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How Woven Labels Are Made: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by Denise Newton
03
Aug

Everyone knows how important clothing labels are. They carry essential information, such as:

✔ Fabric content (e.g., cotton, polyester, wool)
✔ Care instructions (washing, drying, ironing)
✔ Sizing details
✔ Brand logos and identity

But have you ever wondered how woven labels are actually made? Unlike printed labels, which have ink applied to fabric, woven labels are created using threads intricately woven together to form the design.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through how woven labels are made—from design creation to the final product.

Step 1: Artwork Creation

The first step in creating a woven label is designing the artwork. This is where brands decide:

✅ The label size and shape
✅ What colors will be used
✅ How the logo or text will be incorporated,
✅ If any space is needed for folds or sewing margins.

An image displaying various woven label folding options, including straight cut, end fold, center fold, miter fold, Manhattan fold, and loop fold. Each label type is shown with its unique fold style for branding and garment attachment.
Clothing Label Folding Options

How to Create Woven Label Artwork

There are multiple ways to design a woven label:

✔ On a computer – Using software like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or Photoshop
✔ By hand – Sketching the design manually before digitizing it
✔ Using a mobile app – Many designers use apps to create vector-based files

File Formats for Woven Labels

Most woven label manufacturers, including us at Rapidtags™, require high-resolution vector files to achieve the best results. The preferred file formats include:

📂 .PDF (Portable Document Format)
📂 .CDR (CorelDRAW File)
📂 .AI (Adobe Illustrator File)
📂 .EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)

Ensuring your artwork is high-resolution helps maintain sharp details and accurate color representation in the final woven label.

Step 2: Creating a Stitch File

Once the artwork is finalized, the next step is to convert the design into a stitch file.

What Is a Stitch File?

A stitch file is a digital file that translates the label design into a language that weaving machines (looms) can understand. It tells the loom exactly:

🔹 Which stitches to use
🔹 Where to place each thread
🔹 How the colors should be layered

This is a crucial step because woven labels are not printed—they are created by interweaving different colored threads, requiring precision and accuracy.

Step 3: Setting Up the Loom

Once the stitch file is ready, it is loaded into the loom. The loom is the specialized machine that will weave the label from threads.

🔹 Technicians enter the stitch file into the loom’s control panel
🔹 The machine reads the design and prepares the weaving pattern
🔹 Threads are set up according to the color and design specifications

The setup process ensures that every woven label is produced consistently, maintaining high quality across different batches.

An image displaying a sample of a digital stitch file, showing a detailed design layout used for woven label production. The file includes stitch patterns, thread paths, and color mapping for precise loom weaving.

Step 4: Running the Loom

Now, the weaving process begins!

Depending on the type of woven clothing label, different looms may be used. The most common types include:

Types of Looms Used in Woven Labels

🧵 Broad Loom – Used for wide labels or bulk production
🧵 Needle Loom – Ideal for smaller, more detailed labels
🧵 Air Jet Loom – Uses air to propel threads at high speed for efficiency
🧵 Shuttle Loom – A traditional loom that allows intricate weaving

The type of loom used depends on the label size, level of detail, and desired finish.

👉 Want to see the process in action? Check out our video of looms weaving woven labels!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 5: Finishing the Label

After the woven label has been produced, it goes through a finishing process to prepare it for attachment to garments.

Close-up image of a 50 denier woven label, showcasing fine thread detail, smooth texture, and high-definition weaving for crisp text and intricate logo designs.
50 denier Woven Damask Clothing Label

Common Woven Label Finishing Options:

✔ Straight Cut Labels – Clean-cut edges, ready to be sewn onto garments
✔ End Fold Labels – Folds at both ends for a neat look
✔ Center Fold Labels – Folded in the middle, often used for size and care labels
✔ Miter Fold Labels – Angled folds, often used in luxury brands
✔ Manhattan Fold Labels – A unique fold for added durability and style

Each fold type serves a different purpose depending on the garment type and brand preference.

Pro Tip: Choosing the right fold and finish ensures your labels not only look great but also stay securely attached to your garments.

Things to Consider When Designing Woven Labels

When designing a woven clothing label, keep these important factors in mind:

1️⃣ Limit the Number of Colors

Unlike printed labels, woven labels use threads instead of ink. Too many colors can:
❌ Make the design difficult to weave
❌ Increase production costs

We recommend sticking to 3-5 colors for the best results.

2️⃣ Choose the Right Label Size

Labels should be big enough for readability but small enough to fit discreetly on garments.

3️⃣ Think About Placement

✔ Inside the collar?
✔ Along the side seam?
✔ Outside as a branding element?

Placement affects design, fold options, and how the label is sewn on.

4️⃣ Prioritize Durability

Woven labels are long-lasting, but the right fabric type and weave density ensure they withstand washing, wear, and friction.

Final Thoughts: Why Woven Labels Matter

Woven labels are an essential part of branding and garment production. Unlike printed labels, they:

✅ Look more premium and professional
✅ Last longer, even after multiple washes
✅ Create a high-end feel for fashion brands

Now that you know how woven labels are made, you’re ready to choose the perfect label for your clothing line!

At Rapidtags™, we specialize in:

✔ Custom woven labels for clothing brands
✔ Heat transfer and printed labels
✔ Branded hangtags and care labels

📞 Need help with your labels? Call us at 877-438-8247
📧 Email us at sales@rapidtags.com

Helpful Links & Resources

🔗 Order Custom Woven Labels
🔗 Different Types of Woven Labels Explained
🔗 How to Choose the Right Clothing Label for Your Brand

Helpful External Resources

For more in-depth information about woven label regulations, textile certifications, and care labeling standards, check out these trusted resources:

  1. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Guide on Textile Labeling – Learn about legal requirements for fiber content, country of origin, and manufacturer identification on textile labels.

  2. Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 Certification – This globally recognized certification ensures that textiles are free from harmful substances, promoting consumer safety and sustainable production.

  3. GINETEX – International Association for Textile Care Labeling – The organization responsible for standardizing textile care labeling symbols worldwide, ensuring clear and consistent garment care instructions.