I’m sure all of you are done with buying and making your Christmas gifts (unlike me!), but if you’re still looking for a cute little something, might I suggest an applique luggage tag? It’s perfect for the wanderluster in your life, and you can customize the applique silhouette to their interests! It doesn’t take long to whip up and is a lovely homemade gift. Read on for the step-by-step instructions and printable template.
1- First things first, gather up your materials. You’ll need:
-sturdy fabric to make up your base
-fabric for your applique
-clear vinyl
-tissue paper
-matching thread
-needle
-sewing machine
-pattern which you can download HERE
For both the base fabric and the applique, I used naugahyde (fake leather) so that it would stand up to the wear and tear of travel. You don’t need much, either, I had a 1/4 yard of each and I had more than enough! I’ve included the silhouette I used, but you can always draw your own in the blank template to make sure it fits. Some fun ideas could be a crown, a heart, or their initials. Go wild!
2– Use the pattern to cut out two tag shapes from your base fabric. These will make up the body of your tag. Cut out one rectangle shape from the clear vinyl using the template. This will become the slot that houses your information in the tag.
3– Use the silhouette pattern to cut out one shape from your applique fabric.
4- Pin this silhouette onto one of the tag shapes. Using your matching thread (or contrasting for a different look!), neatly hand stitch around the edge of the shape, making sure it’s secure.
5- Using the pattern, cut out the long rectangular strip. This will make up the loop of the luggage tag. Feel free to make this longer than the pattern, as the longer it is, the easier it is to take on and off.
6- Fold in the two long edges of the rectangle about 1/4 of an inch and iron flat. Test out your iron on a piece of scrap fabric first! If it burns it, you can sew your edges in rather than ironing them down. Then, fold your rectangle in half lengthwise again so that you have a long, skinny strip of fabric. Sew this down the middle.
7- This is what you should have so far!
8- Place your rectangle of vinyl on top of the base of the tag without embellishment, making sure to line up the bottom edge. Place a sheet of tissue paper on top and pin down. This will allow the vinyl to go through the sewing machine without any trouble! Stitch along the three dashed lines in the pattern. This makes the slot for you to put your information card in.
9- Fold your strap in half and place it between the two tag pieces. Make sure that the outsides are facing each other! Sew the top edges together, leaving the bottom open.
10- Flip the tag right side out. This is what you should have!
11- And this is what the back should look like.
12- Fold in the bottom edge of the tag and stitch it down. And voila! You’re done. This would make an absolutely lovely gift paired with a travel journal or make an airplane survival kit with an eye mask, earplugs, and a nice hand lotion (under 3 fl oz of course)! Or you could always keep it for yourself ;)
