Customizing T-Shirts: Adding Personalized Tags In Easy Steps

Adding custom tags to a T-shirt is a great way to brand your apparel and make it look unique. There are several methods to add custom tags, including sewing, tagging, and attaching fabric without sewing. Sewing can be done by hand or with a machine, and it is important to note that folded labels cannot be attached with adhesive and must be sewn. Another option is to use fabric glue or double-sided heat press tape to attach the fabric without sewing. Iron-on labels are also an option, but it is crucial to ensure that the fabric is not heat-sensitive. Additionally, custom printed labels can be created using pad printing, screen printing, or heat transfer, with each method having its own pros and cons.

Sewing, without sewing, and tagging

Sewing:

Custom tags can be sewn by hand or with a machine. Sewing by hand is a good option if you have a lot of time and patience, but it is not recommended for large quantities of clothing. Sewn-in tags can be placed in various locations on a t-shirt, including the neck, sleeve, hem, pocket, or side.

Without sewing:

There are several ways to attach custom tags to a t-shirt without sewing. Fabric glue or double-sided heat press tape can be used to attach fabric to fabric. Iron-on labels are another option, but one must be careful to avoid using them on heat-sensitive fabrics. Self-adhesive labels, also known as peel-and-stick or stick-on labels, are easy to use and ideal for items that will not be washed frequently.

Tagging:

Tagging typically refers to price tags or hang tags, which can be attached using a tagging gun.

Pad printing, screen printing, and heat transfer

Pad printing is the standard print method for custom t-shirt tags. It is a quick and efficient process that yields highly detailed prints. However, it has limitations in terms of size and colour options, with a maximum size of 2.5" x 2.5" and a restricted colour palette of black, tonal white, and medium grey.

Screen printing, on the other hand, offers more flexibility in terms of colour and size. It can accommodate a larger print area of up to 4" x 4" and allows for a broader range of colours. However, it is less efficient in terms of time and materials. Screen printing is a well-known technique that has been used for custom t-shirts and other items for several decades. It involves pressing ink through a mesh screen onto the fabric, resulting in long-lasting and vibrant designs.

Heat transfer is another option for custom t-shirt tags, particularly suitable for fleece garments like hoodies and pullovers. It provides excellent image clarity on fleecy fabrics and allows for unlimited colours. However, it is more costly and time-consuming due to the transfer process. Heat transfer printing is a more recent innovation, gaining popularity over the last 20 years. It involves using heat and pressure to apply designs to t-shirts, either through vinyl or digital print methods.

Custom woven labels

There are a few things to consider when designing your custom woven labels. Firstly, keep the design simple, clean, and strong. Use bold font sizes of no smaller than 10pt to ensure legibility. If you are including your logo, make sure you choose a label size that can accommodate it along with any text. For care labels with lots of instructions, opt for a larger label size.

When it comes to the type of fabric used for woven labels, a woven satin textile is a popular choice. It is soft and shiny on both sides, won't irritate the skin, and can be easily folded and sewn into garments. The exposed edges of the labels can be finished to be non-fray and soft, ensuring they last through multiple washes.

You can also choose from different types of printing methods for your custom woven labels, such as pad printing, screen printing, or heat transfer. Each method has its pros and cons in terms of efficiency, colour options, print size, and cost.

Custom printed labels

Information to Include:

It is recommended to include the following information in your tag art: Company Name, RN#, Fabric Contents, Country of Origin, and Care Instructions. This ensures compliance with legal requirements and provides valuable information to your customers.

Tag Design:

Keep your tag art moderately bold, with a minimum type size of 3 points for pad printing and 6 points for screen-printed or heat transfer tags. You can go smaller, but anything less may not be legible, depending on the shirt style, ink type, and colour used. It is important to use an ink that doesn't show through to the back of the shirt, especially with light-coloured shirts.

Tag Placement:

Custom tags can be placed in various locations on the T-shirt, such as the back of the neck, the hem of the sleeve, or the bottom hem. When deciding on placement, consider the desired level of brand recognition and the overall design of the T-shirt.

Tag Creation Process:

The process typically involves selecting the material, size, and design of your label, providing any necessary artwork or logos, and specifying any additional details such as placement. The label manufacturer will then create a sample for your approval before producing the final order.

Tag Printing Methods:

There are several tag printing methods available, including pad printing, screen printing, and heat transfer. Pad printing is efficient and quick, offering great image clarity, but it is limited in size and colour options. Screen printing offers a wider range of colours and print sizes but is less efficient in terms of time and materials. Heat transfer provides the best image clarity on fleecy fabrics and allows for unlimited colours but is more costly and time-consuming.

Custom shirt tag removal and printing

There are several methods to put your own label on clothing, which can be broadly categorised into three types: sewing, without sewing, and tagging. Sewing can be done by hand or with a machine, but it is time-consuming and not ideal for large quantities. Sewn-in tags can be placed in the neck of the shirt, on the hem of the sleeve, or the bottom hem.

Another option is to use fabric glue or double-sided heat press tape to attach the tag without sewing. Iron-on labels are easy to use, but you must be careful not to damage the fabric with the heat from the iron. Stick-on labels, also known as peel-and-stick or self-adhesive labels, are another option that does not require sewing. However, they may eventually fall off in the washing machine.

When creating custom shirt tags, it is important to consider the content and design. Essential information to include is the company or brand name, country of manufacturing origin, and wash or care instructions. It is also recommended to include an RN number and fabric composition. The tag should be easy to read, with clear and legible text.

Additionally, the choice of ink colour is crucial. It is recommended to use an ink that does not show through to the back of the shirt, especially for light-coloured shirts. Pad printing, screen printing, and heat transfer are common methods for adding custom tags, each with its pros and cons. Pad printing is economical and offers great image clarity, but has limited ink colour options and a smaller print size. Screen printing offers a wider range of colours and print sizes but is more expensive. Heat transfer is ideal for fleece items and provides excellent image clarity on fleecy fabric, but it is a more costly and time-consuming process.

Frequently asked questions