Penny for my thoughts: Quilt Labels

September 5, 2019

Quilt Labels

I volunteered to create a mini demo for my Guild's Sew Together Day. Here I am doing what I like to do...teaching!

Why attach a label or sign the back of your quilts?

Jenny Doan (MSQC) https://quiltingtutorials.com/tutorial/personalize-your-quilt-using-quilt-applique-labels

What to include on your label:

Quilt maker's name- full name, not just "made with love by Nona."
The quilter - if different from the maker - longarmer
Name of the quilt
If using a commercial pattern, the name of the pattern and designer
The full name of the recipient of the quilt
Occasion - wedding, graduation
Year when the quilt is completed
Location - city, state
Personal message

How to create a label:

There are many techniques and products to help you create a label that fits your quilt and expresses what you want to say.

Hand or machine embroider - I don't machine embroider so this isn't an option for me.
Hand write - see information about fabric pens below
Ink Jet printer- June Tailor Sew-In Colorfast Fabric Sheets for Ink Jet Printers – (make sure they are Washable!) 100% cotton in white or cream – can be purchased at JoAnn, Amazon
Custom Quilt Labels:

I visited local stores; Jo-Ann, Michael's and Walmart to test fabric markers. Many quilters use Micron markers and I have in the past, but I began to notice that over time and multiple washings, the back writing faded to a grayish purple. So, I didn't include these pens in my sample. ALL lables should be heat set before washing.

I wrote on fabric and two wrote easily and darkly. The Tulip Fabric Marker bled a little, but was still acceptable.

The Pentel Gel Roller for fabric wrote smoothly and cleanly.

I attached them to quilted fabric squares to similate quilt backs. Each time I added them to a load of laundry, I indicated it on the label, these were each washed 4 times. Both maintained their color throughout the washing and drying. My personal preference is the Pentel Gel Roller for fabric purchased at Walmart.

This label was created in Word and signed using the Pentel Gel Roller 3 years ago. It's helpful to iron freezer paper to the back of your label to facilitate writing on fabric.

I often make my labels on the computer using June Tailor Sew-In Colorfast Fabric Sheets for Ink Jet Printers. They are available in cream and white. Make sure they are "Washable" and you follow the instructions to make them color fast. (if not, all of your work will disappear in the wash)

I created this label on my inkjet printer and hand sewed it to the back of my Teal MugRug Swap. After following the manufacturer's instruction, I ironed it to Steam a Seam lite and then ironed it to the back to be sewn.