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How to Make Embroidered Reusable Fabric Labels with Scraps

by Wendy Chow

Let’s be honest—keeping track of fabric pieces during the cutting and piecing process can sometimes feel a little chaotic. We’ve all been there: paper labels getting lost or torn, sticky notes falling off, and the classic “wait… what block was this again?” moment.

This tutorial was actually inspired while I was making my Spring Serenade quilt. The pattern includes printable fabric labels to help keep everything organized—but while I was working on the second sample, I thought, wouldn’t it be nice if I didn’t have to print and cut out labels every single time I make this quilt? That’s when I came up with this idea: embroidered, reusable fabric labels that I could use again and again for all my quilting projects.

In this tutorial, I’m sharing how to make these labels using the Brother Skitch PP1 embroidery machine* and the Brother Airflow serger. They’re not only functional and durable, but also super cute and totally reusable—plus, they’re made from fabric scraps you probably already have in your stash. It’s a great way to reduce waste and keep your workspace organized!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

  • Embroidery machine – Brother Skitch PP1 embroidery machine was used in this tutorial
  • Serger – Brother Airflow 3000 serger was used in this tutorial
  • Tablet or smartphone device with Brother Artspira app installed (Artspira+ subscription required to import files)
  • Download free fabric label embroidery files here** – download is a zip file that contains 8 different PNG embroidery files, assuming you’re working with up to 8 different fabrics. It is best to open the zip file on your desktop or laptop for easy access and importing.
  • Quilting cottons:
    • Fabric A (for label front), 6½in square – solid or plain fabric scraps work best so the embroidered text shows up clearly. 
    • Fabric B (for label backing), 6½ square
  • Medium weight tear-away adhesive stabilizer or iron-on non-woven fabric stabilizer
  • Iron
  • Coordinating 50wt thread – ideally something with strong contrast to Fabric A for easy visibility
  • Basting spray or needle and thread for basting
  • Rotary cutter
  • Cutting mat
  • Quilting ruler
  • Fabric pen or pencil
  • Fabric scissors

 

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Start by downloading the PNG fabric labels embroidery file here**.

Here’s a preview of the embroidery files:
You can create something similar yourself, but to make it easier for you, here are the files for free**.

 

Step 2: Open the Artspiria app and import the chosen embroidery file. An active Artspira+ subscription to use this feature.

 

Step 3: On the wrong side of your Fabric A piece, press on a piece of iron-on fabric stabilizer. This gives the fabric a crisp base for embroidery and prevents distortion.

Step 4: Hoop the prepared Fabric A into the embroidery hoop, load the PNG fabric label file onto the embroidery machine from the Artspiria app and start stitching.

Step 5: Once the embroidery is complete, place Fabric A and Fabric B together with wrong sides touching. This forms the two-sided label structure.

Secure the layers using basting spray or hand-basting. Avoid using pins as they may interfere with the serger, rotary cutter and ruler in the next step.

Step 6: Using a quilting ruler and a fabric pen or pencil, draw a 2 x 3 grid to create cutting guides around each embroidered word.

Each rectangle should measure 1¼in high x 1½in wide, with the embroidered lettering centered within each box. This grid will be used to cut the labels in the next step.

Step 7: Using a rotary cutter and quilting ruler, cut along the drawn vertical lines to create strips.

Step 7: Disengage the cutting blade on the serger, and serge along the long raw edges of each strip. This will neaten and secure the sides without removing any fabric.



Step 8: Following the drawn horizontal guidelines, cut across each strip to separate the individual labels. Then serge the short raw edges to finish.

Trim any excess threads to complete the labels. Each finished label measures approximately 1¼in x 1½in.


 

These reusable fabric labels are a game changer for the quilting workflow. They're sustainable, scrap-friendly, and help maintain an organized sewing space—all while giving leftover fabric pieces new life. Use them over and over again for block-based quilts, labelling cut fabric pieces for a quilt project, or color-coded fabric pulls.

Ready to stitch a set? Download the free PNG fabric labels embroidery file here**.

 

*This blog post is written by a Brother Sews brand ambassador and sponsored by Brother International US. This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you use these links to buy something, I may receive a commission.

** By downloading the fabric label embroidery files, you agree to sign up for The Weekend Quilter email newsletter. I hate marketing emails as much as you do 😉—just the good stuff: quilt-y inspo’, tips, and exclusive freebies!

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