DIY Gift Tags are so easy to make with all the pretty papers you can find today. Using fabric scraps to decorate these gift tags opens a whole new array of colors, patterns, and textures! No sewing is needed.
Remember the rag quilt Valentine runner I made earlier this month? The fabric with the red hearts on the black background makes a perfect background for a decorative gift tag. Just think of all the fabric scraps you have right now that would be perfect for a handmade gift tag!
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Although you can use fabric glue to adhere the fabric to the tags, using transfer web leaves a much more professional look. You can find transfer web at the fabric store or through the Amazon links I’ve shared.
Supplies Needed For The Gift Tag
- Tag Punch Board
- Decorative or Plain Cardstock
- Fabrics, ribbons, gimp, lace, buttons, and other decorative trims
- Paper trimmer
- Scissors
- Tacky Glue or Hot Glue
- Transfer Web
- Iron and Ironing board or Felt Mat
- Parchment Paper
How To Make The DIY Gift Tag
First, you need to cut a rectangle the size of the tag you want. In this case, the rectangle is 5-3/4 inches long and 2-3/4 inches wide.
Next, use the gift tag punch board to cut the gift tag. Click here to see the previous post ► for a step-by-step how-to. Don’t punch the hole yet!
The Transfer Web
First, you’ll want to lay the tag on top of the smooth paper side of the transfer web. Draw around the tag with a pencil. Cut out around the pencil line leaving a quarter or half-inch border. You don’t need to be precise here.
Notice, I’m using that felt mat again. I love how convenient it is for these little projects!
Lay the fabric scrap right side down on the felt mat. Be sure you have the pattern laying in the right direction right side at the top. In this case, the points on the hearts are facing downward.
Start by pressing the fabric with the iron on the wool setting. Don’t use steam with the transfer web.
Attaching The Fabric To The Tag
Then, lay the webbing with the glue side down on top of the fabric. Press with the iron for 10 seconds following the directions on the transfer web.
Cut outside the pencil lines leaving a quarter to half an inch around the tag. You don’t have to be precise here. The excess will be cut away later.
Pull off a large sheet of parchment paper and fold it in half. The webbing won’t adhere to the parchment and it will protect your felt mat or ironing board.
Let the fabric and webbing cool before peeling the backing off of the fabric. If the backing doesn’t come off easily, just press it with heat again, let it cool, and try again.
Then lay it on the parchment, glue side up. Center the tag on top of the glue webbing on the wrong side of the fabric.
Lay the folded parchment over the tag. Press the tag with the iron. The webbing will not stick to the parchment. The cardstock will adhere to the fabric.
Trimming The Fabric
Lift the parchment and remove the fabric-covered tag. Then, using sharp scissors, cut around the cardstock. Be careful not to cut the cardstock.
Punching The Hole
I was a little concerned about punching the hole with the hole punch on the tag punch board. First, I tried punching fabric with a 1/8-inch handheld punch we have. Believe it or not, the hole punch on the punch board worked better!
Place the top of the tag under the hole punch on the tag punch board and align with the centering lines. Press firmly and punch the hole.
Choose The Decorative Elements
First, gather ribbons, gimp, lace, buttons, and other decorative trims you have in your craft and sewing stash. I came across this Victorian boy keepsake that was purchased years ago. The green on the clothing contrasts nicely with the red. You can probably find something similar in the scrapbooking aisle at the craft store.
Searching through containers, I found the old bingo piece and the heart charm. Look through your jewelry box, button box, and your craft bins for options. Since this is a boy, I chose not to put any lace on it. It doesn’t really need it, does it?
Layout And Attach The Decorative Elements
Overlook that the hearts on the fabric are upside down! This was just a rough draft on a piece of fabric. I opted not to use the string of pearls and added some black buttons to the final piece.
If you have followed me for a while, you know that my favorite glue is Tacky Glue. Use the glue to attach the elements to the fabric-covered tag. It’s just that simple. Add a ribbon or string through the hole you punch and it’s finished! I love this tag! Hope you do, too!
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