Easy Quilted Luggage Tag Tutorial Using Fabric Scraps
If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying make that uses up those leftover fabric and batting scraps, this quilted luggage tag tutorial is just the thing! It’s the perfect project to sew up in an afternoon—great for when you’re itching for a small, creative win between larger quilt projects.
Not only is it a clever scrap buster, but it also makes a thoughtful, handmade gift for the holidays. Or, if you’re getting ready to head to QuiltCon in February, stitch one (or a few!) to personalize your suitcase or to surprise your QuiltCon roommate with a little something special. Either way, it’s a functional, fun, and fabric-loving make that will travel with you everywhere.
Download the free luggage tag templates here to get started.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
• Basic sewing machine – Brother Innovis BQ3100, Quilt Club Series* sewing machine was featured in this blog post.
• Download PDF luggage tag templates for free here*
• Printer to print PDF luggage tag templates
• Printer paper
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting mat
• Quilting ruler(s)
• Coordinating thread(s) – 50 weight for piecing, general construction and quilting
• Scissors for fabric
• Scissors for paper
• Fabric pen or pencil
• Pins
• Seam ripper
• Snips (optional)
• Iron
• Point turner or similar tool
• Coordinating quilting cotton – Label your fabrics as you cut them (see label sheet on page 2 of the PDF Luggage Tag Templates). The assembly instructions refer to labels rather than dimensions for example, B1, B2, F1, etc. This is to avoid mistakes and confusion, as some of the cut pieces are similar in size, e.g. 5in x 7in rectangle, 6in x 7in rectangle.
For Main Body Back:
o one (1) 5in x 6in rectangle, B1
o one (1) 6in x 8in rectangle, B2
For Main Body Front:
o one (1) 5in x 7in rectangle, F1
o one (1) 6in x 7in rectangle, F2
For Main Body Front Trimming:
• 2in x 5in rectangle, T1
For Loop:
• 2in x 12in rectangle, L1
For Binding:
• 2in x 25in rectangle, B3
• Batting – one (1) 6in x 8in rectangle (for Main Body Back) and one (1) 6in x 7in rectangle (for Main Body Front)
• Transparent vinyl for luggage tag window – 2½in x 3½in rectangle or use the paper template to help guide
• Basting spray
• Heramarker
• Baking or wax paper, approx. 4in x 5in rectangle – the purpose of this is to place it on the bottom of the transparent vinyl so it doesn’t stick to the sewing machine as you sew.
**This blog post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something the author and designer may earn a commission.
DIRECTIONS
Read through all the directions before you start. Seam allowance throughout the project is ¼in, unless specified. The directions are broken down into five key parts:
Printing and Preparing Luggage Tag Templates and Labels
Step 1: Download and print paper luggage tag templates and labels here**. The paper luggage tag templates (page 1) and fabric labels (optional, page 2) are a PDF document. Print one sided.
Step 2: With a pair of paper scissors, cut on the solid line of the luggage tag templates. The ¼in seam allowance is included in these templates. There are three templates to work with: Main Body Back, Main Body Front and Vinyl Window.
Set Luggage Tag Templates aside for Quilting Front and Back Luggage Tag, Step 2.
Optional: Cut on the dotted line on page 2. Pin labels to corresponding rectangles listed above.
Quilting Front and Back Luggage Tag
Step 1: For this project you will need to create two quilt [luggage tag] sandwiches: one (1) Luggage Tag Front and one (1) Luggage Tag Back.
Each luggage tag sandwich consists of the following layers:
Luggage Tag Front Sandwich (Note: Luggage Front has only two layers, not three).
· F1 rectangle
· Batting
Luggage Tag Back Sandwich
· B1 rectangle
· Batting
· B2 rectangle
Baste and quilt using your preferred method.
Step 2: Place Main Body Back paper template on top of and the centre of Luggage Tag Back Sandwich; and place Luggage Tag Front paper template on top of and centre of Luggage Tag Front Sandwich.
Secure templates with pins or pattern weights and use fabric pen or pencil to trace luggage tag outlines on the Main Body Back Sandwich and Main Body Front Sandwich.
Step 3: With rotary cutter and/or fabric scissors, cut on the marked guidelines. Set Main Body Back Sandwich aside for Luggage Tag Loop, Step 2.
