Cotton Labels vs. Satin Labels: Which Option is Right for You?

When it comes to adding a professional touch to your handmade items, choosing the right type of custom fabric label is crucial. Labels not only help with branding but also convey important information about your product. 


At EverEmblem, we offer two primary types of labels: cotton and satin. Each has its own unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different applications. In this blog, we'll explore the key differences between cotton and satin labels to help you decide which is the best fit for your creations.

Cotton Labels: Durability and Versatility

1. Material and Feel

Cotton labels are crafted from high-quality, finely woven white cotton fabric, backed with a light layer of lamination to prevent fraying. 


They are printed in full color with permanent textile ink, giving them a natural and soft feel. 


The texture of cotton labels adds a handcrafted touch to your items, making them ideal for a wide range of products, including quilts, blankets, crochet, knits, and embroidery.

Custom fabric key fobs with EverEmblem cotton sew-on labels. Polka dot designs on pink and yellow fabric. Ideal for handmade crafts branding.

2. Durability

Cotton labels are known for their durability and can withstand multiple washes, making them ideal for frequently laundered items such as clothing, blankets, and accessories. 


They can be produced as label sets (with a laminated backing to prevent fraying) or as larger single labels with either laminated backing or as traditional unbacked quilt labels with a seam allowance for turning under. 


The laminated backing ensures that the edges do not fray over time, maintaining a clean and professional appearance.

Comparison of fabric labels with and without backing. Left: no backing, edges fraying. Right: sew-on backing, no fray. EverEmblem custom labels for handmade items.

3. Customization Options

At EverEmblem, our cotton labels come in various sizes and can be customized with your logo, text, or personal design. 


Cotton labels are available in flat and folded options, with backing choices including sew-on, standard iron-on for yarn, and heavy iron-on for fabric. 


Additionally, cotton labels are printed in full color, allowing for vibrant and detailed designs. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from personal projects to small business branding.

EverEmblem custom fabric labels on handmade crochet coffee sleeve and yellow polka dot key fob. Perfect for branding handmade crafts and accessories

4. Applications

Cotton labels are versatile and can be used on a wide range of products, from fabric and crochet clothing and quilts and knit blankets to bags and home decor items. 

Their natural look and multiple size and shape options make them a favorite among crafters who prefer a classic aesthetic. 


Cotton tags are especially popular for sewing labels, quilt labels, and crochet tags. Whether you are labelling handmade garments, crafting quilts, or adding a finishing touch to crochet items, cotton labels provide a durable and attractive solution. 


With their laminated backing, their edges do not need to be turned under, saving time and allowing even beginners to use cotton labels like a pro.

EverEmblem custom fabric labels on various handmade crochet items and polka dot key fobs. Personalized labels for branding knit and crochet crafts
"A label is a small touch that makes your handmade item uniquely yours"

Must Have Cotton Labels for Smaller Projects

"A label is a small touch that makes your handmade item uniquely yours"

Satin Labels: Elegance and Sophistication

1. Material and Feel

Satin labels are made from a white, smooth, and shiny satin polyester ribbon, giving them a luxurious and elegant appearance. These labels are perfect for products that require a touch of sophistication, ensuring that your creations stand out with a high-end finish.


The glossy finish of satin labels adds a premium feel to any item, making them ideal for high-end products. The satin material is not only visually appealing but also incredibly soft to the touch. This makes satin labels especially suitable for garments and accessories that come into direct contact with the skin, ensuring comfort alongside style.


The durability of satin ribbon means these labels maintain their appearance over time, even after washing. The sides of the ribbon are woven do not fray; satin labels retain their shine, keeping your brand looking pristine. Additionally, satin labels can be designed with intricate details, making them perfect for showcasing fine print, logos, or detailed brand information with exceptional clarity.


Satin labels communicate quality and attention to detail, reinforcing the premium nature of your handmade products.

EverEmblem custom satin sewing labels displayed with a colorful quilted pincushion and sewing tools. Ideal for branding handmade quilts and crafts

2. Durability

Satin labels are not only elegant and sophisticated but also durable and washable.


They are ideal for handmade items like quilts, baby blankets, and accessories that benefit from a softer, more refined touch.


To keep your satin labels looking pristine, we recommend washing them on a delicate cycle using mild detergent. Avoid using additives like OxiClean or fabric softener, as these can affect the label’s appearance. This care routine ensures that your items retain their luxurious look even after multiple washes.


Additionally, strong agitation or rubbing on the printed areas can cause the ink to fade. Therefore, we do not recommend using satin labels on items where this might happen.



EverEmblem satin label with washing instructions sewn into fabric. Text reads ‘Machine Wash Delicate, Tumble Dry Low, Snuggle Often.’ Ideal for personalized care labels

3. Customization Options

Satin labels are printed with black ink on white satin ribbon, designed to fold and sew into seams or binding. 


They offer a sleek, polished look that enhances the overall presentation of your product. The contrast of black ink on white satin creates a striking and professional appearance. 


Satin labels are available in multiple sizes, from tiny scrunchie labels to larger labels for quilts and blankets. You can have them printed with your logo or personalize one of our many templates to suit your needs.

EverEmblem satin labels in various sizes clipped with colorful sewing clips. Ideal for branding handmade goods. Beautiful labels for well-made products.

4. Applications

Satin labels are commonly used in apparel, blankets, scrunchies, and fabric accessories.


They are popular for labeling items for businesses as you can get many labels at an economical price.


Because satin labels have a cut raw edge that needs to be sewn into a seam or turned under to prevent fraying, they are best suited for fabric items with a seam or binding.


Knit or crochet items are harder to use satin labels on, as the top and bottom edges of the label must be turned under or sealed with fray check to prevent the ribbon from unravelling. 


Satin labels are perfect for adding washing instructions to the back, ensuring your customers know how to care for their items. 

EverEmblem custom satin label sewn into a handmade item. Text reads ‘Handmade with ♥ by Christina Adams.’ Ideal for personalizing and branding crafts

Best Satin Labels for Smaller Projects

Conclusion

Both cotton and satin labels have their unique advantages and can significantly enhance the look and feel of your handmade products. At EverEmblem, we offer a variety of customization options to ensure your labels perfectly match your brand and product requirements. Whether you choose cotton for its durability and natural appeal or satin for its elegance and sophistication, you can be confident that EverEmblem labels will add a professional touch to your creations.


For more information or to place an order, visit our website at EverEmblem


Happy crafting!

Comparison of cotton vs. satin sewing labels, including printing, application methods, sizes, prices, durability, and ideal uses. Care instructions included. EverEmblem logo.