Creating Custom Quilt Labels Using Electric Quilt

Dealing with a Back Problem

4/28/2017

I've never been great at that final finishing step in creating a quilt -- attaching a label. Most of my quilts (if they survive that long) will have historians wondering "who made this" and "why".

As I write this post, my guild's show starts tomorrow and I have a number of quilts entered (actually every quilt I've made since the last show two years ago). I am not sure there will be room to display them all -- but I want to be ready -- just in case.

Our guild has very few guidelines, but one thing they do request is a label so they can make sure that tags are matched correctly with the quilts and they can make sure to return the quilts to their proper owners.

Two years ago, I ran out of time and printed a sheet with quilt name, my name and date with fusing on the back that was then ironed to the quilt. Definitely not a glorious way to finish my quilts.

I consider this a terrible "back problem".

This year I vowed to do better. After making a list of my quilts, I realized I had 18 labels to make. So I devoted a good chunk of my time yesterday to producing custom labels, printing them on EQ Printable fabric, and then actually sewing them on the backs of my quilts. No fusing for me this year.

Would you like to know my technique for creating these custom labels in Electric Quilt. Check out my video tutorial to see how I did this.

Stay tuned for part 2 where I will share how I used the Photo Layout feature in Electric Quilt to quickly insert my labels, arrange them and print.

Here is a slideshow of the completed labels.

If you would like to see the actual quilts (and live in the Minneapolis area), our show is Friday and Saturday (April 28 and 29, 2017) at the Maple Grove Community Center in Maple Grove, MN. Hours are 10-4. I should be wandering the show most of the time -- so be sure to stop me and say hi.

And make sure to ask one of the white glove ladies to show you my backs. Then you can see the labels as well.

I also cover another method of creating labels in my Beginning Electric Quilt online class. The next session is scheduled to start on May 4th. Register now.

Happy quilting.

Kari

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Sandra

4/28/2017 08:57:48 am

I really like the thread art designs. I have made some that were digitized by a friend, but I would like to learn how to do this myself. Have you made a video showing how to set this up in your embroidery program?

Kari Schell

5/5/2017 06:06:45 pm

My thread art designs were done in a program called Art and Stitch. I am in the process of creating a class on how to do these. This will hopefully be released within the next couple of months.

Gerri Smit

4/28/2017 10:40:03 am

Hi Kari
I used to print my label with EQ, until I found that with only a few washing's the label was fading, and I think in short time there will be nothing left of the label, I have heat set the label before applying. What would you suggest to fix this problem. Thanks Kari

5/5/2017 06:11:52 pm

Thanks for the information. I don't really have a solution for this one. I am not good about doing labels in general -- other than right before a quilt show. I also don't wash most of my quilts -- so haven't had to deal with the fading issue. Inklingo has published some on working with printers and one of their recommendations they had was "use only the color cartridge in the printer". EQ also recommended only using inkjet cartridges -- but I broke that rule and printed most of my labels on a color laser printer. The actual printing was more vibrant -- but not sure how it will stand the test of time and washings.

Sharon Groves

4/28/2017 03:32:48 pm

This was amazing & as a quilter who also has "back trouble", really appreciated! Thanks

5/5/2017 06:14:09 pm

Thanks Sharon! Good to hear that I am not alone. :)

Lilia

4/28/2017 04:40:21 pm

I hadn't used any of these buttons before and I found the tutorial VERY informative! I will have to watch and take notes on this one again. Thanks Kari. I wasn't sure you'd still be having these little weekly tutorials what with your teaching classes and all but I was elated to receive it! THANK YOU!

5/5/2017 06:13:35 pm

Thanks Lilia. I plan to continue to have tutorials. Some weeks are just a little bit busier and I may forgo a video (in the interests of time). I may also resurrect a few oldies but goodies.

Delores

5/6/2017 10:12:24 am

Hi, Kari! Thanks for great info and slideshow. Like Gerri, I have found fading after washing, despite heat setting of the inkjet printed labels. If you were to come across any helpful info, pls do pass along. I make lots of quilts for charitable organizations who ask that quilts be washed before being donated. Appreciate your time and lessons.

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Dealing with a Back Problem

Kari Schell

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Dealing with a Back Problem

Kari Schell

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