How To Easily Customize Your DIY Fabric Labels / Quick and Simple

diy custom editable labels Templett
CUSTOM FABRIC LABELS

If you’ve ever wanted to add a professional, personalized touch to your handmade items, custom fabric labels are one of the simplest ways to do it.

The problem? Traditionally, creating labels meant dealing with complicated design software, limited editable PDFs, or lots of back-and-forth trying to get things just right.

custom diy fabric labels

Good news — there’s now a much easier way.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to customize your own DIY fabric labels the easy way using an online platform called Templett.

You can change text, fonts, and colors right in your browser — no software downloads, no design experience required.

Whether you sew, quilt, crochet, or make handmade gifts, this method makes creating custom sew‑in labels quick, flexible, and actually enjoyable.

Benefits of Using Custom Sew-In Fabric Labels for Handmade Items
Adding a fabric label instantly elevates a handmade item. It turns a project from “homemade” into something that looks thoughtful and finished.

Custom labels are perfect for:

  • Quilts and quilt backs
  • Clothing and apparel
  • Bags and accessories
  • Crochet and knit projects
  • Handmade gifts
  • Small handmade businesses and Etsy shops

And the best part? When your labels are editable, you can reuse the same design again and again.

Try It Before You Buy

If you’d like to customize your own fabric labels, you can try one of my editable label templates using Templett.

The links are below, along with a full video tutorial that walks you through each step.

The link to try-before-you-buy is included in this listing.

fabric labels editing options

Why Editable Fabric Labels Using Templett Are a Game Changer

The biggest game changer here is Templett — an online template editor designed specifically for editable designs.

custom diy fabric labelsWith this method, you can:

  • Edit everything directly in your browser
  • Change fonts, text, size, and colors easily
  • See your changes in real time
  • Create multiple versions from one template
  • Download print‑ready files in minutes
  • No special programs. No font installs. No tech headaches.

And NO MEMBERSHIPS OR ADDITIONAL FEES!

Step 1: Open Your Editable Label Template

Getting Started with Your Templett Editable Fabric Label

After purchasing your label template, you’ll receive an email with a Templett access link.

Click the link to open your template directly in your browser.

You’ll see your label layout ready to edit — no downloads required.

This alone saves so much time compared to traditional editable PDFs.

diy editable fabric labels

Step 2: Customize the Text, Fonts, and Colors

How to Edit Fonts, Text Size, and Color on DIY Fabric Labels

This is where the fun starts.

Click on any text box and type in your own name, brand, care instructions, or message. From there, you can:

  • Change the font style
  • Adjust the font size
  • Choose colors that match your project
  • Fine‑tune spacing if needed
  • Everything is visual and intuitive, so you can see exactly how your label will look before printing.
DIY CUSTOM FABRIC LABELS

Step 3: Duplicate Labels and Create Variations

Create Multiple Custom Fabric Labels from One Template

Want multiple labels on one sheet? Or different versions for different projects?

Templett makes this easy. You can duplicate your label design, change only the text or color, and create as many variations as you want — all from the same template.

This is especially handy if you:

  • Make gifts for different people
  • Sell handmade items
  • Want different label styles for different projects
diy fabric labels

Step 4: Download and Print Your Labels

Best Settings for Printing DIY Fabric Labels at Home

Once your design is finished, download your file.

For fabric labels, a PDF usually gives the best print quality. You can then print your labels on:

  • Iron‑on transfer paper

You can print at home or take the file to a copy shop, whichever works best for you.

DIY FABRIC LABELS

Step 5: Cut and Sew Your Labels Into Your Projects

How to Sew Custom Fabric Labels into Quilts, Bags, and Clothing

After printing, cut out your labels neatly using scissors or a rotary cutter.

You can sew them into:

  • Seams
  • Quilt bindings
  • Bags, zipper pouches

This small step adds a beautiful finishing touch, making your handmade items feel truly complete and unique.

Why Editable Fabric Labels Are Worth It

Using Templet editable fabric labels gives you the flexibility you don’t get with traditional PDFs.

You can:

  • Update your labels anytime
  • Create new versions without starting over
  • Keep a consistent look across all your handmade items

You’re going to love this!

Custom fabric labels don’t have to be complicated or frustrating.

With this easy online editor and a reusable template, you can create labels that reflect your style and give your handmade projects a polished, professional look.

If you make your own labels, I’d love to see them!

Please tag me on Instagram @youmakeitsimple and show off your stuff!

DIY FABRIC LABELS

Have fun sewing!

jan3

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Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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Top 4 Heat Transfer Papers for Making Custom Labels

top 4 transfer papers

When it comes to making your own custom labels, knowing what kind of heat transfer papers are the best to use, is good to know.

As most of you know, I like to add labels to my crafts and sewing projects. Adding that little tag to your projects gives them a professional look, and is a great way to put your logo on items that you sell or give away as gifts.

what kind of transfer papers

There are a lot of different heat transfer papers out there, and they are NOT all equal in value or quality.

I have used several different types of papers out there to make my labels, and I wanted to try a few others to make sure I was getting the BEST.

So, I ordered a few other popular brands out there and put them all to the test.

In this post AND video tutorial that you can watch, I go over 4 different brands of heat transfer papers and give you all the details.

