When you download the in-the-hoop gift tag design, you will find multiple files. Some are the embroidery files, and the others are dieline files marked with the letters "DL". Dielines are used to cut the fabric to the correct shape and size. Open and print each dieline file using an embroidery software. If you do not have an embroidery software, take a look at our helpful video on using dielines.

Begin by cutting the fabric for the front of the tag. To do this, spray a piece of cutaway stabilizer with temporary adhesive. Smooth the quilter's cotton on top. Place the paper template for the front of the tag on top.

Cut out the shape. Repeat for the back piece, using the printed back dieline, cutaway stabilizer, and cotton muslin.

Now that the fabric and stabilizer pieces are cut to the proper shape and size, it's time to embroider the design. Hoop a piece of tear-away stabilizer. Use a size 11 sharp sewing needle in the machine rather than an embroidery needle. A sharp sewing needle is the best choice when embroidering in-the-hoop designs.

Use a size 11 sharp sewing needle in the machine rather than an embroidery needle. A sharp sewing needle is the best choice when embroidering in-the-hoop designs. 

Attach the hoop to the machine and load the full embroidery design (not the dieline). Begin embroidering the design. Reference the color change sheet for the design as you stitch. That sheet tells you what is stitched in each step. The first step -- CC1 -- is an outline stitch, or dieline, that traces the shape for the front fabric piece.

After the dieline has sewn, remove the hoop from the machine, but do not unhoop the stabilizer. Spray the stabilizer side of the front fabric piece with temporary adhesive.

Place that piece right inside the outline / dieline.

Continue embroidering the design. A running stitch tack-down will sew next around the outer edges of the fabric piece. This holds the fabric in place during the embroidery.

Then, the inside elements of the gift tag will sew.

Reference the color change sheet as you stitch. When you reach the step that says "back piece tackdown," stop the machine and remove the hoop. Turn it over. Spray the stabilizer side of the back fabric piece with temporary adhesive. Place that on the back of the embroidery, right inside the shape.

The next parts to embroider will be seen from both the front and back of the tag. Wind a bobbin with the same thread used in the top.

Attach the hoop to the machine and continue embroidering the design. For some designs, a zigzag or tack down will sew. This will attach the back fabric to the holder. If the design you're using has a blanket stitch border, an "E" stitch (or blanket stitch) will sew instead. 

Next, an eyelet will sew. This is where the ribbon is added later.

When the design is finished sewing, remove the hoop and unhoop the stabilizer. Gently tear the stabilizer away.

Use a craft knife to cut a small hole in the eyelet. Be careful not to cut any of the stitches. Thread ribbon through the eyelet. Tie a knot in the ribbon at the outer edge of the tag. Use a fabric marker or fine point pen to write a greeting.

Add a sweet look to any gift with in-the-hoop gift tags. Great for Christmas, or even weddings, canning jar tags, and more!