How to Press the Pattern for Luggage Tags

You've cut out the fabric pieces needed for sewing your luggage tag project (see related eHow, "How to Cut the Pattern for Luggage Tags"). Here's how to press in the backing then turn and press the tag so you can take that trip with your new, personalized luggage tag.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Heavy duty craft backing
• Iron
• Ironing board or ironing cloth
• Sewing machine and notions
• Pencil eraser or orange stick
• Sewing scissors

1. Center and place the craft backing onto the wrong side of the tag fabric. Make sure the shiny side of the craft backing is facing the wrong side of the fabric and is facing toward the ironing board.

2. Follow the directions that came with the craft backing to adhere it to your fabric. In most instances, the manufacturer will tell you to press down in a single spot without moving the iron for a minute or possibly two. This will ensure the adhesive has time to bond with the fabric. Be sure not to slide the iron as you complete this process, but lift and press each section separately, then let it cool.

3. Fold your fabric in half, with the right sides together and press again. Be sure to match corners.

4. Stitch both sides with a 1/4 to 1/2-inch seam allowance, leaving a 1-inch opening at the end for turning. When sewing the sides, be sure to back-stitch the corners for strength. Trim the seam allowance and clip the corners to minimize bulk.

5. Turn the luggage tag right sides out and use a pencil eraser or orange stick to push the corners out, being careful not to push through the fabric. Fold in the selvages left from the 1-inch gap.

6. Press your luggage tag again and pay special attention to the corners and the 1-inch folded selvages.

Tips & Warnings

• The shiny material of the craft backing is what sticks to the fabric, so make sure it is not facing up when you heat it up with the iron.