2012 Holiday Tag-a-Long Tutorial

Well hello there and thank you for stopping by!  This tutorial will show you the basic construction process for the Tag-a-Long gift tags Amy & myself are making for Christmas. 

Step 1:  Download this free PDF for the templates.

Step 2:  Round up the following items:

• 2 pieces of fabric at least as large as the template PLUS 1/4" extra on all sides for seam allowance
• 1 piece of medium weight fusible interfacing large enough to trace the tag template
• Pencil
• Fabric scissors
• Matching thread
• Tool to turn out corners (I use a bone folder)
• Package of eyelets (3/16" or 4mm) including the hole-punch and flattening tools
• Hammer
• 12" length of ribbon or string

Step 3:  Trace a template shape onto the fusible interfacing. 

Step 4:  Cut along the drawn line and fuse the interfacing tag to the wrong side of one fabric piece.

Step 5:  Lay both fabric pieces right sides together and pin.  Start stitching next to the interfacing edge near the bottom of one side.  Continue sewing around the interfacing shape but leave a 3" opening along the side. 

Then trim away the excess fabric leaving a 1/8" seam allowance - EXCEPT for along the opening, leave a 1/4" seam allowance (easier to tuck in later).

Tip:  Sew a few reinforcing stitches at both ends of the opening to help prevent them from coming undone when you turn the tag right side out.

Step 6:  Turn the tag right side out and use your corner tool to shape the edges & corners.  The interfacing shape will make this job easier.  Tuck the opening seam allowance inside and press the tag.  Hand-stitch the opening closed.

Step 7:  (Optional)  Top-stitch around the tag 1/8" from the edge.

Step 8:  To attach the eyelet, first use the punch tool & a hammer to make a hole in the fabric.  Just eyeball the location.

Then insert an eyelet into the hole and use the flattening tool & hammer to secure the eyelet in place.

Step 9:  Thread a ribbon or string through the eyelet.

Step 10:  Attach your homemade tag to a gift for someone special!

A few side notes.

If you like to keep the back side of your tag neat and tidy, I recommend adding your embellishments to the front side of the tag BEFORE Step 4.  That said, some bulkier items like large buttons should be added after your turn the tag right side out, but maybe before you stitch the side opening closed so you can hide knots and things inside.  Just be careful to center your designs.

And don't be afraid to use glue.  It goes a lot faster than using a needle and thread, especially when you end up with more great ideas than spare time!

Comments

[Ferne]

This is so adorable and yet simple or simply adorable! Thanks for all time you put into it and for sharing. I think these would look great tied to homemade stockings or on jars of jam that I like to give then the recipient could hang them as ornaments the next year...fun!

[Andrea]

These are so stinkin' cute! Well, I guess that's another craft project to add to my very long list =) You are one talented lady!

[Bari Jo]

THANK YOU! Love this! Wouldn't this make a cute bunting, too, with all your tags and Amy's tags strung across it hanging over a mantle or shelf? :O) I always wondered how to do those grommets - thanks for the tutorial! Now I need to go find one! xoxo

[Vickie E]

gorgeous!

[Deborah Jennings]

I can see embroidering your name and address on these and using them for luggage tags, too. Thank you so much for sharing this. They are adorable!

[Terry Kessinger]

Thank you so much for this. I was trying to do something similar a couple of weeks ago and couldn't get consistency with getting more than one that looked right! This is very helpful.

[Eileen]

Well, I'm soooo late to this tag-a-long party! I love these tags! So cute!! Thank you for the tutorial! :)

[Sarah]

How cute! I will have to make these for the future. Great idea.

[Deborah]

These can be used for many things! Luggage tags for one. Just embroider your name and address on it. You can also use it for you stored items to name what is in the container.

[Betty Woodlee]

Love these tags. Such a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[Dawn]

Lovely tags and super tutorial. Thanks so much for sharing

Happy holidays x

[Monique]

I just found this..Thank you so much..Super cute.

[Nana K]

These little tags are fabulous. I have linked your tutorial to my post "10 ways to wrap with fabric". https://whatsnanamaking.com/10-ways-to-wrap-with-fabric/

[Madonna]

Great idea, and so easy to do. Plan to use up a LOT of fabric scraps for different holidays. Nice key tag too, maybe using something heavier than interfacing?