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Monday, March 31, 2014

Free Spoonflower Template (Inkscape)


Hey friends!
I've seen multiple people ask in FaceBook groups about custom labels to sew onto handmade items.....here's a free template to make your own!

First, let's talk about INKSCAPE!

This is a free vector art program that can do so much!  It's basically the free version of Adobe Illustrator.  You can create artwork using shapes, text, import images, etc. and customize the size for any unit of measurement!  

(If this is a brand new program to you I will hold your hand through the process and even give you an extra freebie that has a design already made for you at the end of this post.)


Now, let's talk about SPOONFLOWER

This is the first time I ordered anything from Spoonflower and in my trial and error on getting the sizing and pixels correct for uploading they were there to answer any of my questions through e-mail!

For this tutorial we are going to use the sizing for a swatch (8"x8" which is a square that is 1200px by 1200px..... if you try to change from px to inches in the program it will not come out to be the same because of how Inkscape saves images by dpi..... a lot of that is over my head which is why I was thankful for Spoonflower's help!)

Step 1.
Open the 8"x8" template file that I've created for you
****Open the link, save the file by clicking the little arrow at the top left of Google Drive and then open with Inkscape.****
(If you try opening directly from the link above you will see the grid but it will not be open in the Inkscape program.  You need to save the file to your computer, open Inkscape and in the Inkscape program, click "File" > "Open" > then select the spoonsflowerswatch.svg file that you downloaded to your computer.)


Step 2.
Using the grid lines that I've marked (1" squares) create your own custom artwork that you would like to have printed.

Step 3.
Delete the grid lines in the background by selecting the image and hitting control x
Step 4.
Save your swatch design as a .png
Step 5.
Step 6.
Select "swatch" and the type of fabric you would like to have it printed on.


Step 7.
Order and wait impatiently for your new design to come in the mail!!!


Now, some things you should think about when designing.  Do you want to give yourself enough of a border to fold the edges in and hem?  I didn't hem my edges.  Instead, I used Fray Check to keep my labels from fraying in the wash.
 
Also, if you are doing folded tags, and plan to sew the raw edge into the seam, allow enough space for a seam allowance.

Here's a look at my labels on my daughter's new Easter Basket!  Look out Pottery Barn!




 If you would like a file that is already made you can download:

Spoonflower Swatch Sample .svg (you can modify)
Spoonflower Swatch Sample .png (ready to upload to Spoonflower)


Comment with any questions and I will respond and help as best as I can!!!

*UPDATE*

I got my canvas labels in the mail and they are a little smaller than the labels used in this tutorial (I messed up on the sizing!) but I like the consistency better.  I ironed Heat N Bond to the back of the labels so that I can iron them in place and then stitch for extra security.  The HNB will prevent fraying so no hemming or Fray-Check is needed!

Sewing Mama RaeAnna Blog



15 comments:

  1. Thanks for the tutorial RaeAnna! I never would have thought of Spoonflower for labels :)

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  2. Great idea! I'll have to check this out - I have Inkscape but it confuses me :P

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  3. Love your designs! I made some on Spoonflower a few years ago and they wear really nicely.

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  4. That's a brilliant idea! Never thought about having them printed at Spoonflower. I am already using Inkscape and getting a pretty good grasp on it.

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  5. I love inkscape and am so happy you posted this! I've been printing them and ironing them onto fabric, but these look much better. Did you mention what type of fabric you chose? I've heard good and bad about their fabric so I'm curious what you think about yours since my stuff would definitely get washed.

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  6. Great tutorial RaeAnna! I have really wanted to do this but haven't taken the time to figure it out. But now I know and plan to do! Thank you so much for sharing!!

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  7. So the labels are only 1" wide and long?

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  8. I don't get what you have with the hearts when I open it so do I then have to make my own? Are they all only 1" by 1"?

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  9. Cute idea! Would you only use these on cold wash items or would you chance them on warm wash items? I make some handmade items that I do wash in warm and I wonder how the ink would hold up? It says to cold wash, doesn't it? Or does it vary by fabric type at Spoonflower.

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  10. Thanks for the tutorial, RaeAnna. I have Inkscape, but have yet to learn how to use it. Pinning your post to help when I'm ready.

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  11. Which fabric did you choose? I've printed some labels on the kona cotton and sateen. I use the sateen for outer labels and the kona for inner. I just love spoonflower's sateen SO MUCH.

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  12. I would love to have labels made and this is a great tutorial!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!

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  13. This is so helpful and I love Spoonflower. Thank you!!!

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  14. Would Spoonflower be able to use drapery blackout fabric for the labels? I use this at home when I make my labels and it works great, no raveling.

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  15. thanks for sharing great idea....click it http://www.weaveron.com/

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