I've mentioned before about my love for using printable fabric to make labels for my rugs and other hooked items....but lately I've been trying to come up with a new way of attaching them. The problem I seem to have is that the cut edges fray -- whether they are straight-cut or pinked....and I find folding them back to be very awkward and they never seem to press easily (or perfectly straight). None of that really much matters now -- since I came up with a new way of attaching them today: ultrasuede.
Basically I used a fabric glue stick to baste them in place on the Ultrasuede.....(next time I think I will try to use some sort of 'wonder under' or other two-sided fuser, for more stability long-term)
Then I sewed around the outside, using a wide stitch, to attach them more permanently. I tried just a regular zig-zag first, but when it was a little puckery, I tried a herringbone-like stitch....and found it worked a lot better. After they were sewn in place, I simply trimmed away the excess fabric, leaving a border of about 1/4" of Ultrasuede on all four sides.
And, they were ready to attach. Since Ultrasuede is durable and doesn't fray, it's easily and neatly sewn by hand to the back of a rug (I use a glover's/leather needle and matching Upholstery thread). I have the distinct feeling that there will be a lot more labels like these in my future....
P.S. The text is a little blurry when you click on the pictures, but if you want to read the care instructions, here's a clipping from my Photoshop file....(you can click on it to enlarge)