Creating Custom T-Shirt Labels: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to make your own t shirt labels

Creating your own T-shirt labels can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you're a fashion designer, small business owner, or simply looking to add a personal touch to your creations, custom T-shirt labels offer a unique way to showcase your brand, creativity, and personality. With the right tools and guidance, you can design and create professional-looking labels that elevate your T-shirts and make them truly one-of-a-kind. In this discussion, we'll explore the process of making your own T-shirt labels, from choosing the right materials and methods to adding those special finishing touches that will make your T-shirts stand out from the crowd.

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Sew-in vs. iron-on labels

When it comes to making your own T-shirt labels, you'll need to decide whether to go for sew-in or iron-on labels. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on your specific needs and requirements.

Sew-in Labels

Sew-in labels offer versatility as they can be attached to almost any type of fabric, regardless of texture or surface characteristics. They are ideal for delicate or rough fabrics that might be damaged by the heat of an iron. Sew-in labels are also a good option if you want a permanent solution, as they are securely attached and less likely to come off during washing or regular use. However, they do require basic sewing skills and equipment, which may be a disadvantage if you don't possess these skills or have limited access to sewing supplies. Attaching sew-in labels can also take more time, especially if you're working with a large number of garments.

Iron-on Labels

Iron-on labels, on the other hand, are quick and easy to apply, making them a convenient choice for those who don't have sewing skills or equipment. They are also durable and can withstand regular washing and drying without coming off. However, they may not adhere as well to certain fabrics, particularly those with rough or textured surfaces. Iron-on labels are also more difficult to remove and can leave behind glue residue if they are peeled off.

Factors to Consider

When deciding between sew-in and iron-on labels, consider the fabric type, the purpose of the label, and the time and skills available for attachment. If you're working with smooth fabrics like cotton or polyester, iron-on labels are a good choice. If you need a label that can be easily removed or repositioned, sew-in labels are a better option. Ultimately, both methods can provide effective labelling for your T-shirts, and the decision depends on your specific requirements.

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Design and printing options

There are several options for designing and printing your own t-shirt labels. You can choose to design them yourself or use a service that offers custom labels.

Design Options

If you want to design your own labels, you can use a graphic design program such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop to create your desired look. You can include your brand name, logo, unique artwork, and even personalised messages.

Printing Options

Once you have your design, you can choose to print the labels yourself or use a professional printing service. If you decide to print them yourself, you will need to purchase the appropriate materials, such as iron-on transfer paper, and follow the instructions for your specific printer and materials.

On the other hand, using a professional printing service can offer higher quality results and more customisation options. For example, Dutch Label Shop offers custom woven labels with a minimum order of 30 labels. They also provide a money-back guarantee and allow you to review and adjust your design until it is perfect. Super Label Store is another option that offers an easy-to-use online designing process and premium-quality labels. They have a minimum order of 5 or 100 personalised clothing labels and provide fast production times of 4-12 business days.

Additionally, you can choose from various types of labels, such as:

  • Sew-on labels: These labels are sewn directly onto the garment and can be made from different materials such as satin, nylon, or woven damask.
  • Iron-on labels: Iron-on labels are easy to apply and can be ironed directly onto the fabric. They are made from durable polyester that stretches with the clothing and can withstand washing and drying.
  • Hang tags: Hang tags are attached to the clothing item with a string or plastic seal. They can include information such as the price, size, or brand name.
  • Care labels: Care labels provide instructions on how to wash and care for the garment. You can design custom care labels with unique care symbols and instructions.

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Brand recognition

Logo and Design:

A well-designed logo is essential for brand recognition. It should be simple, unique, and memorable. Consider using a bold logo with a 2-color design for your t-shirt labels. You can also add a simple graphic, text, or insignia that best represents your brand. The logo or design should be eye-catching and easily identifiable with your brand, creating a lasting impression on your customers.

Placement of Labels:

Strategic placement of labels can enhance brand recognition. The back of the neck label, or the main label, is ideal for including essential information such as the business name, personal name, address, or website. This label is typically informative. In contrast, the hem tag label, placed at the bottom hem or sleeve of the t-shirt, is perfect for brand recognition. Keep this label simple and focused on showcasing your brand.

Consistency and Professionalism:

Consistency in the design and placement of your t-shirt labels is crucial for establishing a strong brand identity. Ensure that your labels are professionally designed and produced to create a polished and cohesive look across your t-shirt line. Consistency in the use of colors, fonts, and other design elements will help customers easily recognize your brand.

