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Gift Tags, In-the-Hoop

Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.

Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.

Attach an in-the-hoop gift tag to presents for all occasions, including Christmas, weddings, and more. They're a great way to label your gifts, plus add a unique, personalized look.
 
Project Needs & Notes:

- 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" good-quality quilter's cotton (Kona) for front
- 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" cotton muslin for back
- Tear-away stabilizer
- Medium-weight (2.5 ounce) cutaway stabilizer
- Temporary spray adhesive (Gunold KK100)
- 1/8" wide ribbon
- Fabric marker
- Craft knife

The designs featured in this tutorial include:
- X0263, Wreath & Ribbon Gift Tag (In-the-Hoop)
- X0288, 'Tis the Season Gift Tags (In-the-Hoop) Design Pack

This project was featured in the following:
 Trim the Tree Trunk Show Video
 
Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
In-the-hoop gift tag designs have one full embroidery file and two dielines.

Dieline files are marked with the letters DL. They're used to cut the fabric to the right shape and size.

Open the dieline files with embroidery software and print them.

 If you do not have embroidery software, Wilcom's TrueSizer is
a free program to use.
Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
Begin by cutting the fabric for the front of the tag.

To do this, spray a piece of cutaway stabilizer with temporary adhesive. Smooth the quilter's cotton on top.

Place the paper template for the front of the tag on top.
Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
Cut out the shape.

Repeat for the back piece, using the printed back dieline, cutaway stabilizer, and cotton muslin.
Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
Now that the fabric and stabilizer pieces are cut to the proper shape and size, it's time to embroider the design.

Hoop a piece of tear-away stabilizer.

Use a size 11 sharp sewing needle in the machine rather than an embroidery needle.

A sharp sewing needle is the best choice when embroidering in-the-hoop designs.

Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
Use a size 11 sharp sewing needle in the machine rather than an embroidery needle.

A sharp sewing needle is the best choice when embroidering in-the-hoop designs.
Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
Attach the hoop to the machine and load the full embroidery design (not the dieline).

 Begin embroidering the design.

 Reference the color change sheet for the design as you stitch. That sheet tells you what is stitched in each step.

The first step -- CC1 -- is an outline stitch, or dieline, that traces the shape for the front fabric piece.
Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
After the dieline has sewn, remove the hoop from the machine, but do not unhoop the stabilizer.

Spray the stabilizer side of the front fabric piece with temporary adhesive.
Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
Place that piece right inside the outline / dieline.
Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
Continue embroidering the design.

A running stitch tack-down will sew next around the outer edges of the fabric piece. This holds the fabric in place during the embroidery.
Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
Then, the inside elements of the gift tag will sew.
Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
Reference the color change sheet as you stitch.

When you reach the step that says "back piece tackdown," stop the machine and remove the hoop. Turn it over.

 Spray the stabilizer side of the back fabric piece with temporary adhesive.

Place that on the back of the embroidery, right inside the shape.
Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
The next parts to embroider will be seen from both the front and back of the tag. Wind a bobbin with the same thread used in the top.
Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
Attach the hoop to the machine and continue embroidering the design.

For some designs, a zigzag or tack down will sew. This will attach the back fabric to the holder.

 If the design you're using has a blanket stitch border, an "E" stitch (or blanket stitch) will sew instead.
Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
Next, an eyelet will sew. This is where the ribbon is added later.
Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
When the design is finished sewing, remove the hoop and unhoop the stabilizer.

Gently tear the stabilizer away.
Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
Use a craft knife to cut a small hole in the eyelet. Be careful not to cut any of the stitches. 

Thread ribbon through the eyelet. Tie a knot in the ribbon at the outer edge of the tag.

Use a fabric marker or fine point pen to write a greeting.
Free project instructions to make in-the-hoop gift tags.
Add a sweet look to any gift with in-the-hoop gift tags. Great for Christmas, or even weddings, canning jar tags, and more!

Gift Tags, In-the-Hoop




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Products used in this Project:
Light and Lovely Gift Tag (In-the-Hoop) $3.49 - $3.99

Available in 2 Sizes:

2.89" x 4.76" | 2.35" x 3.87"
Reindeer Gift Topper (In-the-Hoop) $3.99

Available in 1 Size:

3.72" x 3.73"