Woven Labels Direct

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Iron-on Labels Sew-on Labels Stick-on Clothing Labels

Sew-on vs Iron-on vs Stick-on Labels – Choosing The Right Label

When it comes to branding garments, the small details often make the biggest impact. Woven labels play a crucial role in not only serving as a marker of identity but also in enhancing brand recognition. At Woven Labels Direct, we understand the importance of finding the perfect label to meet your specific needs. This article delves into the key considerations you should make when choosing between sew-on, iron-on, and stick-on labels. Explore our range of name labels, craft and couture labels, and custom woven labels to find the best fit for your project.

On This Article:

Understanding Iron-On, Sew-In Woven and Stick-On Labels

Overview of Label Types

Labels are more than just fabric pieces; they are a testament to a brand’s quality and attention to detail. The choice between iron-on, sew-in, and stick-on labels often depends on the application process and the durability required.

Application Process

Each label type comes with its own set of application methods. Iron-on labels, for instance, require a heat press or iron to attach, making them convenient yet dependent on heat-sensitive materials. Sew-on labels offer a more permanent solution, demanding sewing skills for attachment. Stick-on labels provide a quick fix but are generally suitable only for temporary use.

1. Iron-On Labels

Explore the ease and efficiency of our woven iron-on and satin iron-on labels. These labels are perfect for quick applications, using a heat-activated adhesive backing that securely attaches to garments.

Convenience and Time-Saving

The main draw of iron-on labels is their ease of use. Simply position the label, apply heat, and you’re done. This process saves significant time, especially for large batches of garments.

if you do want to label smaller items, like handkerchiefs, socks, etc, you can buy a set of Iron-On labels to make sure all items are labelled well. – Labelbubble

Requirement of Iron or Heat Press Machine

Although iron-on labels are convenient, they do require access to an iron or a heat press machine, which may not be readily available in all settings.

Versatility

Iron-on labels are versatile, suitable for a wide range of fabrics and items beyond clothing, such as bags and accessories.

Back in the day, parents and grandparents would sew on labels to keep track of clothes, lunchboxes, and water bottles. But the days of time-consuming sewing is long gone. Technology has brought us other options like stick-on and iron-on tags. – Labels4school

Durability

When applied correctly, iron-on labels are durable and can withstand multiple washes, though they are generally less durable than sew-on labels.

Heat Sensitivity

One limitation is their heat sensitivity; not all fabrics can tolerate the high temperatures needed to apply these labels.

2. Sew-On Labels

Sew-on labels are renowned for their durability and longevity. They offer a professional appearance and a variety of customisation options, making them a favorite for high-quality garments.

Advantages

The sew-on method provides a secure attachment that is likely to outlast the garment itself, ensuring the label remains intact for the life of the item.

Stick on labels are easier to use and don’t require any tools, and you aren’t sacrificing any stickiness or quality. And the quick time it takes to apply vs. iron-on labels is a no brainer. – Leeleebles

Durability and Longevity

These labels are incredibly durable, capable of withstanding harsh washing and drying conditions without peeling or fading.

Professional Appearance

Sew-on labels offer a high-end, professional look that is often preferred for designer garments and luxury items.

Customisation Options

With sew-on labels, the options for customization are nearly limitless, allowing for unique fonts, logos, and intricate designs.

Permanent Attachment

Once sewn, these labels are permanently attached, ensuring they do not come off unless physically removed.

Disadvantages of Sew-On Labels

  • Time-Consuming: Sewing labels onto garments is more labor-intensive than ironing them on.
  • Sewing Skills Required: This method requires basic sewing skills, which may be a barrier for some users.
  • Limitations: They may not be suitable for all types of fabrics, particularly those that are too delicate to withstand sewing.

3. Stick-On Labels

Our super sticky name labels are ideal for non-clothing items. They are microwave and dishwasher safe, designed for items like lunchboxes and water bottles, and can last up to 20 washes on clothing.

For Temporary Use Only

Stick-on labels are primarily for temporary applications. They are easy to apply and remove, making them perfect for short-term use.

With so many easier and cheaper alternatives on the market today, you might be forgiven for wondering why anyone would choose sew-in name labels over iron-on labels or stickers. But the answer is quite simple: people tend to stick with what they know. – Mynametags

Bright Colours and Images

These labels often come in bright colors with the option to include images, helping to easily identify personal items.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Iron-On and Sew-In Woven Labels

When deciding between iron-on and sew-on labels, consider the following:

  • Garment Type and Fabric Considerations: Some fabrics may be better suited to one type of label over another.
  • Durability Requirements: Consider how long the label needs to last and under what conditions it will be used.
  • Branding and Aesthetics: The choice of label can affect the overall look of the garment and thus the brand image.
  • Application Time and Resources: Evaluate the resources available for applying the labels.
  • Reusability and Flexibility: Determine if the label needs to be removable or adjustable.
  • Cost Considerations: Factor in the cost differences between sew-on and iron-on options.

