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Directions for an Monogrammed Luggage Tag/August 2003
This project utilizes letters from our Romanesque Monogram Set 1.
Step 1. Print the instructions.
These are .pdf files,
and require Adobe Acrobat Reader software in order to view and print.
To insure printing in exact size, be sure that FIT TO PAGE (see Properties
under the Print Menu) is not selected.
Step 2. Prepare the Fabric.
We used ultrasuede for this project. In addition to having a nice smooth
texture, ultrasuede can be trimmed without the edge unravelling. It is also
reasonably thin, which can be an issue for inserting the finished embroidery
into the recess in the plastic luggage tag.
If you use a different fabric it would be a good idea to check to see that
it isnít too thick for the holder (see further on in these instructions
for an alternate installation method)
We fused a layer of Wonder-Under (or other heat fusible pellon) to the back
side of a piece of ultrasuede with a hot iron.
When the surface cools, remove the paper backing, then fuse a layer of medium-weight
backing to the ultrasuede..
Step 3. Sew the monogram.
Choose the appropriate letter. Any of the smaller sizes from this style will
fit comfortably within the circular luggage tag holder.
Step 4.Trim the Fabric.
The luggage tag holder has two parts. There is a circular holder, with key
ring attached, and a smaller snap-in face plate.
Use the face plate as a template for trimming the fabric. Place it over the
embroidery, positioned so that the monogram is centered within the circle,
then trace around the plastic circle with a sharp pencil.
Trim carefully around the percil line with a sharp pair of scissors. You
will need to trim slightly inside the pencil line for the finished embroidery
to fit within the holder.
(Optional: Since the rear surface of the embroidery will also be visible,
you may wish to trim an additional circle from medium-weight colored paper
to cover the rear surface).
Step 5. Assemble the Luggage Tag.
Place the trimmed fabric circle inside the holder, finished side up. (If
you are using a backing sheet of paper, place the paper circle in the holder
first.) Orient the monogram letter so that the top of the letter aligns
with the circular keyring.
Firmly snap the cover piece in place.
Optional Variations.
1. There are variations in the thickness of the fabric, backing and paper
backpiece that may make it difficult the snap the lid in place. This luggage
tag is really designed for use with a photograph - using it for embroidery
requires more thickness to the inserted monogram.
We felt that the lid might come off at some point, so decided on a more
durable installation by permanently bonding the lid to the rest of the holder
with Super Glue Gel. Super Glue is a bit messy and hard to control, so we
opted for installing the monogrammed fabric face down in the holder, with
the paper backing behind it. We ran a thin bead of Super Glue along the
edge of the smaller plastic circle, then pressed it firmly into place -
holding the edges until the glue set.
The advantage to installing the embroidery face-down is that the excess
glue is now on the back of the tag. We went a bit further and carefully
sanded this surface with # 400 grit wet-and-dry sandpaper to clean up the
surface.
2. The luggage tag, as received from the manufacturer, is clear. When we
sanded the rear surface we found that the sanding created a softer ìfrostedî look
- we extended this quality a bit further by carefully sanding around the
outside of the front surface as well, leaving a clear center area to display
the monogram.
3. To give the tag a little more contrast we used a black permanent marker
- one that is permanent on plastic - to draw a careful circle on the front
of the tag, aligned with the edge of the fabric circle. We used a water
glass that was the perfect diameter to trace around.
Congratulations!
Your project is complete
Sources For Materials
Heat-fusible Pelon, Ultrasuede, Stabilizer
Widely available from sewing stores. Pelon is marketed as “Wonder-Under” or
similar.
Available for purchase online from Kapres and Company at:
http://www.kapres.com/clear/clear.htm#luggage
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