Guide to Making Embroidered Bag Tags (+ Free Pumpkin Bag Tag File)
Struggling to get the perfect edges on your embroidered bag tags? Want to try them, but wondering what material to use and what supplies to buy? In this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to get perfect edges every time. We’ll cover how to choose stabilizer, fillings, design files, and fabrics for every project.
What are embroidered bag tags...?
→ These are fun little in-the-hoop projects that feature a button-hole style loop on them so that you can attach them to bags, purses, backpacks, beach bags... any bag you can think of, you can add a personal touch to it with a bag tag.
I’m a beginner, are these a beginner-friendly project?
→ Provided you have the right materials, yes! Bag tags don’t have to be a big hassle project. This guide will give you all the tools you need to make bag tags easily.
Do I need expensive materials to try this?
→ No! In fact, in this guide we’ll cover where to get inexpensive supplies. You definitely don’t need a $20 roll of water soluble stabilizer. You can get started making bag tags for just a few dollars.
All that being said... let’s try it!
Choosing Stabilizer
Tearaway: tearaway embroidery stabilizer, generally available at local fabric stores (~$15)
Pros:
→ It’s very sturdy, offers additional stabilization to your project, and you likely already have some on hand to work with!
Cons:
→ It will leave little traces sticking out of the stitching when you peel the tag out of the hoop. You can counteract this by using a lighter to burn away little fuzzy bits leftover, but it is easy to scorch or discolor your thread.
Water Soluble: Plastic-type (not the mesh type!) water soluble stabilizer, available at select fabric stores or online (~$20)
Pros:
→ It will wash away completely when you’re done, no traces left. If there are small tricky corners in your project, this could be an ideal option.
Cons:
→ It’s more expensive than other options, and is harder to find in-store.
→ Depending on the type or brand, it may be slippery, and therefore difficult to tape or adhere your project to.
Plastic: Plastic drop-cloths from a hardware store, or a plastic shower liner from dollar tree ($1.50)
Pros:
→ Very cheap and easy to find in multiple stores.
→ Does not leave behind any leftovers, the plastic simply disappears inside the stitching
Cons:
→ Easy to accidentally tear, which can be mitigated by choosing a heavier-duty plastic, or simply using a double layer
→ Can leave tiny plastic pieces on your needle and surrounding area. These will build up and need to be cleaned off periodically.
Once you’ve chosen your stabilizer, it’s time to choose your filling!
Choosing a Batting/Filling
A batting or filling layer gives structure and thickness to your bag tag and really makes it stand out. Choosing the filling for your tag depends on what sort of project you are making and how you intend to use it. For a more rigid and structured tag, consider craft foam. For a less rigid tag that’s still thick and feels high quality, you can use quilt batting (several layers if desired) or even leftover fleece scraps. This can be paired with cutaway stabilizer to add even more structure.
Also consider the design itself when choosing your filling. For example, these back-to-school tags or this gingham jack o’ lantern work well with the quilt batting method, because the lines serve as additional reinforcement for the tag.
Craft Foam or Embroidery Foam: Available at almost any craft store, craft foam works just fine for bag tags. It does not have to be specifically labeled “embroidery foam.” They are actually both just EVA foam (though the quality does vary).
Pros:
→ Cheap, and available at many stores
→ Comes in a variety of colors to match your project
→ Makes a very thick and sturdy final product
Cons:
→ Leaves behind significant traces that stick out of final stitching. To counteract this, you’ll need to choose a foam color similar to your thread color, and use a heat gun or other heat source to shrink the foam back into the stitching.
→ Foam will dull your needle faster than other projects. You will need to change your needle more often when working with it.
Quilt batting: Any variety of quilt batting or even scraps of fleece can be used to lend thickness to a bag tag. These can be found at most fabric stores, or at thrift stores for very cheap. Batting works well for tags that have more intricate or stitch-heavy designs that wouldn’t show up as well on foam (such as this gingham jack o’ lantern).
Pros:
→ Good way to use up quilting or fleece scraps that otherwise would be thrown away.
→ Plentily available second-hand for a more eco-friendly option.
→ Cheap and available at a variety of craft or fabric stores.
→ Can be paired with cutaway stabilizer for more structure. (Note: this will not be the main stabilizer, it will be part of the filling. You will cut the excess away after the trim stitch of your project.)
Cons:
→ It is generally pretty fuzzy (batting more so than fleece), so extra care will need to be taken to ensure none of it is sticking out of the final stitching. This can be solved by pre-cutting rather than cutting in place, trimming very close to the trim stitch with applique scissors, or by trimming away fuzzy bits after the tackdown stitch.
→ Usually creates a thinner tag than foam, so you may need to use several layers to achieve your desired results.
Choosing Outer Fabric
There are almost infinite choices here, so the limit is really your imagination. However, the most common choice is quilting cotton. Almost any fabric will work (we even used minky for this jack o’ lantern!). To avoid frustration, choose a fabric that doesn’t fray too much, or stabilize the fabric to avoid fraying. You can use whatever you have on hand - bag tags are a great way to use up scraps!
Choosing a Design File
Whatever stabilizer and filling combo you choose, the most important part of a successful bag tag is the actual design itself. Bag tag files must be specifically digitized for this purpose to achieve clean edges.
Look for designs that have been tested by the digitizer or that have good reviews with photos. If the satin stitch at end of the file is not dense enough, you will have fabric and batting poking through. However, if your file isn’t dense enough to cover the edges properly, you can run the satin stitch twice for more coverage.
And now, the fun part!
Materials: we are using plastic stabilizer, 2mm EVA foam, and quilting cotton.
Note: before stitching your tag, make sure your bobbin thread matches your top thread. (Yes, it is okay to wind a bobbin with top thread. It does not need to be the thinner bobbin thread.)
1) Run the placement stitch. Remove hoop from the machine and tape foam and fabric to the stabilizer.
2) Run the trim stitch. Do not trim away excess fabric yet.
3) Run the detail stitching. Optional: at this point, if you would like to add any personalization to the tag such as an initial or name, skip ahead and stitch that before proceeding. This way, it will not show on the back of the tag. Otherwise, proceed to step 4.
4) Remove the hoop from the machine and tape fabric to the back of the stabilizer, right side facing out.
5) Run the second trim stitch.
6) Trim the excess fabric away from the top and bottom, but do not trim the foam. (If you are using batting, go ahead and trim the batting.)
7) Run the tackdown stitch. At this point, if there is any excess batting sticking out, you can use a small pair of scissors or other small tool to push it back into the blanket stitch or trim it away. If you are using foam, this will not be a concern.
8) Run the cover stitch.
9) Peel the bag tag out of the hoop. If you are using foam, peel the excess foam away and use a heat gun to carefully heat up the edges of the foam until it shrinks back into the stitching. Be careful not to apply excess heat, or apply heat anywhere except the edges, as this may shrink and deform the foam, causing your tag to pucker. (Photos show before and after heating)
10) Use a small pair of scissors, a seam ripper, or an awl to punch out the hole for the ribbon or attachment of your choice.
