Clothing labels are an important part of a brand's image. In this blog post, we take a look at the different methods of applying them.
If you are making garments for the first time, there will be many questions coming up, including how to sew on clothing labels. This is a crucial and often overlooked step in the production and personalization of apparel. Whether for commercial use or DIY projects at home, applying tags correctly is important for imparting care instructions and other vital information about your brand. First, you should consider where you will place the labels.
Where to Place Brand Labels on Clothes?
The exact placement depends on the type of garment or item. In general, they are applied at the back of the neck, in the side seam, at the bottom edge and on sleeves. Where they are placed is also dependent on the preferences of the manufacturer, seamstress or designer.
Back Neck area: Many textile companies sew labels in the neck area: either on the inside of the collar or on the upper back. This position is often used for care labels.
Side seam: Labels are often sewn into the seam on the side, either on the inside or outside of the item. This is a less conspicuous but accessible placement.
Hem: This is a popular place for tags, applied to the bottom portion of an item with a straight stitch, or folded around the bottom edge.
Sleeves: Patches and tags are often applied to the sleeves of tops and jackets. Because it is such a prominent location, it is optimal for drawing attention to your logo. The attachment methods are the same as for the hem.
Waistband: Sizing information is often affixed in this area, as well as laundry instructions.
Methods of Attaching Different Types of Labels
You will find a large selection of products in our label shop to personalize your clothing line: Custom clothing tags for machine sewing and hand sewing, as well as several types of woven and printed iron-on options. Let's take a look at the different ways that you can attach a label: sew-on, sew in and iron-on.
Sew-on
This method allows the label to be attached to a wide variety of different parts of the garment and can be used for printed satin, cotton and polyester labels.
Sew-in labels are a reliable and durable way of displaying your logo and information on most types of fabrics. Affixing them does require time and sewing skills which can can lead to slower production times.
Method: Sew on all sides of the label
How to sew on a garment label:
Mark the exact position with a tape measure or ruler.
Secure the label in the marked position with pins.
Using a sewing machine: Use pins to secure the garment label to the fabric at the marked point and sew in place on all four sides with a straight or zigzag stitch. If the pins get in the way, remove them during the sewing process. The short reverse cycle of the machine completes the round. The label is now attached to the base fabric. To enhance the effect, you can sew the label onto a contrasting fabric. This is then sewn onto the lining fabric with four stitches.
By hand: Thread the needle and tie a knot. Sew small, even stitches - like a simple back stitch - along the edges of the label.
Knot the ends of the thread and cut off any excess thread.
Image 1: Sew on all sides of the label.
Method: Sew Labels along the Short Sides
The second option is sewing on the left and right edges. Attach a pin to each side and sew on with a sewing machine. This type of attachment also allows customers to use the label as a hanger if applied inside the collar.
Image 2: Sewing on the left and right edges.
If you want to avoid a visible seam at the front of the tag, simply fold the two ends under and sew behind the label with a straight stitch.
Method: Attaching a Folded Label / Centerfold Label
It is also possible to sew the garment label to the bottom sewn edge of an item as a 'folded label' (see image 3). First, position the label so that it is straight and symmetrical. Then carefully align the edges of the label with the border of the garment. This will ensure that the label looks even and clean. Secure them by hand stitching or stitch along the top edges with your sewing machine.
Alternatively, you can order woven labels with perforations. They allow you to attach the label by hand with just one or two stitches on each side. This option is ideal for knit or crochet items.
Image 3: to sew the garment label to the bottom sewn edge of an item as a 'folded label'.
Sew in Labels - Stitching Tags into a Seam
With this method the labels are integrated during the manufacturing process, usually inside of the garment.
It is suitable for a wide range of fabrics, including natural and synthetic materials, and provides secure and long-lasting attachment. Unlike with an iron-on label, a sewn-on tag will not come off the fabric surface in the wash.
The label is applied between two pieces of fabric, with the customer folding the label in the middle. The fold must face outwards and the two ends must be in the opening between the two fabrics. A pin is then used to secure the two fabrics together. Use the straight stitch on the sewing machine to sew the two fabrics firmly together.
Image 4: Stitching Tags into a Seam
Iron-on Option for Fabric Labels
This method requires no special skills and is especially convenient for home use. Woven and printed labels treated with a hot melt adhesive backing can be applied with a heat press or hot iron in a matter of minutes: Just peel off the paper backing, cover with parchment paper and apply heat and pressure. However, the durability of this process can vary depending on the fabric and temperature.
They are a more permanent solution than than "peel and stick" (stick-on labels) labels but they can start coming off if washed on a warmer setting or if they have been applied to a coarser fabric. Iron on labels work best with heat-resistant fabrics such as cotton and linen.
The Best Way to Attach Labels on Clothes: Conclusion
The positioning and application of a label or tag can really make a statement about your products and brand to provide the perfect finishing touch. Labels can be applied to different parts of the outside and inside of clothing to provide important information about care instructions, materials and sizing, and to contribute to brand identity. Careful planning and selection is needed ensure that the label is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Background - Custom Labels for Clothes
The history of clothing labels shows their evolution from simple manufacturer's labels to comprehensive sources of information. Originally, they were used to identify the manufacturer and place of origin of a garment. In the 20th century, labels became increasingly important for monitoring production standards and rationing rules.
Today, the production of clothing labels is a specialized process involving materials such as fabric, paper and plastic, often using advanced printing techniques and digital integration.
Regulatory requirements play a key role in the design and application of apparel labels. In many places, such as the EU and the USA, labels must include information on material composition, care instructions and the manufacturer. These regulations ensure that consumers receive clear and reliable information and promote transparency in the textile industry.
Compliance with these regulations and careful production ensure that labels are functional, aesthetically pleasing and meet international standards.
