Applying Accession Numbers to Textiles

1. Applying Accession Numbers to Textiles

2. Materials needed • * Note – The recommended material for labels is a densely woven white cotton fabric (e.g., sheeting material) • Cotton fabric, archival ink, scissors, cotton/ polyester blend sewing thread, fine sewing needle and pins.

3. Step one • Using an archival ink pen, Micron is suggested, write the object ID on the cotton fabric in small, legible writing. • Often it is difficult to write on the material. We suggest making small connecting dots, rather then lines, as it is easier. Continue to make dots until line is solid.

4. Example of Step One

5. Step Two • Using your scissors cut the numbered area from the roll of fabric, making sure to leave a 5mm margin on all sides.

6. Step Three • Choose the area in which best suits the costume to sew the tag to. • For dresses, coats, shirts and blouses the inside back neckband, or inside bottom left sleeve are recommended. • Skirts and trousers are best suited to the inside back waistband. • For headwear the inside centre back hatband or centre back of the crown are best. • Gloves- Inside left armhole

7. Step Three continued • Vests- Inside left armhole • Rugs, quilts and other covering- on reverse corner along a hem or sleeve edge. • Drapes – Reverse lower left corner of each panel. • Pillow cases- inside left corner near hem. • Shoes- On heel breast parallel to bottom of shoe using nail polish method. Flats or slippers on the heel at back of shoe.

8. Step Four • For areas which are challenging to sew, sometimes it is easier if the label is pinned to the costume while sewing it. • Remember that we want as few holes in the costume as possible and so only do this if needed. • Also use the thinnest pin possible to secure it to the costume.

9. Step five • Then using your fine sewing needle and cotton or cotton/polyester blend sewing thread, hand stitch the label to the textile. • Use a single thread when stitching, do not double up or tie a knot at one end.

10. Begin and end with a few back stitches instead of making knots in the thread.

11. Step six • Carefully cut any too long or loose threads and you are all done.