Print Your Own Tags

[Former_Member]

Does anyone print their own tracking tags for labeling children's items? I am interested in doing this. I can obviously find fabric easily enough that would be CPSIA compliant, but was unsure about the ink...

[Former_Member]

CYMK ink cartridges used in ink jet printers are exempt. So if you can get pre-made printer ready fabric (try Jo*Anns or WalMart) or make your own you're all set to print your own labels.

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

I print my own CPSIA sew in labels, and my cardstock hangtags. I purchase woven ribbon FTC labels and size labels from North West Tag.

[Former_Member]

You know....all along I was considering trying my own I thought the fabric would be the easy part. The more I think about it, though, and read about the fabric that goes into inkjet printers it doesn't seem like it would be exempt because they are coated with something. What have you found about this?

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

They are fine, if they weren't the CPSC wouldn't tell us we could use them. If you follow the directions to set the ink, you are basicaly washing out anything that was put on them to adhear to the paper backing. Test them at your own expense if you want to.

[Former_Member]

I would like to print my labels but wonder how to finish the edges so I can sew them onto knit items and not have the label ravel when the item is washed.

I've printed pictures on this type of fabric and it ravels

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

I use pinking shears to cut them out.

[monkeyandfriends]

If you want to take the time, after you print them and set the ink you could stitch close to the printing of each row leaving room to cut between them. I think pinking works fine. I use starch before I cut them, that seems to help keep it stable while I'm handling it.

[Former_Member]

Thanks, I'll try pinking shears

[BrieAndVessie]

Does the label stay in good shape after washing? I just purchased the June Tailor colorfast fabric sheets and on the back it says not to use detergent when washing. I assume that is because the label will fade.

That defeats the purpose for me because I make bibs, burp cloths etc that get washed A LOT! :)

Any help would be appreciated!

Thank you,

Kathy

[Former_Member]

Kathy, I know--that is the only reason I shied away from the June Tailor fabric--just that it wasn't totally colorfast. Other brands are if you want to check out. Thanks so much for all the great tips! I love the idea of stitching out the rows first then using pinking shears! A+ I can't wait to try out my own. My next batch of goodies will have my homemade labels on them.

[Former_Member]

I've used Bubble jet to prepare fabric for printing and printed on purchased bubble jet fabric. It is colorfast

Does the June Tailor fabric mean not to use detergent when doing the initial washing to remove excess ink? or never to use detergent - then how to clean?

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

Well, what the heck??? Oh well, I guess they will be as colorfast as the labels that are sewn in the back of my bras!!!