There’s nothing that The National Weaving Company like more than to be set a challenge to create a new label, patch or badge.
“We are starting to do more samples in the style of vintage labels, as pictured here,” explains director Caroline Astley. “We are always re-skilling our design and weaving team to find out ways to say yes. We’ve been experimenting with various background weaves to offer more choices to match the brand look that customers want. I’m working on sourcing more unusual yarns to offer different textures and shiny or dull qualities to labels. People want their labels to be unique!”
Woven labels are made from recycled polyester; most yarns are 75dtex, with some shades in finer and heavier weights. The latter can alter the effect of the label as it allows more density and detail into the design.
“Polyester offers longevity for branding which isn’t matched, and from a production perspective it remains stable for higher speed weaving and finer details. We do offer cotton labels as a biodegradable option, however this comes with its own sustainability issues,” adds Astley.
The National Weaving Company is celebrating 40 years in business next year. The business was started by the parents of director Caroline Astley, who began weaving name tapes in 1987. When Diane and her husband Jake Lloyd took over some 20 years ago the business grew, mainly through the internet and expansion into the custom label market alongside the name labels – which are still made today.