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How to sew a label?
At ikatee, we offer exclusive woven labels. Find out in this tutorial how to sew your label on a garment. We give you all our tips so that the sewing of your label is perfect.
For the English version, remember to activate the English subtitles.
The Different Types of Labels
A label is a small woven tag that features a design and/or text. Common in ready-to-wear fashion, they have made a significant appearance in the world of sewing and DIY, becoming elements of customization proudly displayed. There are two types of labels, which are attached at different times and places.
- Patch Labels: These are applied to the garment. At Ikatee, they come pre-folded for a neat finish. They can be positioned wherever you like: inside or outside the garment, on a pocket, at the front or back of your project.
- Folded Labels: These are designed to be caught in a seam like a "flag." They are placed at the back of a garment, within a bias tape, a seam, a pocket, or a facing
When to Sew a Label?
The timing of sewing a label depends on its placement. For a label to be fixed at the back of a garment or at the bottom of a T-shirt, for example, it can be done at the end of the project. This allows you to test the placement and refine the position of the label. However, for a label to be fixed on a pocket with topstitching or within a seam, it must be anticipated to avoid using a seam ripper! This is especially crucial for folded labels, which need to be placed within a seam, requiring positioning in advance.
Choosing the Right Thread
Ideally, choose a thread color that matches the background of the label to keep the stitching discreet. However, you can also opt for a contrasting thread: the stitching will be visible and become a graphical element in itself.
Also, consider your bobbin thread: if the stitching is visible on the other side, use a thread that matches your fabric color.
Properly Placing the Label
There are two approaches: the meticulous and the intuitive. If you belong to the first group, fold your fabric in half edge to edge and place a pin to mark the center. Do the same with the label, marking the fold well. You can then align the two markers. If you are more intuitive, trust your eye—it will likely turn out just fine!
Sewing a Patch Label
There are two approaches: the meticulous and the intuitive. If you belong to the first group, fold your fabric in half edge to edge and place a pin to mark the center. Do the same with the label, marking the fold well. You can then align the two markers. If you are more intuitive, trust your eye—it will likely turn out just fine!
Once the label is positioned, you need to find a way to hold it in place for sewing. At Ikatee, we prefer not to pin it because this creates extra thickness, and the label might shift during sewing. The simplest method is to place the label and hold it firmly until the presser foot of your machine is lowered. Alternatively, there's a trick: temporary fabric adhesive. This adhesive temporarily secures the elements but washes away with the first wash—magical! Once the label is fixed with temporary adhesive, you just need to sew it.
Start sewing the label from a bottom corner to make your backstitch less visible. We recommend slightly shifting your needle to the left, then aligning the edge of the label with the center mark of the presser foot. Manually turn the handwheel to be more precise, at least at the start. To handle corners, which can be tricky, turn the handwheel so the needle is almost touching the label. Slightly lift the presser foot and position the needle as close as possible to the next edge. Stitch the needle into the label, turn your work, and continue on the next side. Don’t forget to backstitch on the last side (see video).
Sewing a Folded Label in a Seam
For labels inserted into a seam, the process is a bit different. You will baste your label before assembling the fabric. Choose your placement and pin your label along the fabric edge, right sides together. Again, temporary adhesive works well to hold your label in place during assembly. Then, sew your label by stitching within the seam allowance.
Once done, you can assemble your two pieces of fabric according to your pattern instructions. Your label will stick out from the seam, and that's it!
Sewing a Round Label
At Ikatee, we offer a round label. The principle is the same: choose the position of your label, hold it in place with temporary adhesive or by hand. Place it under your presser foot and lower it. This is where it gets tricky!
Sewing in a circle is not very easy. We recommend sewing your label by turning the handwheel of your machine manually. Start at the bottom for a more discreet start. Make your first stitch and leave the needle in the fabric. Lift the presser foot and slightly rotate your fabric.
Repeat this operation all around the label, maintaining the same rotation. For a neat finish, you can pull the threads to the back using a seam ripper. This will save you the tedious step of backstitching along a curve.
There are many other ways to sew labels; we trust your imagination: sewn on two sides, by hand, with crosses in the four corners. Anything is possible, and now that you know everything, it's time for you to get started!