Custom hat labels are super popular right now, but ordering a bunch is a big commitment! On the other hand, making custom faux suede labels to add to your latest crochet or knit hat is super easy, and you can make only as many as you need - I'll show you how in this Quick Cricut Craft!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. Material support provided by Cricut.
First, you need the supplies - any Cricut cutting machine (I have the Cricut Maker), and Cricut Faux Suede. You'll also need some matching thread and a sewing needle, and something to sew your label to - shown here is the Final Frost Beanie (free crochet pattern here on Moogly)!
Then, it's time to go to Cricut Design Space and decide what shape you want your label to be - and what shape, symbol, or words/letters you want to cut out of it!
You can click on the little blue padlock in the lower left of the shape to change the relative dimensions - and turn the square into a rectangle. You can also use the Size boxes at the top to just type in the exact size you desire!
I played around with several different shapes and designs. One popular shape for labels is the fold over kind, where it is about twice as long as it is wide, and then you fold it over the brim and sew the layers together. But in the end, I liked the simple square that just sews to the outside. I did several runs with scrap suede - which I highly recommend!
The key to making the labels is the Attach Tool - click on the layer for the shape and the layer for the cutout within it, and then use the attach button at the bottom right to make sure they line up at cutting time!
Then they should look like this - a shape inside a shape, the same color.
I cut just a few at a time until I decided on the look I liked best - a simple M for Moogly! Once you've got your design finished, you can duplicate several of them on the sheet so that you can cut multiples at once. I could have filled up the whole page, but I didn't need that many, so I just did one strip!
Important!! Remember to mirror your project in Design Space before if there are any words/letters/directionality. I may have had an oops there myself - another reason I do several trial runs with scrap suede before I do the final cut!
You also want to be sure to choose Cricut Faux Suede from the Materials List - be sure to look for that little Cricut symbol on the right!
A couple of other tips for working with Cricut Faux Suede - the slick "suede" side is face down, against the mat. I found that the green mat worked best with the faux suede to hold it secure without being *too* secure.
Additionally, you'll need to cut the suede so it's only 11" inches wide, and make sure that all the white star wheels on the machine are pushed to the right before you send it through the machine.
Cutting with the Cricut Maker was super fast, and after that, no tools were needed - just peel them right off the mat and they are ready to sew to your project! And I checked - they stand up to handwashing just fine.
The hardest part, by far, is coming up with a design that you like and that works for you. But that's part of the fun too!
You can add custom labels to all sorts of things of course - hats are the most popular of course, but this suede look goes with tons of projects, and can really add that extra touch to take the look of your project to the next level. Be sure to click the links in this post to get the supplies to get started on your own!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this quick Cricut craft! If it inspires you to make your own project, and you post a photo on social media, be sure to tag me @mooglyblog or #mooglyblog so I can check it out too! I love seeing what you make!
Follow Moogly on Facebook, Twitter, G+, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr! Thank you to Cricut for providing the materials shown in this post.
Kathy Cox
Is the ultra suede machine washable. Great tutorial. Thanks.
Tamara Kelly
Thank you! Faux suede is generally considered washable, but I can't find any official info from Cricut. I would do a test first!
Sherry
Can you do the same with the leather? Can you do iron on on it ? Thank you for the tutorial
Tamara Kelly
I haven't tried - would have to experiment and see if it works!
Kristen
I just got my first cricut and I’m so excited to use it! What blade do you use to cut through this material? Thank you for the information.
Tamara Kelly
Hi Kristen! I used the fine point blade that comes with all the machines! 🙂
Gale
I already love all of your crochet patterns , Your cricut tutorial is great to follow
Tamara Kelly
Thank you so much, Gale! It's always a challenge to write a tutorial for a different kind of craft!
Varina M.
This is EXACTLY what I was looking to make. I crochet hats and leave them all around Yosemite where visitors from all over get them. These labels have just gotten too expensive. I actually have a personal design I want to put on the 1” square and not a cut out. I have so much to learn! I’m a beginner.
Thank you for these instructions.
Tamara Kelly
I'm so glad it's helpful, thank you Varina!