How to make Quilt Labels on Your Computer

I have written this tutorial to help the Gems of the Prairie Guild prepare for the quilt show Aug. 27 & 28, 2016 at the Peoria Civic Center.  This tutorial helps with the computer part.  At the bottom is a link (click on the blue HERE) to find additional instructions and pictures on preparing the label to be sewn to the quilt. 

Open Word or I used Libre Officewriter.

Click on Table in the upper task bar.

Click Insert in the drop down menu, and then click on Table in the next menu. In the next box you should see Name: Table1 and below the choice for how many rows and columns. Choose 1 row and 1 column and click ok

You should have this long narrow box. Place your cursor over the righthand end line and you should see a double-sided arrow. Drag the double-sided arrow to the left to make the box the width you like.

THE BOX WILL EXPAND LENGTHWISE AS YOU TYPE IN THE INFORMATION. I like the information centered within the box, so choose the box in the task bar with the contents centered before you start typing in the information.   If you forget this step, finish typing in the information and highlight all the context and then choose the centering box in the task bar.

Now you may add the information about the quilt. If you have used someone's pattern, make sure you list the name of the quilt and the pattern designer's name to satisfy copyright issues. Give credit where credit is due.  Example below: 

Rustic Hearts Designed by Sherri Bain Driver McCall's Quick Quilts, Oct/Nov 2012 issue Quilt was sewn and machine quilted by Terry Johnson, Princeton, IL July 4, 2016

I print the label first on plain paper to see if I like it and to verify there are no errors. Have someone else proof it for you. This will also help you to judge what size of printable fabric to cut. I cut the piece of fabric with paper backing to fit what I need, for example 8 1/2” by 5”, I want to be able to trim down to 1/2” outside the lines after printing.

I use EQ printable fabric sheets or I buy a roll of fabric by Inkjet Printable Fabric Sheets by Jacquard. Its 100% washable and paper backed.  www.thefabstudio.com I really like the roll of fabric as I find I don't waste much. I try to do two labels at once so I use up one cut of fabric from the roll.

You may cut and paste pictures into your label, but it will make your label bigger.  Be creative and have fun with the process.

To learn how to finish your label with borders and applying it to your quilt, click HERE

To see other finished labels and story, click HERE.

Yours in quilting,
Terry