How to Sew in Name Tapes

Here are some tips on sewing name tapes into almost anything…..

First of all order your name tapes in good time. At peak times they can take 4 weeks to deliver. Secondly it does take time to sew in a number of tapes. Expect to sew in around 10 at most in an evening. Your child will probably need a minimum of 20 items of clothing naming if they go to day school. For boarding school they will need every sock, every pair of pants, even every face flannel naming. You could be looking at over 70 items per child for a first term at boarding school.

Make sure you have a reel of white thread to sew in with as well. You don’t want to run out of thread either.

If you are not sure where to sew a name tape, think about where the first place you would look for the name is. Imagine you are a harassed teacher, and remember that you don’t want it too well hidden or your child may still not get their own garment back.

Coats, jackets, blazers, shirts, PE shirts, T shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, vests, jumpers and cardigans; sew it into the back of the neck in the centre. The easiest way is to oversew it along the seam where the collar is sewn onto the rest of the garment first then sew the rest of the way round.

Trousers, skirts, shorts, PE shorts, PE skirts, joggers, pants; sew into the centre back of the garment. If the waistband is elasticated either stretch the waistband slightly as you sew in, or if possible sew into a non-elasticated section. Again start by sewing along where the join is.

Socks; sew the name tape at the top of the sock, downwards not across the ribbed part. Never sew it anywhere on the foot part as it could rub your child’s foot and cause a blister.

Ties; sew in lengthways on the back at the widest part of the tie. It can usually be lined up with the central seam.

Pillowcases and Duvets; sew into the opening.

Sheets and Towels; anywhere around the edge.

Hats; tapes can be sewn into many types of hats. The headband is the best place, at the back where it will not rub the face. Knitted hats should, like socks have the name tape sewn in along the rib, allowing it to stretch.

Gloves; again sew in lengthways to allow the rib to stretch.

Scarves; add the tape at the end so that it does not rub the neck. Yes it will show, but if the scarf is uncomfortable it just won’t get worn!

Bags; sew the tape in as near the opening as possible. If it is a drawstring be careful not to sew into the string. If the bag is of a difficult-to-sew material it may be possible to sew the tape onto a zip, otherwise do not ruin the bag, just write the name on with a permanent marker.

How to Sew in Name Tapes

www.get-it-taped.co.uk