While on vacation in Hawaii I was lucky to discover a native woman who made different craft items. The luggage tag was among her beautiful items. I bought a few and thought they were so cute that I had to make some. You can use them as re-usable gift tags and choose from an endless selection of fabrics; wedding, honeymoon, sports, floral, tropical, animal etc.
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Approximate Time: 1 hour
Supplies:
1/4 yd. of fabric
1/4 yd. lightweight fusible interfacing
sewing machine
scissors
thread to match fabric
small piece clear vinyl sheeting
tissue paper
card stock or old card
charm or memento, if desired
Instructions:
Cut 2 pieces of fabric 4 1/4x5 3/4 inches. Cut one end in a curve, as in picture. Cut one 14x2 1/4 inch strip of fabric for the strap. Cut 2 pieces of fusible interfacing 3 1/2"x 5" cut one end in a curve. All seam allowances are 3/8 inches.
Fold the strip of fabric (lengthwise), right sides together and stitch. Stitch 1 end of the strip so you can turn it right side out. After turning right side out, cut off that stitched end to avoid bulkiness. Iron the strap and topstitch both long edges of the strap.
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Place fusible interfacing on the wrong side of your 2 other pieces of fabric, center it, iron on interfacing (bumpy side down) press for about 10 seconds (read manufacturers directions, they might be different than mine).
With right sides together machine stitch around the edges, but leave a 2 inch opening in the top of the tag for turning and for inserting the strap. Turn right side out, iron. Insert the strap ends in the 2 inch opening, center it and pin in place. Top stitch, close to the edge, around the entire tag, you'll be top stitching the strap into place. (don't stitch over that pin).
Cut a 2 3/4x3 1/2 inch piece of clear vinyl. Place on the tag, centered but a bit lower to the bottom. Place tissue paper over the vinyl and zigzag stitch* in place along 3 edges of the vinyl.
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*I used a scalloped stitch, you could use zig zag or whatever you like. You might want to practice with a small piece of vinyl and scrap fabric first, to see what stitch you prefer. Tear away the tissue paper.
For the name tag, cut a piece of card stock to fit under the vinyl. I used Print Shop on my computer to print the design on the name tag. You can use parts of a greeting card if you want design on the insert. You can embellish with a charm or memento from a trip.
This is a good idea, especially when you are trying to claim your luggage at the airport. Using something easily recognized makes finding your luggage much simpler.
