Whether you’re heading out on a summer adventure, sending a handmade gift, or simply want to add a little personality to your suitcase, these fabric luggage tags are a quick and satisfying project. They’re a wonderful scrap-buster, make thoughtful gifts, and are a great way to showcase your favorite fabrics.
Let’s get sewing!
Supplies
- ¼ yard cotton woven fabric (I used my Gulf Breeze collection for Art Gallery Fabrics)
- ¼ yard medium- to heavy-weight fusible interfacing
- ⅛ yard vinyl (I used 8-gauge vinyl from the utility fabrics section of my local craft store)
- Marking pen or chalk
- Luggage Tag Pattern
Seam Allowance
Use a ¼” seam allowance throughout unless otherwise noted.
Step 1: Prepare Your Pattern
Download the luggage tag pattern HERE and print it at 100% scale. Cut out all of your pattern pieces.
Now you’re ready to cut into your fabric!
Step 2: Cut Your Pieces
Using your pattern pieces, cut:
- 2 Back Pieces from your main fabric
- 2 Back Interfacing Pieces
- 2 Window Pieces from your main fabric
- 2 Window Interfacing Pieces
- 1 Strap
- 1 Vinyl Window Piece
Tip: I love using a contrasting fabric for one of the back pieces since it will be visible through the clear vinyl window.
Step 3: Make the Strap
We’ll create the strap much like double-fold bias tape.
- Fold the strap in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and press.
- Open it back up.
- Fold the bottom long edge up to the center crease and press.
- Fold the top long edge down to the center crease and press.
- Fold in half again and press.
Edge stitch along both long sides of the strap to secure everything in place.
Set the finished strap aside for now.
Step 4: Apply the Interfacing
Center the interfacing on the wrong side of each fabric piece and fuse according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
You should have:
- 2 interfaced back pieces
- 2 interfaced window pieces
The interfacing gives the luggage tag durability so it can handle all those travel adventures.
Step 5: Assemble the Back Piece
Fold the strap in half to create a loop.
Pin the raw ends of the strap to the top center of one back piece, right side up. If you’re making the hexagon version, attach the strap along the short straight edge.
Baste the strap in place.
Next:
- Place the two back pieces right sides together.
- Make sure the strap is sandwiched between the layers.
- Pin around the edges.
- Stitch using a ¼” seam allowance, leaving a 1–2” opening along the bottom edge for turning.
Trim the seam allowance to approximately ⅛”. I like to use pinking shears because they trim and clip curves at the same time.
Turn the piece right side out and use a point turner or point former to gently push out the corners.
Press well.
Fold the seam allowance at the opening to the inside and stitch it closed.
For a polished finish, topstitch around the upper portion of the tag.
Set aside.
Step 6: Create the Window Piece
Place the two window pieces right sides together.
Pin and stitch around the outer edge using a ¼” seam allowance, leaving a 1–2” opening along the top straight edge.
Trim the seam allowances and clip corners as needed.
Turn right side out, carefully push out the corners, and press well.
Fold the seam allowance at the opening to the inside and edge stitch across the top edge to close it.
Create the Window Opening
Take your window template and cut out the center rectangle.
Place the template on the front of your sewn window piece and trace the rectangle using a marking pen or chalk.
Using a ruler, draw an “X” from corner to corner inside the rectangle.
Carefully cut along the diagonal lines only.
Important: Do not cut around the rectangle. Only cut the “X.”
Turn the window piece wrong side up and fold the resulting fabric triangles to the back side.
Press well to create crisp edges around the window opening.
Add the Vinyl
Center the vinyl over the opening on the wrong side of the window piece.
Pin or clip in place.
Edge stitch around the window opening, securing the vinyl to the fabric.
Trim away any excess vinyl and fabric triangles from the back.
Step 7: Assemble the Luggage Tag
Place the window piece on top of the back piece with wrong sides together.
Pin around the edges.
Baste or stitch around the entire perimeter using a ⅛” seam allowance.
I also like to stitch approximately ½” across the top opening of the window piece. This helps keep the identification card securely tucked inside while still allowing it to slide in and out when needed.
Step 8: Add Your Identification Card
Fill out your luggage tag insert and slide it into the window opening.
To attach the tag, pass the strap around a luggage handle, then pull the tag through the loop.
Give it a gentle tug to secure it in place.
And that’s it! Your handmade luggage tag is ready for its next adventure. These are so much fun to customize with favorite fabrics, fussy-cut prints, or even a name added with heat transfer vinyl. They’re quick to sew, practical, and make wonderful gifts for travel-loving friends and family.