Where to go from here?

Choosing the right type of label for your garments involves understanding the unique characteristics, pros and cons of each type, and of course, also preference. At the end of the day, as long as you know what’s involved with each type, and their best application, you’re good to go!

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Stick-on Clothing Labels

Do Stick-on Clothing Labels Stay?

No. At least not permanently.

There you have it. Question answered. Blog post over.

Just kidding! That simple question has a lot more nuance to it—a lot of sub questions that need answering too:

  • Is there any use for stick-on labels?
  • What are the alternatives?
  • How can you get the best labels for your clothing?

We’ll answer these questions and more. So let’s dive in!

Contents:

View our Super Sticky Name Labels

Why do stick-on labels fall off?

Stick-on labels rely on adhesive. They are basically like stickers for clothing. Although the glue might be of a different nature than a typical sticker, it’s still glue.

Over time, it is going to wear off. The biggest culprit is washing. Every wash is going to dissolve the adhesive a little bit more. The exact lifetime of your stick-on clothing label will depend on the quality of the product, the clothing material and the temperature you are washing at, among other factors.

But the fact remains that they are only a semi-permanent solution. Eventually, they will fall off.

View our Super Fun Name Stickers

Are stick-on labels ever worth it?

Yes! Just because stick-on labels fall off doesn’t mean they are worthless. Woven Labels Direct wouldn’t carry them if they didn’t have viable uses. Here are some of the situations in which stick-on labels are a good option for you.

  • You only need the label temporarily. Obviously, you don’t need a permanent label for short term labeling. Maybe your child is going to camp for the summer and you need to label their clothing for a few weeks and no more, for example.
  • You will pass the clothes on. If you have multiple children or are planning to pass clothes on to a friend or sibling with kids, you probably don’t want to permanently label them. Stick-on labels are ideal for future hand-me-downs
  • You are labeling on a budget. Stick-on labels are about half the cost of permanent alternatives, like iron-ons. Sometimes, your budget is the biggest factor for you, and stick-on labels win in this case. Just make sure that you aren’t going to need to replace them so often that it actually ends up costing you way more than expected.
  • Your material doesn’t support other alternatives. Some alternatives we’ll discuss below, such as iron-on labels, just don’t work for certain uses. If you need to label a water bottle or plastic lunch box, for example, a stick-on label is ideal.

View our Funky Just-Stick Name Labels

Once you have the name tags in place, people you don’t even know will leave your son’s things on your doorstep, which will be a whole lot cheaper than replacing his wardrobe, bit by bit – Marguerite Kelly.

What are the best Quality Woven Labels alternatives to stick-on clothing labels?

If you aren’t in any of those situations, your best bet is to opt for a permanent solution. Specifically, you want woven clothing labels, which are available in iron-on, sew-in or rivvit-fastened.

  • Iron-on labels are applied directly to your clothing using a hot iron.
  • Sew-in labels are sewn in with needle and thread, or a sewing machine.
  • Rivvit-fastened labels are an alternative for people who don’t want to sew. Simply attach any sew-in label using one of our rivvit name tag fasteners.

View our Woven Iron-on Name Labels

When ironing on children’s name tags, you want to have high heat. On most irons, you can select three dots or a Linen/Cotton setting, or just turn the dial to maximum, before applying the iron. – Mynametags

What is a woven label?

Quality Woven Labels are created on a loom by weaving different colours of thread together. Stick-on labels, on the other hand, are typically printed directly onto paper or a plastic polymer.

Woven labels are simply the highest quality of clothing label available. They are more durable than printed labels and come with a more luxurious texture. Woven Labels Direct even manufactures custom woven labels that can be highly personalised for your individual needs.

Request a quote for Custom Woven Labels

Are iron-on clothing labels good?

Iron-on clothing labels are probably the best permanent alternative to stick-on labels. They adhere to most fabrics, are easy to apply and don’t rely on an adhesive that will wear off over time.

They can be as simple or complex in design as you need. They are the perfect choice for everyday name tags, but can also be highly customised for use by boutique shops and crafters. Gifting someone with new towels as a housewarming gift? Why not personalise them with a luxurious iron-on woven label? The possibilities are as endless as your creativity.