Quality and Durability:

The quality and durability of your t-shirt labels are essential for maintaining brand reputation. Choose high-quality materials, such as woven fabric, printed fabric, or leather, to ensure that your labels last even after prolonged use and repeated laundering. This will not only ensure that your branding remains intact but also maximize its impact and visibility in the marketplace.

Customization Options:

Take advantage of the various customization options available for t-shirt labels. You can choose from different materials, colors, sizes, and shapes to create unique and eye-catching labels. Consider using hang tags, which are not only informative but also highly visible to customers. They provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your brand and product information, making your t-shirts retail-ready.

By following these guidelines and leveraging the power of custom t-shirt labels, you can effectively build and strengthen your brand recognition, creating a lasting impression on your customers and fostering brand loyalty.

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Care instructions

The care label is an important part of a t-shirt, providing essential instructions for washing, drying, ironing, and bleaching, and helping to maintain the garment's quality. Here are some detailed care instructions to follow when creating your own t-shirt labels:

  • Washing Instructions: The washing symbol, which resembles a side profile of a tub with waves, indicates the type of washing cycle required. Look out for the normal washing symbol, permanent press symbol, or delicate cycle symbol to determine the appropriate cycle for your t-shirt. Always refer to the fabric type when choosing a water temperature—cold water is generally safest.
  • Bleaching Instructions: The bleaching symbol, a 180-degree triangle, indicates whether bleach can be used and how to care for the fabric. A normal bleach symbol (an empty triangle) means you can use any laundry bleach. A non-chlorine bleach symbol (with two lines in the triangle) recommends avoiding chlorine bleach. A no bleach symbol (with an X through the triangle) means you should not use any bleach.
  • Drying Instructions: The drying symbol, a square with a circle inside, represents a simplified dryer. The standard symbol indicates that the t-shirt can be put in the dryer. A "do not tumble dry" symbol will have an X over it, while a "hang to dry" symbol will have a convex shape on top of the square as if it is hanging. A "dry flat" symbol will have a single line in the middle of the box, often indicating natural fibers.
  • Ironing Instructions: The ironing symbol looks like an iron and usually includes instructions about the temperature level. A cool temperature symbol has one dot inside, a warm temperature symbol has two dots, and a hot temperature symbol has three dots, suitable for thick and resistant fabrics. If the label has a no ironing symbol (a cross over the iron), avoid ironing the t-shirt.
  • Dry Cleaning Instructions: If professional care is recommended, it will be indicated near the washing symbols. The normal dry cleaning symbol is a square with a small circle inside. A "do not dry clean" symbol will have an X across it. The dry cleaning symbol may also be accompanied by a letter specifying the type of solvent to be used by professionals.

Remember to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the longevity of your t-shirts.

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Size and placement

The size and placement of your t-shirt label are important considerations, and will depend on several factors, including the amount of information you need to include, and where you want the label to be positioned.

Firstly, the amount of information on your label will dictate its size. A simple logo label or icon label will be smaller than a label that includes a logo, brand name, and care instructions. The more information you include, the bigger the label will need to be.

The type of label you choose will also impact the size. For example, a neck label will be longer and thinner, whereas a standard brand label can be square or rectangular.

The placement of your label is also key. Neck labels are a great way to brand a t-shirt, and work especially well for outerwear like hoodies. You can also place a label on the outside of the t-shirt, perhaps on the sleeve, to make the brand easily visible. Alternatively, you might want to place the label inside the t-shirt, at the back of the neck, or along the hemline. This is a good option if you want to include care instructions or sizing information.

When deciding on the placement of your label, it's important to consider the shape and size of the t-shirt, and where the label will look best. You should also think about whether you want the label to be sewn in or ironed on, as this may impact the positioning.

Frequently asked questions

Custom clothing labels are a great way to add a personal touch to your clothing line and elevate your brand. They can also be used to add important information such as care instructions, size, and country of origin.

There are two main types of custom clothing labels: woven labels and printed fabric labels. Woven labels are typically made from polyester thread and are woven on Jacquard looms to provide high levels of detail and quality. Printed fabric labels can be made from various materials such as satin or nylon and are often used for care instructions and branding.

You can design your own clothing labels using an online label maker or design tool. These tools allow you to customize the size, shape, colour, and finish of your labels, as well as add your own logo or artwork.

The minimum order quantity for custom clothing labels can vary depending on the supplier. Some suppliers offer low minimum quantities, such as 5 or 30 labels, while others may require a minimum of 50 or 100 labels.

The cost of custom clothing labels can vary depending on the supplier, the type of label, the quantity ordered, and any additional features or customisations. Prices can start as low as $69 for 5 to 10,000+ pieces, while more premium options can start at $17 for 30 woven labels.

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  • Byeon
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