Creating inexpensive fabric labels

It seems there are two ways of creating your own labels -- iron-on transfer (via Grumperina) or laser/ink jet printing (via Soulemama). Choose the iron-on transfer if you wanted more unique ones (to include fiber content, washing instructions, size) or the laser printing for more generic ones (like for handbags).

Taking a cue from SouleMama (and I heard this is a common scrapbooking technique), here is how I make my labels:

1) choose a font , size and page margins until you have the maximum amount in two columns (need to allow room for seam allowances).

2) print on card stock/tag board (much easier to handle).

3) measure and cut out length of appropriate sized ribbon (I used rayon seam binding because that's what I had). The easiest way was to adhere a strip of masking tape along the edge (see picture) with only half of it behind the paper and the other half over the ribbon (if you're bad at pick-up sticks or Jenga place a coffee mug to hold the ribbon in place). Repeat for the other side. Make sure it lies flat and tight.

4) print and hold breath. Voila, instant labels! Since seam binding unravels a bit, I just leave on the card stock until ready to use. I left enough of a margin on both sides, I could just cut them without having to remove the masking tape.

**** Oops I forgot to add one last instruction...to heat set with an iron (press down first, and then start ironing to prevent smearing). I haven't put them through a machine wash, but it doesn't run when I scrub it in the sink. I used a laser printer, not sure if ink-jet printers are more water proof.