Luggage Tag Front Assembly
Step 1: With right sides together, pin F2 rectangle and Main Body Front Sandwich. Following the inner rectangle of the Main Body Front Sandwich, sew ¼in away from the raw edge.
Step 2: Using the Main Body Front Sandwich as a guide, remove excess F2 rectangle with a pair of scissors or rotary cutter.
Step 3: With a pair of fabric scissors, carefully clip notches at each corner, avoiding the sewn seam. Turn the Main Body Front right side out and press with iron.
Step 4: Take transparent vinyl, place it in the centre of the Main Body Front and ensure the plastic is touching F2 rectangle. Note that the piece of transparent vinyl is a little bit bigger in comparison to the rectangular opening of the Main Body Front.
Then place a piece of baking or wax paper on the back of the vinyl and this is going to stop the vinyl from sticking to the sewing machine as you sew. Tip: Stick a piece of painter's tape between the baking or wax paper and vinyl to secure the vinyl in place as you're sewing.
Following the rectangular opening of the Main Body Front, edge sew vinyl in place. Then tear off the baking or wax paper. Set Main Body Front aside for Luggage Tag Front Assembly, Step 6.
Step 5: To create the Trimming to cover one of the shorter edges of the Main Body Front (this is going to cover the raw edge of the opening of the luggage tag), fold 2in x 5in rectangle in half lengthwise with wrong sides facing each other and press flat with an iron.
Step 6: Turn the Main Body Front so that F2 rectangle is facing up. Take Trimming rectangle from the previous step. Line up the raw edges of Main Body Front and Trimming. Sew ¼in from the edge. Then fold the Trimming to the right side of the Main Body Front and sew it in place.
Trim any excess Trimming fabric. Set Main Body Front aside for Luggage Tag Assembly, Step 1.
Luggage Tag Loop
Step 1: To create the Loop for hanging the luggage tag, begin with one (1) L1 rectangle, wrong side facing up. Fold it in half lengthwise and press flat with an iron. Then unfold the Loop Strip. Using the central crease as a guide, fold raw edges of the loop toward the centre and press. Then using the centre crease as a guide again, fold the loop in half again, Therefore, there should be four layers of fabric stacked on top of each other. Sew approx. ⅛in from the edge to secure the four layers of fabric.
Step 2: Following the photo below, take Loop from the previous step. Fold loop in half and match the raw edges with the short, narrow edge of the Main Body Back Sandwich, touching B2 rectangle. Sew ⅛" from the edge to secure Loop in place. Don’t forget to reverse stitch the start and end of the seam.
Luggage Tag Assembly
Step 1: Following the picture below, take Main Body Front and place it on top of Main Body Back. Ensuring F2 and B2 rectangles are touching each other, and Trimming edge of Main Body Front is rotated so that it is closest to the narrow edge of Main Body Back.
Sew ¼in away from the raw edge to secure the layers in place to create Luggage Tag.
This is also a good time to add any woven labels on the back of the luggage tag. Here, I’ve added my 'Flip Side Daisy' and 'Made With Love' woven labels.
Step 2: Finally, enclose raw edge of Luggage Tag with B3 rectangle using your preferred binding method. If you’re not sure how to attach binding, be sure to check out my previous guest blog post on the Brother Stitching Sewcial on how. And if you need additional visual support, be sure to watch my Facebook recording on how to machine bind on Brother’s YouTube channel.
Step 3: Turn the Luggage Tag so the window is facing down and then edge sew the straps to secure in place as shown in the image below. Trim any loose threads and enjoy!
And just like that—you’ve got yourself a stylish, handmade quilted luggage tag! It’s quick, practical, and a great way to put your fabric and batting scraps to good use. Plus, it adds a charming personal touch that makes your suitcase stand out from the crowd (especially handy when you’re traveling with other quilters who might have the same bag!).
Whether you’re sewing it as a last-minute holiday gift or making a matching set for your next quilting retreat or QuiltCon trip, this little project is sure to bring a smile.
If you make one, don’t forget to share it on Instagram and tag @the.weekendquilter so I can see your creations. Happy sewing and safe travels!
*Note: By downloading this free template, you agree to join The Weekend Quilter newsletter list. Don’t worry—we dislike spammy marketing emails as much as you do, and we’ll never sell or share your details.