FAQs

Find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions of small business owners, crafters, and designers who are new to ordering custom labels

How to design a woven label (focusing on file types, colors, and text size)

To design a woven label, you should create your artwork in a vector format, like an AI (Adobe Illustrator) or EPS file. This ensures the design is scalable without losing quality. Your design should be simple with bold lines and clear fonts. Woven labels cannot handle fine details, complex gradients, or shading like printed labels can. The number of colors is usually limited, so choose a color palette with strong contrast. Most suppliers will have a design template you can use to ensure your design fits their specifications.

What is the minimum order quantity for woven labels?

The minimum order quantity (MOQ) for custom woven labels can vary significantly depending on the supplier and their manufacturing process. For most professional manufacturers, the typical MOQ is between 100 and 500 labels. While you might find some companies offering lower quantities, their price per label will be much higher. The reason for the MOQ is that the initial setup of the loom and the creation of a digital pattern (called a jacquard card) are the most time-consuming parts of the process, making it cost-prohibitive to produce very small batches. Here at Sean Label our MOQ is 250 labels.

How many colors can I use on a woven label?

Most woven label manufacturers can accommodate 5 colors, including the background color. Each color you add requires a separate thread to be loaded into the loom. Some suppliers may charge extra for each additional color beyond a certain number. It's best to check with your specific manufacturer, but generally, keeping your design to a few key colors will not only be more cost-effective but also result in a cleaner, more legible final product.

What are the different types of label folds? (e.g., center fold, end fold, miter fold)

The type of fold you choose affects the label's look, feel, and how it is attached to the product. Here are the most common types of label folds:

Center Fold: The label is folded in half with the design on the front. This is a very common fold for neckline tags, with branding on one side and care instructions or sizing on the other.
End Fold: The short ends of the label are folded inward. This creates a neat, polished look and is ideal for sewing onto the outside of a garment, such as on a sleeve or the bottom hem.
Manhattan Fold: Both short ends are folded inward, and then the label is folded in half. This is often used for high-end clothing as it creates a small "pocket" effect.
Miter Fold: The ends of the label are folded inward at a 45-degree angle. This is used for hanging a label from a neckline or sleeve.

What is the best material for woven labels? (e.g., damask, satin, cotton)

The "best" material depends on your product's purpose and your brand's aesthetic. Here are the most popular choices:

Damask: This is the most popular choice. It's made with fine, high-density threads, which allows for intricate details and small text to be woven with exceptional clarity. It has a soft, professional feel and is very durable.
Satin: Known for its smooth, silky feel and shiny finish. Satin is an excellent choice for luxury garments, lingerie, or baby clothes where softness is a priority. However, its shiny surface can make some colors appear less vibrant.
Taffeta: A more cost-effective and stiff option. Taffeta is durable but lacks the high-end feel of damask or satin. It's often used for secondary labels, such as care or content tags, where legibility is more important than luxury feel.
Cotton: The preferred choice for organic or eco-friendly brands. Cotton woven labels have a natural, rustic feel and are biodegradable. They are softer than taffeta but not as detailed as damask.