by Kathy Kellerman
All quilts should be labeled, but many people don’t know how or even where to begin. But it’s easy. There are several different types.
The first type is preprinted, available for purchase in quilt shops or online. I cut mine out, iron freezer paper to the back, this makes writing on it with a permanent fine line marker, much easier. Then cut it out with pinking shears or pinking blade before stitching to the back of the quilt, remove freezer paper before stitching.
With another type, you use preshrunk muslin and embroider a design, again, press freezer paper on it before writing (or use embroidery for the words). I like to make mine on a large piece, then fold in half, right sides together, stitch it closed except for a small space to turn it right side out. I then edge stitch all the way around, this makes it look like I stitched it on the quilt by machine (ha ha, fooled ‘em) after that I baste or glue the label on the quilt, then hand stitch all the way around.
Finally, last but not least is my personal favorite; I love to draw, or trace, a picture of something related to the quilt or recipient, I use the fine fabric markers to trace and the thicker fabric markers to fill in and shade. Again, I press freezer paper to stabilize the fabric before starting the tracing and coloring. I then do the same thing with folding the fabric, turning and top stitching, glue, hand stitch. This type of label is so personal and nice, you can make different sizes, there so many ideas, what fun!
What should be on a label you ask?
This depends, but always put your name, where you are from and the date. You can also include the name of the recipient, reason for making the quilt, etc.
I would like to add; date you made or in my case finished the quilt.
I think these are excellent explainations of ways to make labels. Easy to do and easy to understand. Good job! Thanks.
Great ideas for signing your quilts… try to get all my friends to do this I DO. makes it so personal to the receiver.
I am always pleased when I see an embroidery series include a quilt label – the one that comes to mind is a retired set on Bunnycup Embroidery. Thanks for the great tips – a must for all quilters
I’m making a quilt for one of my granddaughters and incorporated the quilt label into the quilt design. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments from people who have seen it. A picture of it is on my blog: http://threadstofabric.blogspot.com
I am trying to lable my quilts. This article shows me how to go about it. Thanks to Desgins by Sick Embroideries.
Good idea. I think it’s important to document all the hard work you have done. Especially a gift. Thanks for the ideas.
I heard many years ago by Fons and Porter how frustrating it is to see a quilt and not know who or why it was made. I recommend noting who it’s for, whatthe occasion was and when it was giiven. I also write a paragraph about it in a book,with p[ictures of the blocks i addressed. Any special meanings of the blocks that are not obvious to the others who see it. I have made several very personal quilts and I did a long note on one and a scrapbook on the other,in which each square was about a different aspect of my dad’s life. It is so special to know what some of the squares are related to, especailly for his grandkids who did not get to know him really well before he was killed.
I like to incorporate my label’s into the binding seam so that it becomes a part of the quilt that way it is more difficult to remove if “heaven forbid” the quilt is stolen. Some times I even quilt over the label.
I like to add some of the left over binding to the top and one side of my label. Then I sew the remaining two sides of the label to the quilt as I machine sew on the binding. When I do the hand stitching for the binding I also hand stitch around the remaining two sides of the label.
Love the labels, what a wonderful idea.
YES! I love to make my labels as beautiful as possible, I like to put the name of the recipient if at that time I know who will be, ha, ha.
Always people are going to fold the quilt to see the back, and I am so happy looking at their surprise when the find the label.
Thanks for your useful hints, I love this web site.
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