Manufacturer · Fashion Accessories
Custom fabric labels are labels with your name, logo or message, made to order from satin, cotton or taffeta, or as a woven label. For handmade clothing, knitwear, bags and accessories they turn the item into a recognisable branded product. Most often a small label with a name and a mark is chosen, sewn into a seam or along the edges, in a soft material that does not get in the way when worn.
Why custom fabric labels matter for small brands
With handmade products the customer buys not just the item but also the story behind it. The label is where that story stays visible after the purchase. It:
- shows that the item comes from a serious, if small, workshop;
- helps the customer find you again – by name, website or social media profile;
- sets your products apart at markets, fairs and multi-brand shops;
- can also carry the mandatory information when you sell through retail.
What to write on the label
The small area demands discipline. Most successful handmade labels contain one of the following combinations:
- brand name + a small mark;
- brand name + "handmade";
- brand name + website or profile;
- maker's name + city.
Avoid putting everything on one label. If you need the composition and care instructions, they belong on a separate care and composition label or on a hang tag, where there is also room for a short story of the item.
Materials according to the type of product
| Product | Suitable label |
|---|---|
| Knitted hats, scarves, jumpers | Cotton tape or a soft woven label, sewn along the edges |
| Baby clothes and fabric toys | Soft satin with softly finished edges |
| Bags, totes, backpacks | A woven label or a leather label on the outside |
| Dresses, blouses, shirts | Satin or woven label at the neck |
| Home textiles – blankets, cushions | A mitre-fold label in the seam or cotton tape |
An outside flag label
A popular technique in handmade work is a small label sewn into the side seam, the pocket or the hem on the outside – like a little flag. It makes the brand visible without getting in the way. A centre-fold label about 10–15 mm wide with the logo only on the visible part is suitable for this. The woven version looks the most refined, while cotton goes well with natural materials.
How to look professional on a small budget
- Use one main design for all products – one order instead of several.
- Choose a neutral tape colour (white, black, natural) that goes with all yarn and fabric colours.
- Order a reasonable quantity that will cover several months of work – the label set-up is spread over more pieces.
- Simplify the logo – a single-colour mark is more legible and easier to produce.
How they are sewn onto handmade products
On knitwear the label is sewn on by hand with thread in the colour of the yarn and with a stitch that is not too tight, so as not to pucker the knit. On sewn products a centre-fold label is inserted into the seam while it is being sewn. If the item is already finished, an end-fold label sewn on with two short seams is more convenient. For items that are not washed often, such as bags and decorations, iron-on labels can also be used, but thread is always more secure.
Mistakes with the first order
- Text that is too long and requires a very small font.
- A stiff synthetic label on a soft knitted hat.
- A low-resolution logo taken from social media.
- A label wider than the seam or cuff where it should sit.
- Skipping the sample – the material turns out different from what was expected.
Labels and selling in shops
If you sell only in person and at fairs, a name label may be enough. But as soon as your products go into shops or online platforms, textile products must carry fibre composition information under Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011. It is also advisable to add care symbols according to ISO 3758. Plan these labels together with the brand label so that they look like one style.
When it is time to move from standard to custom labels
Many makers start with ready-made "handmade" tapes without a name. They do the job at first but do not build a brand. A good moment to change is when customers start asking where the item is from, when you are preparing your first collection for a shop or when you start selling online. Then a label with your name pays off with every item that stays in the customer's wardrobe.
The label as part of the packaging
With handmade products the experience starts at unboxing. The fabric label, the hang tag and the packaging can repeat the same colour and mark. If the label is natural cotton with a dark logo, choose kraft card and string in a similar tone. If it is black satin with gold text, a dark box and ribbon go well. This consistency costs little but makes a small brand look finished and memorable. Think of the label as the first element of the visual identity, not a technical detail at the end of the process.
Custom labels from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer of custom fabric labels with more than 30 years of experience. We work with brands of all sizes – from ateliers to manufacturers. We help with the choice of material and size, make a sample and deliver throughout Bulgaria and the EU. Minimum quantities depend on the article – send your name or logo via Contact and we will suggest a suitable option.
