also affordable. You only need transfer sheets, a hot iron and a little time instead of expensive materials or fancy tools.

DIY sewing labels give handmade projects that finishing touch and shows the world who made it. These personalized sewing label will add a more professional feel without cutting into your profit if you sell your work.

Here's one of my quilted makeup bags that I sell in the shop and Etsy store with one of my personalized sewing labels. — Here’s one of my quilted makeup bags that I sell in the shop and Etsy store with one of my personalized sewing labels.

Tell me if you try this out. Seeing how affordable and easy it remains, it’s a game changer.

Make sewing labels is really easy and an affordable option is you are just starting your handmade business. Costs add up fast, save money on this step when first starting out.

If you want to look at sewing labels to buy instead of making yourself, read this post on label ideas with links.

Here are some projects to try them on:

DIY Beach Bag – this is a free sewing pattern and tutorial.

Little Patch Purse – mini denim patchwork bag sewing pattern and tutorial. This post also has a digital pattern.

Denim Handbag – another great project for a handbag made with the strip technique. This post also has a digital pattern.

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Thrifty Way to Make Your Own Personalized Sewing Labels by Sew Nikki (Pinterest)

Do I need personalized sewing labels when selling on Etsy?

The honest answer is no but why would you miss this marketing opportunity? If you make and sell handmade crochet, sewing or quilted items on Etsy or any other platform then you should have your brand label somewhere on each item. That’s just marketing 101 and it’s called brand recognition.

When people see your label, they should immediately know it’s you. Even if you are still building your brand, you want your name on your products.

Your brand style should be reflected in your font, colors and all around vibe. That’s why most maker use Canva for product photos, content phots and social media posts. Canva has a free version and a pro version. The great thing about Canva are all the different fonts and brand colors you have to choose from.

Don’t miss these resources

You can find free sewing tutorials in The Pattern Index. There you will find patterns and tutorials for sewing, crocheting and quilting.

Not sure which supplies are best for sewing or quilting, no problem. Just head over to my Resource Page to find my favorite tools, sewing notions and quilting supplies including interfacing and batting for quilts and sewing projects.

This post contains ads and affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. While the ads may seem annoying, it helps keep this blog going. See my full disclosure here.

ABOUT SEW NIKKI

If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! I’m Nikki, a maker obsessed with quilting, crochet, and all things fabric. Here, you’ll find easy to follow patterns, helpful tutorials and plenty of inspiration for your next handmade project. Grab your fabric (or yarn) and let’s create something beautiful together! Read more about me here.

If you are interested in taking your crafting hobby to the next level, consider selling your handmade items on Etsy or live at market places. And when you set up your listings, make sure you have labels on everything. These personalized sewing labels are affordable and nice looking.

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Want to learn how to crochet? Check out this post, How to Learn How to Crochet – Guide for Beginners.