anyone used inkjet fabric labels?

[MacEntyre]

I want to print labels onto fabric, to be sewn on. The ink has to be fast. The result has to be durable. Can't order them because I want to serialize the labels!

Anyone know how to get this done?

Thank you!

- MacEntyre

[VegaMike]

Forgive me if you've already searched but I found a blog entry with the search terms: inkjet fabric label

Make your own Labels Allyson Hill

[Frawg]

No clue on the DIY, sorry!

An alternative might be to outsource the labels, with space left on them for a serial number. Then you could embroider or use a hand stamp to add a serial number.

$.02

P.S. I'd be happy with "#4 -- Mac" hand scribbled with a Sharpie!

[mclmm]

Here's an unconventional idea. I have used it for T-shirts and I have no doubt it would work for calico as well.

Iron-on labels.

Create the label in photoshop or similar, mirror it so it's all backwards

Print em on your inkjet

Iron onto your calico

Cut em out and sew em in.

Iron-on transfers have a really bad rep, but my own experience has been very positive. I put an MCLMM patch (LFers will know what I'm talking about) on an OD t-shirt about 12 months ago. I wear and wash it regularly and it is still very readable. The patch is a black ink outline with some text.

A label will probably be a black ink logo with black text so it's all good. Multicoloured transfers don't last but line art and text in a single colour do.

Just something to think about.

Edit:

Because pictures talk and anecdotes walk...


Patch. Flash used.


Patch. No flash used


Sleeve transfers - no flash

[Perkolady]

I've made many bed quilts and I always put a label on them. Here's what I do... Maybe you can translate this over to what you want to do?

I take a piece of 'freezer paper' (bought at the grocery store in the ziploc/ baggie/alum foil section and cut it to the size of a reg copy paper (8.5x11 i think?). Then, I take a piece of the fabric I want to use (usually some cotton muslin) and iron the freezer paper onto the fabric, SHINY side onto the fabric.
It will stick nicely to the fabric. Then, put my printer settings on 'best', and I feed the freezer paper/fabric sandwich through the printer, making my label.

After I remove the freezer paper, I iron it again on high, which seems to set the ink.

Hope that might help...

[MacEntyre]

An alternative might be to outsource the labels, with space left on them for a serial number.

That's what I'm favoring...

I'd be happy with "#4 -- Mac" hand scribbled with a Sharpie!

...unless I do that!

[Frawg]

Here's an unconventional idea. I have used it for T-shirts and I have no doubt it would work for calico as well.

Iron-on labels. ... Just something to think about.

I like that look!

Perkolady, your DIY transfers sound pretty cool. Was thinking about putting my avatar on a shirt and will give your method a try.



(we return you to your regularly scheduled thread, now in progress...)

[MacEntyre]

All the textures on the pack itself are pretty rough... I am thinking of stitching in a piece of Tyvek and writing on it with a Sharpie. That might last a few years, if it is not in the sun.

At least that way I could sign it!

- MacEntyre

[nacra533]

I've got a friend who has this dye sublimation printing machine and does custom shirts and such. I don't know what it is, but I assume it sublimates the dye, which I think means the dye bonds to the fabric on a molecular level.
It prints photos on cloth almost as good as the photo and so far, it has withstood the normal fading from wash and wear.

If you are interested, pm me.

[MacEntyre]

All the textures on the pack itself are pretty rough...

What I mean by that is that they do not lend themselves to printing, because the surface is course. Hence, wondering about a label...

I just tried a Tyvek label on a prototype. If I could find green Tyvek, I'd be all set!

- MacEntyre