Make labeling school uniforms easy and permanent with our Iron-on School Name Labels

Do iron-on labels come off in the wash?

No. Our iron-on woven clothing labels are a permanent solution. This is because rather than relying on an adhesive, they contain a layer of filament that gets activated by the heat of the iron.

Essentially, the heating process causes the label to become part of the fabric. It’s not just stuck to the clothing, it is one with the clothing! This is why iron-on labels from Woven Labels Direct will still be there no matter how many times you put your clothes through the wash.

This means, of course, that you should only use them on items you really do want to be labeled forever. Once they are on, they are there to stay.

Permanently label your clothes with our Printed Iron-on Name Labels

Why are my iron-on labels not sticking?

The only caveat to the permanency of iron-on labels is proper application. If they are applied correctly to the appropriate materials, they will last forever. Here are some situations that might cause your Quality Woven Labels to fail to stick around permanently.

Too much moisture

Moisture is the enemy of clothing labels. It interferes with the bonding process and will cause the labels to not stick at all or to wear off over time. There are two approaches you need to take to ensure you avoid moisture during labeling:

  • Make sure your clothing is bone dry. Maybe run it through the dryer for an extra half cycle. If hang drying, allow it to dry overnight. You may also want to avoid applying iron-on labels during particularly humid weather.
  • Don’t use a steam iron. Iron-on labels are activated by heat, but steam from an iron will introduce moisture at the absolute worst moment. Ensure you are using an iron that allows you to disable the steam function.
Quality Woven Labels Australia 3
Our Printed Iron-on Name Labels are easy to apply and don’t fall of in the wash.

Dust and debris

Your Quality Woven Labels should be free of dust, lint, animal fur or other debris. If these come between the fabric and the iron-on filament, the bond might be incomplete.

You can avoid the problem by labeling clothes right out of the dryer, keeping the labels in their packaging until ready for use and applying a lint-roller to the fabric immediately before application.

Pilling material

Older items of clothing, or those made of materials that tend to pill (such as wool), are likely to fail to take an iron-on label well. The pilling fibres basically act the same way dust or debris would—they shield the label from forming a strong bond with the fabric beneath.

Quality Woven Labels Australia 2
View our Printed Iron-on Name Labels

Using iron-on labels with socks

Socks can be particularly tricky when it comes to adhering iron-on labels. Although they are usually made of appropriate material, the elastic band makes labeling difficult.

The elastic is meant to make the socks stretchier, easier to get on and better fitting. However, when labels are attached horizontally along the elastic, they can actually reduce the effectiveness of the band.

The solution is to attach the label vertically, along the height of the sock rather than the width. This allows the label to adhere well without disrupting the function of the elastic.

Quality Woven Labels Australia

When should I use a sew-in label instead?

Iron-on labels aren’t suited for every type of fabric. Since they are heat activated, you can’t use them on any type of clothing that isn’t iron safe. This is when a sew-in label is the right choice instead.

You should always check your clothing’s wash/dry instructions before attempting an iron-on label. Typically, the following items and materials are incompatible with the high heat of an iron:

  • Nylons and lightweight tights
  • Suede
  • Velvet
  • Leather
  • Spandex
  • Muslin

Even if your fabric is ironable, there may be a few other reasons that you choose a sew-in label instead. Many people just aren’t comfortable handling an iron, or are more at home with a needle and thread.

Or maybe you don’t have the right type of iron. Some irons only have steam heat functions, so they aren’t suitable for label adhesion due to the excessive moisture they create. It would probably be silly to invest in a new iron just for labeling some clothes, so a sew-in label is a better choice.

Quality Woven Labels
Our Personalised Satin Sewing Labels have an extra soft surface

Muslin is a cotton fabric of plain weave. It is made in a wide range of weights from delicate sheers to coarse sheeting. It gets its name from the city of Mosul, Iraq, where it was first manufactured. – Wikipedia

What if I don’t know how to sew?

If you can’t sew (or just don’t want to), you can use rivvit fasteners instead. These are simple to apply without any special tools. Effectively, they snap on and adhere your label to your clothing with pressure.

Buy Rivvit Name Tag Fasteners for an easy label application.

Shop Woven Labels Direct for high Quality Woven Labels, delivered Australia-wide

Woven Labels Direct has been producing woven labels for clothing since the 1980s. With decades of experience in all manner of labeling solutions, we are sure to have what you need.

Browse our Quality Woven Labels online or reach out on 08 9534 7527 and speak with one of our dedicated customer service associates for expert assistance finding the perfect label for you. Whether you aren’t sure if you need stick-on or woven labels, or you just want help choosing the right design, we are here for you!

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