Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Good woven labels for knitted garments are soft, lightweight, and do not restrict the fabric’s stretch. The best options are damask or satin with ultrasonic cutting or woven edges, smaller in size, folded in the middle and sewn into a seam. For knitted sweaters and scarves, the label is sewn by hand or with elastic stitching to avoid puckering the knit.
Why woven labels for knitwear require a special approach
Knitwear—such as jersey, ribs, interlock, and sweater knits—stretches, while woven labels stretch very little. A large label sewn around the entire perimeter creates a “rigid window” in the elastic fabric, causing puckering, seam distortion, and discomfort. Additionally, knitwear is often worn directly against the skin, so label edges are more noticeable.
Which label suits each knitted garment
| Garment | Fabric | Fold | Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirts, jersey tops | damask or satin | folded in the middle | seam of the neckline |
| Sweatshirts, hoodies | damask | folded in the middle or folded ends | neck or side seam |
| Leggings, sportswear | soft satin, small size | folded in the middle or envelope fold | side seam or waistband |
| Knitted sweaters and cardigans | damask | folded ends or flat | back yoke, hand-sewn |
| Knit hats and scarves | damask or taffeta | folded in the middle or flat | seam or outside |
| Baby knitwear | satin | folded in the middle | side seam |
Size: smaller is better
For knitwear, the label should be as small as possible without losing legibility. A narrow label folded in the middle and sewn into the seam hardly affects stretch, as it is attached at only one point. A wide label sewn on all four sides restricts the fabric. If you want a large brand label, place it where the fabric stretches less—such as the back yoke under the neckline with a reinforced tape on a sweater.
Edges and comfort
Knitwear is worn directly on the skin and moves with the body. The label edge must be soft:
- Woven edge – the softest option, with no cut edge.
- Ultrasonic cut – thin, flexible sealed edge.
- Hot knife cut – harder edge; better avoided for necklines and underwear.
How to sew a label on knitwear
In an overlock or cover stitch seam
The fastest and easiest method: fold the label in the middle, place it between two fabric layers, and secure it when sewing the neckline or side seam. This avoids extra stitching on the elastic fabric.
Sewing onto the fabric
If the label must lie flat, sew only the two short sides, not the entire perimeter. Use a ballpoint needle for knitwear to avoid breaking loops, and elastic or narrow zigzag stitch. The thread should be polyester in the label’s colour.
Hand sewing on knitwear
For knitted sweaters, especially hand-knitted ones, sew the label by hand with a few loose stitches at the corners and middle of the short sides. The thread passes through the loops, not the yarn strands, to avoid splitting. This allows the label to move with the knit.
Heat-seal labels on knitwear
Heat-seal labels can be applied to some knit fabrics, but the adhesive stiffens the area and reduces stretch. This is not recommended for very elastic fabrics without prior testing. If you want to avoid stitching, test the press, temperature, and fabric before production.
External label on knitwear
Many knitwear brands place a small woven label outside—on the hem, cuff, or corner of a scarf. Here the label is a branding element and must be securely sewn on both sides to avoid catching. For heavier knits, leather labels are an alternative that works well on coarse knits.
Size and care labels
Knitted garments usually have three labels: brand, size, and care. Sewing them in different places creates stiff areas. A better solution is grouping: brand and size labels side by side in the neckline seam, and the care label in the side seam where the fabric stretches less. Another option is to weave the size directly on the brand label for small collections with few variants.
Washing and care
Knitwear is often washed at low temperatures and delicate cycles. Polyester woven labels withstand these conditions without significant shrinkage, unlike some natural knits. If the garment is wool and shrinks with improper washing, the label keeps its size and may slightly “stand out”—another reason to keep it small and attached in one seam only. Care information is best placed on a separate care label; see more options in the woven labels section.
Common mistakes
- Large label sewn around the perimeter on elastic fabric.
- Hard edge cut with a hot knife on a T-shirt neckline.
- Regular needle that breaks knit loops.
- Heat-seal label on very elastic knit without testing.
Woven labels for knitwear by Polkom
Polkom manufactures woven labels in sizes, fabrics, and folds suitable for knitwear and crochet. With over 30 years of experience as a manufacturer, we can advise you on the most comfortable option for your designs. Send an inquiry with your product details.
