Personalizing Your Quilt

Personalizing Your Quilt

Many have reached out about HOW to personalize your quilts, so I thought I’d write up a short how-to with some tips that I swear by!

I use my Cricut Maker to design the name because it has a rotary cutter tool that is perfect for cutting out fabric. (This is an accessory you will have to order separately).

The ONLY fusible web I will ever use from now on is Flexi Fuse. I have tried many different companies, and this one is the best. I also prefer buying them in sheets, as it makes it much easier to cut (as opposed to a roll that is always curling up on you). I find this brand adheres better as well. I don’t have to worry about it lifting once I have applied a dry iron to it. Its specific formulation provides smooth stitching with NO needle gumming. I highly recommend this product! (Not an affiliate, just a fan!)

1. Design text on Cricut Maker. Try to select a font that is thicker for easier stitching. I always “ungroup” the letters and move them closer together so I can stitch from one letter to the next. 
2. Take note of the size of fabric you will need. I usually use fabric from Art Gallery Fabrics for personalization because they have a higher thread count and are less likely to fray. 
3. Cut your fusible web the same size and press onto the back of the fabric using a dry iron (no steam). Do not run the iron back and forth over the fabric. 
4. Place on your cutting mat (the “pink” mat), making sure the placement is the same as the orientation on your screen. I always set it to “heavy material, like denim” to keep the cut precise.
5. Use your Cricut tools to peel your text off the mat and set it on your quilt. I like to move it around a few times before I decide on placement. Keep the paper backing on while you do this, as it is much easier to move this way.
6. Once you have the proper placement, remove the paper backing and press. I usually press for 6 seconds for maximum adhesion. 
7. I am lucky enough to have a longarm so I can stitch the text onto the quilt with great precision. This is more difficult to do on a domestic machine, but it’s possible! Just stitch slowly so you can move the needle evenly around curves. I usually go around the perimeter of the text (1/8" from the edge) a couple times to make sure it’s secure (and I think it looks better aesthetically). I love the raw edge appliqué look, especially after a quilt is washed and the edges fray slightly. It adds dimension to the quilt!
8. Step back and admire your work. It really adds something special:)