DIY selvage edge gift tags for the holidays are fast fun and easy to make in bulk. Each tag takes less than 15 minutes, so you could easily make one in that short amount of time. But if you have a spare hour you can make a whole bunch more. Shipping tags can be found at the office supply store in bulk so it is pretty in expensive too. I like to keep my gift closet stocked with gifts and wrapping papers and gift tags because you never know when you are going to need something last-minute.
For years I have saved my fabric scraps, at least those that are 3″ squares and larger. But lately, I’ve found myself cutting the selvage off my fabrics and saving them as well. I have been very inspired by all the clever fabric selvage projects I have noticed. So I decided to create these gift tags made with fabric selvage.
I plan to use my selvage edge gift tags for special occasions such as birthdays, hostess gifts, wedding gifts, etc. But I couldn’t resist adding in some holiday themed motifs such as this simple Christmas tree. 
Supplies for selvage edge gift tags:
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- selvage edge scraps
- scissors
- shipping tags
- Apple Barrel acrylic paint
- paint brush
- sewing machine
- random embellishments
Instructions for selvage edge gift tags:
After deciding on a pink and orange color palette for this project, I tore some fabric scraps into strips, roughly 1 1/2″ wide. Some of the strips I sewed knife pleats in using a sewing machine and black thread.
I painted the shipping tags with fuchsia, jack o lantern, white and bright magenta on both sides of the tags. Allow the tags time to dry and then arrange various bits of fabric pieces on them and sewed them to the tags.
I also added a sewn black straight stitch to the border to frame each design out. Sew any design or pattern you want and don’t worry about neatness. This is a freestyle sewing technique and there is no right or wrong way.
Adding bits of layered tulle add to the gift tags, as does some strips of bling here and there.
The gift tags can be used for special occasions such as birthdays, hostess gifts, wedding gifts, etc. To make a wedding cake simply mimic the Christmas tree tag and leave off the trunk of the tree.
The orange and pink colors made these especially feminine. These might be good even for a baby girl gift. Changing the colors selvage edge gift tags to a turquoise and lime green and choosing different fabric scraps, such as polka dots and stripes would result in tags that would be good for a little boys birthday gift or to welcome a baby boy.
But no matter what colors and patterns you use, pairing fabric scraps and selvage with painted and sewn paper results in a project that is fun, easy and somewhat addictive!
Do you create with fabric selvage? I would love to see what you’ve made!
If you would like to see other bloggers create in 15 minutes sheck out this great group of craft bloggers.
What a great way to use those selvage edges!
Such a great use of scraps! Thanks for joining!