Clothing labels usually include important information such as brand, size, or care instructions and are attached somewhere on the garment, such as collars, hem, pockets, and so on. Unfortunately, the material used to make labels often irritates the skin, or is too long to stick out from under clothing, or can be seen clearly through thin fabrics so everyone can see our size and force us into running ads for clothing brands. Luckily, it's not that hard to remove clothing labels. You just need a few simple tools and a little patience.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Method
Step 1. Cut the label as close to the seam as possible
Use sharp scissors to cut the labels and be careful not to cut the seams. The rest of the label will remain sewn in the seam.
- There is a chance that a freshly cut label will still make the skin on the nape of the neck feel itchy or irritated. Usually a stiffer, paper-like label material will cause this discomfort.
- After a few washes, the cut edges will likely become softer and won't bother you anymore. However, if you are concerned, it is recommended not to cut the label.
Step 2. Take a small amount of fabric adhesive (hemming tape)
Make sure it matches the width of the label exactly. We recommend using adhesive that can be melted and does not need to be sewn, just installed by ironing it. You can buy it at a fabric store or department store.
Step 3. Place the fabric adhesive on the bottom of the label
Once installed properly, run the iron over it. The label is now attached to the garment and does not hang freely or stick out from behind the garment's seams.
- This technique is especially effective when you're dealing with a label that irritates the skin, but can't be removed without damaging the garment.
- Do not choose this method if the garment is made of delicate material. The heat of the iron can damage clothes.
Step 4. Attach two more pieces of fabric adhesive to the label (optional)
If the label makes the skin very itchy, try applying more fabric adhesive to cover the entire edge of the label. Place two pieces of fabric tape along the edges of the label on the left and right sides.
- Now the label has no exposed edges and is completely attached to the garment.
- Do not choose this method if the clothes are made of delicate materials.
Step 5. Choose clothes without labels
Some brands are no longer sewing labels on their clothes to make clothes more comfortable for consumers. The information that is usually listed on the label is directly pasted or printed on the inside of the garment, in the same place you would normally find the label.
This information is only visible on the inside of the garment, not the outside
Method 2 of 3: Using a Yarn Sweeper
Step 1. Check the label
Labels are made of different materials and are sewn onto clothes in different ways. You must remove it carefully, or you can tear the garment with a seam ripper.
- Find the best approach and the most appropriate starting point to start work.
- Pay attention to the material used for the label. Is it made of a soft material, or is it stiff like paper?
Step 2. Check if there are multiple labels
These labels can be sewn together or side by side. If the labels are sewn in batches, are the labels sewn separately or sewn with the same single stitch?
Either way, you'll have to start with the top label when you start working, but now you'll know whether to continue with the second label
Step 3. Observe the label and stitches carefully
Are the labels sewn to the same seams used to sew clothes? Observe the thread carefully: if you tug at the seams of the label, will you also damage the seams of the clothes?
- If so, don't use a tweezer, or you risk damaging your clothes.
- The alternative is to cut the label as close to the seam as possible without damaging the label seam. Don't cut the seams.
Step 4. Push the saddle end of the thread under one of the stitches
Make sure the saddle is above the label, not below it. Gently pull up and the yarn puller will cut the yarn easily.
- Pulling the seam on the top side first will reduce the chances of you accidentally tearing the garment.
- You can start anywhere, but it's usually best to start at the top right corner of the label.
Step 5. Dedel a few more stitches in the same row
Work from right to left while squeezing stitches one at a time. Continue until all the stitches have been removed.
- Make sure you work very carefully when squeezing the seams so as not to damage the garment with the sharp edge of the tool.
- To speed things up a bit, stop halfway through, then drag the label up so you can see the bottom.
Step 6. Wrap your finger around the label to reveal the seam underneath
At this point, the label will be looser and you can use a thread puller to cut the thread underneath quickly and easily. Cut the thread and continue alternating until all the stitches have been spun.
Make sure to cut each stitch. Do not cut several stitches at once until the label is looser. After that, you can remove all the remaining stitches
Step 7. Use tweezers to pull loose or stuck threads
After the label has been successfully removed from the garment, there may be some threads still embedded in the garment. Pull the thread carefully with tweezers. Make sure the thread is completely loose before trying to pull it.
Step 8. Save labels for clothing care reference
One problem faced after removing the label is that most labels contain clothing care instructions. You should save it in case you will need it in the future.
Otherwise, you can memorize the care instructions, or write down the information and keep it in a safe place
Method 3 of 3: Removing the External Label
Step 1. Check the label
External labels are often found on men's clothing. You must remove it carefully so as not to damage the clothes. However, this label was meant to be removed. Find the best approach and determine the starting point where you will start working.
- Genie also often has an external label, usually in the form of a small piece of cloth with the brand's logo on it. These labels are not meant to be removed. If you want to remove it, you have to be extra careful. However, you can remove the label with this method.
- External labels can also be found in the stitching section of the garment. Use small cuticle scissors to trim them as they are usually not difficult to remove.
Step 2. Tuck a thread tug or small cuticle scissors under one seam on the label
Make sure your floss trimmer or cuticle scissors are above the label when you start. Pull the saddle gently up to cut the yarn. If you are using cuticle scissors, make small cuts to cut the thread.
You can actually start anywhere, but it's recommended to start at the top right corner of the label
Step 3. Move from right to left as you work and slack the remaining stitches
Dedel stitches one after another. Be very careful not to damage the garment with the sharp end of the threader or scissors.
Make sure you cut each stitch until it breaks. Don't cut multiple stitches at once until the label starts to loosen. Only then can you pull out the rest of the stitches
Step 4. Pull the label off and use tweezers to pull out the rest of the yarn
You may find bits of thread still stuck to the garment after the label has been removed. Make sure the thread is completely loose before you pull it with tweezers.
Step 5. Hide or familiarize yourself with labels that are impossible to remove
Some clothes have labels that are impossible to remove because they will damage the garment or the label itself is part of the garment. In this case, there's not much you can do, but the following options might be considered:
- Ask a professional seamstress or laundry if they can help you remove the label.
- Hiding external labels can be an option, but is usually not possible to do well. If the label is attached to the cuff, you can roll up the sleeve. Most external labels on shirts can be hidden by wearing a jacket.
- The external label on the back pocket of the jeans can be covered with a long shirt or jacket.
- You can also cover the label with a small embellishment that can be pasted with an iron.
