How to Make Woven Labels
An apparel business often requires the owner to wear many hats, such as designing a woven label for an upcoming collection. The label must be appealing to potential customers and also include pertinent garment information, such as the company name and logo as well as fabric content. Apparel manufacturers must receive a registration number, referred to as an RN number, issued by the Federal Trade Commission. Garments will not be purchased by retailers without this numerical code, which verifies the company as an apparel manufacturer, distributor or importer of textile, wool or fur.
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Things You'll Need
- Graph paper
- Drafting pencil
- Ruler
- Scanner
- Personal computer
- Graphic software program
- Font letter type
- Label fabric (your choice)
Instructions
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Draw an outline of the woven label’s width and length on the graph paper with a drafting pencil and ruler. Keep in mind that irregular-shaped labels will cost more to manufacture. A rectangle or square shape will lower the cost. It is also important to remember where the label will be stitched in the garment, as well as the dimensions of the area. For example, blouse manufacturers will often stitch the woven label onto the fabric or in between the collar and blouse seam.
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Scan the outline into your personal computer’s graphic design program. Save the outline in a separate file for future label production.
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Outline the finishing ends for your label with the linear drawing tool. The finishing ends refer to how the label will be stitched. It also dictates where the seam allowance is positioned. The folded label, which folds the label in half, has information on both sides of the fold. The seam allowance is placed at the top and at the bottom of the label. The end-fold label is stitched on each end and the seam allowance is often turned in for a clean finish. It has information on one side only.
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Choose a font letter type, keeping your company logo in mind. It is also important to select a font that is readable. For example, if your logo uses a romantic-style italicized font such as “Edwardian Script” or “Lucida Calligraphy," choose a font such as “Lucinda Console” for your information. You will also have to select either a regular or bold type set.
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Choose your label’s color story, such as the background and font color. Select colors that are complementary to your company and logo color story palette. Although graphic design software varies, most programs allow you to use a color- fill tool, which paints a designated area like the background and allows you to type in a selected color as well.
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Type your information, such as the garment size, fabric and trim content, washing instructions, manufacturing country of origin and RN number, within the woven label outline frame. Do not type in the seam allowance area. Leave room for your company name and logo. Save your woven label in a separate file.
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Frame your company logo with your program’s framing tool feature and superimpose it onto your woven label. The company name and logo must be in a prominent location on your label, especially if the logo is your brand’s selling feature. Save your woven label in a separate file.
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Choose your woven label’s fabric such as twill, damask, taffeta, or a single- or double-faced satin. Keep your budget in mind when selecting the fabric.
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Save your label in a separate file and back up your information in the format your label manufacturer requires. The manufacturer will most likely request an email transmission.
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Tips & Warnings
Manufacturers will often bypass size and washing instructions for very small woven labels by purchasing pre-constructed generic size and washing labels, such as “S," “M,” “L” and “Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low. Light iron."
Look through your closet as well as the local mall and review your favorite labels. Look at the label’s hanger appeal, which is a term used for retail garments that look appealing to potential customers on a hanger. Compare it to your design and make necessary style adjustments.
Although the letter type font size averages an 8- to 9-point size, the information must be clear. A retail store will return your merchandise and cancel your order for illegible woven labels.
References
- “Layout Workbook: A Real-World Guide to Building Pages in Graphic Design”; Kristin Cullen; 2007
- “Graphic Design: The New Basics”; Ellen Lupton and Jennifer Cole Phillips; 2008
Resources
- Photo Credit Karl Weatherly/Photodisc/Getty Images
