How to Create Beautiful 3-Line Foil Stamping Designs with Maxita EC-27/EC-17 and Type 1 Holder

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If you’ve ever tried to foil stamp more than one line of text—say a name, a city, and a date—you know the pain: misalignment, shifting letters, not enough space, and hours fiddling with fragile holders that were never designed for creativity.

That’s where the Maxita EC-27 or EC-17, paired with the Type 1 Holder, changes the game.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to design and produce clean, stylish three-line foil stamped impressions—whether you’re personalizing a leather wallet, crafting luxury packaging, or adding flair to wedding invites. You’ll also get real user feedback, solutions to common issues, and creative layout ideas to take your stamping to the next level.

Learn how to use Maxita EC-27/EC-17 and Type 1 Holder to create professional three-line foil stamping layouts. Step-by-step tutorial, real user reviews, and tips for leather, stationery, and packaging projects.

Why the Type 1 Holder is Worth It

Let’s be honest: most standard foil stamp holders were built for basic one-line stamping. If you want to do anything more creative—stack text, align multiple lines, or use different spacing—you’re in for a fight.

The Maxita Type 1 Holder solves this with:

Four adjustable stainless steel bars – You only need three for a triple-line layout, and you can space them however you like.
Smart centering guides – Built-in tracks help keep your layout neat and centered.
Double-screw locking – No more shifting or loose characters mid-stamp.
Premium materials – Heavy-duty aluminum and stainless steel keep everything stable even after hundreds of uses.
Universal compatibility – Works with both EC-17 and EC-27 machines.

It’s basically the LEGO of foil stamping.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a 3-Line Layout

1. Choose Your Text + Spacing Bars

Pick your design—say "AMY / PARIS / 2024"—and grab the corresponding brass type along with spacing pieces (thin, regular, double). Spacing pieces are what give your layout breathing room.

2. Insert into the Holder

Load each line onto its own steel bar. Use three bars in total. Adjust the bar height if needed, then use the built-in centering grooves to align all three lines. It’s satisfying when it clicks.

3. Lock It In

Tighten both side screws to clamp the bars securely. This step matters—good clamping = no surprises when heat and pressure hit.

4. Set the Machine

With the EC-27 or EC-17, set your temperature to around 110–130°C depending on your foil and leather type. Let it preheat for a few minutes.

5. Test + Stamp

Always do a test stamp on scrap leather or card. Tweak spacing or alignment as needed. Once you're happy, go ahead and press your final piece.

Common Problems (and How to Beat Them)

Issue	What’s Going On	What to Do
Lines not centered	Bar alignment is off	Use centering grooves on the holder
Letters shifting during stamping	Loose screws or uneven foil	Retighten screws; check foil alignment
Uneven stamping depth	Irregular surface or heat	Test first and adjust temperature or dwell time
Spacing looks weird	No use of spacer bars	Add thin/double spacers between characters

Creative Use Ideas for 3-Line Foil Stamping

Gift Packaging – Add name, event, year (e.g., "LUCY / GRADUATION / 2024")
Stationery – Personal quotes + location + initials
Leather goods – Brand name + product type + country
Wedding Invitations – Names + date + place

Mix fonts, test layouts, and let the spacing do the talking. Want it tighter? Use thin spacers. Want it airy and modern? Go double-wide.

What Real Users Are Saying

"I upgraded to a Maxita machine and it was a game-changer. Clean results, reliable pressure. For textured leather, I found it works best to do one no-foil impression, one foiled, then one more no-foil press to sharpen it all." — Reddit user @krmikeb86

"The EC-17 is great for small workspaces and it’s modular—if one part breaks, you can swap it without replacing the whole unit." — Reddit user @Hot_Law_2749

"Frustrated with overcomplicated foil machines? Maxita EC-27 changed the game for me. Simple, smooth, stress-free." — From CÍ OFFICIAL's Facebook page

Quick FAQ

Can I use the Type 1 Holder on machines other than Maxita?
It’s optimized for Maxita EC-17 and EC-27. Compatibility with other machines may vary.

What size fonts work best for three-line layouts?
5mm type height is a safe bet, but you can use larger or smaller fonts—just test your spacing first.

Can I mix fonts or styles in one holder?
Absolutely. You can combine serif, sans-serif, or symbols—just make sure your type height and base thickness match.

What materials can I stamp?
Vegetable-tanned leather, coated paper, wood veneer, and some fabrics.

Why CÍ OFFICIAL?

CÍ OFFICIAL is more than just a store. We’re a London-based, family-run boutique focused on professional-grade tools for leathercraft and creative makers. We manufacture Maxita machines in our own workshop and collaborate with respected independent tool designers around the world.

We ship globally (for free), and our long-term aftersales support means you’re never on your own.

From foil stamping machines and pricking irons to skiving tools, stitching ponies, and precision knives, we curate the tools that makers trust. This is the gear we use in our own workshops—and it’s the gear we proudly stand behind.

👉 Explore all tools here