There are two types of transfer papers, one for LIGHT colored fabric and one for DARK colored fabric.

They each have different printing methods and applications, so make sure you buy the correct type of fabric for the t-shirt color you are using.

It’s also essential that you buy the correct type of paper for the printer you will be using (inkjet or laser printer).

There are a lot of inkjet papers available, and the laser printer paper is a little harder to find. Here is one that has good reviews. 

Here is one that 

(If you want help and directions for printing on DARK fabric, check out my tutorial HERE).

The four brands that I tested were all for using LIGHT COLORED FABRIC.

Heat Transfer Papers Tested Brands

Transfer Papers Testing Categories

  • Adherence
  • Backing Peel Timing
  • Clarity & Vibrancy
  • Sheen
  • Durability
  • Cut Edge Durability
  • Cost

CLICK ON THE PHOTO ABOVE TO GET THE PRINTABLE PDF CHART

 

Each type of transfer papers will have its own set of instructions. I encourage you to follow those instructions because each one will be different.

transfer papers ironTransfer Papers Adherence Test

When I tested how well the paper adhered to the fabric and how long it took, there were some significant differences. Here are the results.

The TAILER brand was the quickest.

Next was the Avery, Koala, and PPD took the longest to adhere. When I went to peel the PPD and the Koala, I had to reapply the iron because it had not quite adhered completely. This is something to be aware of. Depending on fabric type and iron heat, the transfer papers may not adhere the first time and all you need to do is reapply the iron for a bit more until it does adhere.

transfer papers peel

Transfer Papers Backing Peel Timing

Each paper had a bit different timing instructions for when to peel off the backing paper. (FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS).

  • Avery- Didn’t even mention how long before peeling the backing paper off.
  • Koala- Let the fabric cool completely before peeling the backing paper off.
  • PPD- Peel the backing paper while the fabric is HOT.
  • Tailor- wait 1-2 minutes to peel backing paper off
transfer papers clarity

Transfer Papers Clarity & Vibrancy

Here are the results for how well they looked after printing and applying to the fabric. There wasn’t a ton of difference, however, I did find the PPD was the poorest and the Avery the best.

  • Avery- The colors were bright and vibrant and the text was very clear.
  • Koala- Not bad
  • PPD- The colors were not as vibrant and the text was not so crisp.
  • Tailor-Good
transfer papers text

Transfer Papers Finished Sheen & Texture

Each of the papers left a different sheen on the fabric. This depends on the look and feel you want your labels to have. Some have more of a plastic feel to them, which I find helps with durability when using on items that will be going through the wash a lot.

  • Avery- Matt finish and a bit rougher in texture
  • Koala- Matt finish and a smooth texture
  • PPD- Slightly shiny finish with a thicker texture
  • Avery- Glossy finish and thicker texture
transfer papers washing

Transfer Papers Durability

This was a test to see how well the labels held up after being laundered. If you are applying labels to items that will be going through the wash multiple times, this is good to know. I have made labels using transfer papers that did NOT hold up well after washing. It is a big disappointment after spending time and money on something that doesn’t hold up.

Most transfer papers brands recommend WAITING 24 HOURS before washing the item after application. They also recommend turning the garment the wrong side out and using cold water when washing, and drying on a cool setting. (I just send my items through the wash on a regular permanent press cycle and I do run them through the dryer. They hold up just fine).

  • Avery- Unfortunately, this brand fared the worst.
  • Koala- Fair
  • PPD- Fair
  • Tailor- Best

Transfer Papers Cut Edge Durability

When it comes to making your fabric labels, there are a few different materials that you can use to make iron the label onto. You can use ribbon, seam tape, and regular cotton fabric. If you choose to iron the labels onto fabric, you’ll be cutting the fabric into strips. You want the fabric edges to hold up and NOT FRAY! If you use ribbon or something with a finished edge, you don’t really have to worry about this. You can also hem or finish the edges with Fray Check.

I prefer to use transfer papers that have more of a plastic feel because the cut edge is much more durable and great for the labels and tags I make for my projects. It’s all about preference.

  • Avery- This brand was the worst and did have significant fraying going on.
  • Koala- Not bad
  • PPD- Ok
  • Tailor- Best

Transfer Papers Cost

  • Avery- Most expensive $1.35 sheet
  • Koala- $.90 sheet
  • PPD- $1.00 sheet
  • Tailor- $.96 sheet

Transfer Paper Testing Final Results

Here are the results of my overall review. Again, it is all preference, but for my needs, in making labels for my projects Tailor was the winner and a product I have been using for several years with great results. Some of the labels I have made are over 5 years old and still holding up great after multiple washings.

#1 Tailor-BEST

#2 Koala

#3 PPD

#4 Avery

I found it very interesting that the Tailor brand is not real popular and somewhat hard to find on Amazon, and they have Avery being one of the top brands.

But after testing them side by side, I found the Avery wasn’t it all cracked up to be and that my tried and tested Tailor brand came out on top.

I hope this was helpful for you when you go to make your CUSTOM FABRIC LABELS.

LEARN HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN LABELS HERE

Other DIY tutorials you may be interested in:

How to Use Heat Transfer Paper | NO MIRROR IMAGE NEEDED

 

Have fun making your own labels!

jan3

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Picture of Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

Read More