free tutorial - how to make fabric gift tags

I love adding a little something handmade to any gift that I give and one of the easiest ways to do that is with a fabric tag.  Because they are so quick and easy to put together I will usually make a few extra to use whenever I need them.

I put together an easy tutorial for these fabric tags to share with you today.  Even if you are not a
sewer, you can make these.  All it takes is a bit of glue and a straight stitch on your sewing machine and you're good to go.

Here's the supply list.

1.  2.5 x 5 inch shipping tags.
2.  cotton fabric
3.  a glue stick
4.  a sewing machine set to a straight stitch

Cut one rectangle of fabric at 2.25" x 3.25" and one rectangle of contrasting fabric at 2.25" x .75".    I use a rotary cutter and make one long 2.25" strip of each color and cut them down to size.  (Note - if you are making two tags cut one rectangle at 2.25" x 4" out of two fabrics.  Stack them on top of each other and cut three quarters of an inch off the bottom, leaving you with one large rectangle and one small rectangle.)

Using a glue stick, attach the fabric to the tag along the center to hold it in place while sewing.  (If you are not a sewer you could glue them down well along the edges and use them like this, but if you have access to a machine the stitch adds so much cute detail).

Stitch around each of the rectangles a couple of times.  I purposely don't sew in a straight line because I like the look of wandering stitches so don't worry if yours aren't perfect.

And that's it. I told you they were simple and so adorable.  It's easy to make several at a time and stash them away for use later.  They make a cute stand alone gift if you bundle four together and wrap some colorful bakers twine around them or flip one over, write your sentiment and use it as a birthday or special occasion tag.

I love easy crafts like this don't you?  I hope you'll give them a try and let me know what you think.

And if you love the idea of a handmade gift tag but not the making part of it, I've listed a few sets of four tags (plus the trims you see in the pretty package above) in my shop all ready to wrap a gift or two of your own.

I can think of so many things to wrap up in them like gift cards, jewelry, baked goods or a small journal to name a few.  Mother's Day is just around the corner and what a pretty package that would make for your mother or daughter.

xo, Patty

If you like making these tags then I know you'll enjoy making my mini fabric flags and for some inspiration, how to wrap a pretty package.