Planet Earth Self-finishing Luggage Tag

Updated March 4, 2019.
You probably know Planet Earth because of their wonderful threads. But did you know that they also make a variety of leather self-finishing items?

Earlier this week I used my bookshelf quilt to finish a tag, pictured above. I’ve finished dozens of Lee luggage tags over the years, but this was my first time using these tags. I was delightfully surprised by how easy it was to finish.

First, the tag is rectangular, 2 1/8 by 2 7/8, instead of round. The leather strap that comes with it seems longer and more supple than the Lee strap. It does not include a ball and chain length as an alternative strap.

The biggest difference is construction. This tag has a pocket with a clear window on one side. This is where the ID goes. The tags come with pre-printed cards for your name and address.

I used my business card instead and found that the overall pocket is too long for a business card. If you adjust it so that the card shows instead of leather, not quite all of the card shows. To keep my card in place, I put double-sided tape on the back. Once I liked the card’s placement I pressed it in place.

The other side is for the needlework. It has an uncovered window and a paper-covered double-sided adhesive. You’ll need to lift the leather margins to find the edge of the adhesive and use your fingernails to pry up a bit. Once you get it started, the backing is easy to remove.

I used the cardboard piece to cut my needlepoint roughly to the size of the opening. Then, before removing the adhesive, I test fit it. Once trimmed I removed the backing and centered the needlepoint in the opening. I lifted the tag’s margins and tucked in the edges of the needlepoint.

Start to finish it took me less than five minutes to finish the design. Because of the smaller size and less obtrusive shape, this tag is more subtle and business-like. I could easily see it being used as a briefcase tag. I liked that the strap was long and easy to use. I also love the colors of these products. The red is a pretty slightly bluish red which will coordinate really well with many designs.

I love the result and I’m looking forward to using it.

The tag is available in four colors: black, red, blue, and lime. It can be found in many needlepoint shops. In addition several designers are making painted canvases to fit these items.

This tag makes a great choice for a needlepoint gift. You could easily stitch the front in an evening or two, and have a finished needlepoint gift in just a few hours.