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!