Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Labels on a roll are a continuous printed tape that the factory cuts itself as needed – by hand with a hot knife or on a cut-and-fold machine. Cut labels arrive ready to sew, already sealed at the edges and folded in the chosen way. A roll is more convenient for high volumes and automated production, while cut labels suit ateliers, small runs and factories without cutting equipment.
Labels on a roll – what they look like and how they are used
On a roll, the design repeats at a set interval (the repeat) along the whole length of the tape. Between the labels there is a mark or a blank space that tells the machine or the operator where to cut. The roll is placed on a holder next to the cutting machine, which feeds it, cuts the labels to an exact length and folds them if required.
If the labels carry variable data – different sizes or articles – they are printed on the roll in the order in which they will be used, or on separate rolls for each variant.
Advantages of a roll
- Speed in series production – the machine cuts and folds quickly, with no manual counting.
- Less waste – you cut exactly as many as you need today.
- Compact storage – rolls take up less space than bags of cut labels.
- Flexible folding – with your own machine you can choose the fold to suit each style.
Disadvantages
- You need heat or ultrasonic cutting equipment.
- Inaccurate cutting can slice through the text.
- Cutting by hand is slow and uneven for large quantities.
Cut and folded labels
Cut labels are delivered as individual pieces, usually grouped in packs by variant. The edges are sealed during production and the label is folded exactly as it will be sewn in. The sewing operator simply picks up the label and inserts it into the seam.
Advantages
- No machine needed – suitable for ateliers and small brands.
- Consistent cutting and folding, done by the manufacturer.
- Easy distribution by style and size when the packs are labelled.
Disadvantages
- Finishing increases the price per piece.
- Bulkier storage.
- The fold is fixed when you place the order.
Quick comparison
| Criterion | On a roll | Cut and folded |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment in the factory | Cutting (and folding) machine | Not needed |
| Suitable for | Series production, high volume | Ateliers, small runs, samples |
| Flexibility | High – cut as needed | Low – fixed format |
| Sewing time | Depends on the machine | Minimal – ready to sew |
| Storage | Compact | Bulkier |
How textile labels are cut
Textile tape frays if it is cut with ordinary scissors. That is why the edges are sealed:
- Hot knife – melts the synthetic fibres and fuses them together. A fast, reliable solution for most synthetic tapes, although the edge can become slightly stiffer.
- Ultrasonic cutting – vibrations heat the tape only along the cutting line. The edge is softer and thinner, so this method is preferred for labels that touch the skin.
- Cold cutting – used only when the edges will be hidden in the seam or folded under.
Cotton tapes do not melt, so their edges are usually hidden by folding or finished in another way.
What to specify when ordering labels on a roll
- Tape width and the length of one label (repeat length).
- Cut mark, if your machine uses a sensor.
- Winding direction – print facing out or in, and which end comes off first.
- Core diameter and the maximum roll diameter your machine accepts.
- Number of labels per roll and how the variants should be distributed.
If you are unsure about any of these parameters, send a photo or the model of your machine. That way the rolls will fit first time.
Organising rolls in the factory
Labels on a roll save time only if the factory is well organised. With several styles and sizes, rolls are easily mixed up, and a wrong label in a finished batch means unpicking and lost time. A few simple rules help:
- Every roll should be clearly marked with style, size, colour and batch – on the outside and on the core.
- Rolls for the current order should be kept separate from the reserve.
- When changing a roll, the operator should check the first cut label against the job card.
- Leftover rolls should go back to the store with the count noted, so you know when to reorder.
With cut labels, labelled packs play the same role. Ask the manufacturer to pack by variant with a label on each pack – a small detail that saves hours of sorting.
Which to choose
If you sew in series and have, or plan to buy, a cutting machine, the roll is more economical and more flexible. If you are a brand that has garments made by an external factory, or an atelier with small runs, cut and folded labels will save you time and mistakes. For standard care and composition labels used across the whole collection, a roll is especially convenient. For an overview of all label types, see our labels category.
Printed labels on a roll and cut from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer and wholesaler of garment accessories based in Sofia with over 30 years of experience. We supply printed labels on a roll or cut and folded, with your logo, sizes and composition, across the EU. Minimum quantities depend on the article. Describe your production in an inquiry via our contact page and we will suggest the right finishing.
