A Quilt Label

for Handmade Quilts

So after you put in all that work and love into your quilt, take just a little more time and give it a quilt label.

The history of quilts and quilt making is fascinating but there wasn’t always much documentation done and then of course, quilts do disintegrate after so many years of use. Some quilts have survived though and they are wonderful pieces of our history.

Create a permanent record of your quilt so that anyone who uses it, receives it as a gift or maybe buys it, will know all of the unique facts that make each quilt special.

Whether you use a custom quilt label, embroidery labels or any other quilts label, there are some basic information you need to provide on the quilt label.

Your Name - also add the name of the person who quilted it, if you had it quilted by another person.

Date - you can just put the finished date, or more detail and use the start and finish date.

Your City, State and Country - this can help generations to come know exactly where you lived when you made your quilt.

Some optional information that you might want to add are:

Your street address and phone number - Be careful with this one. If your quilt gets lost or stolen, this additional information could help you get it back.

Recipient’s name and the reason it was made - Just a little added touch for someone special.

The Story of The Quilt - List things like how and why you made it, the names of the quilt blocks or the pattern you used and any adventures you had in getting it finished.

Entering a Quilt Show - If you are entering your quilt in a show, be sure to read all of the special instructions on how each show would like you to label your quilt.

There are many different ways to create labels for quilts. Some of the most popular are:

Hand Write Your Information - This is when you write directly on the quilt label or even the quilt itself, with a fine-tipped permanent marker like a Sharpie. If you are writing directly on the back of your prized quilt, make sure that you test first to make sure the marker doesn’t bleed.

Embroidery Labels - This can be done by hand or on a sewing machine. You can also buy custom embroidery labels with your information on them.

Block From Your Quilt - Use an extra block from your quilt top. Add your information and attach it to the back of the quilt.

Custom Quilt Labels - You can design your own quilt label by using any computer and printer by using the computer graphics program, which could include photos, special fonts or any other special elements that you would like to add. Then print the label on a pretreated printable fabric sheet that is available at any quilt shop or craft store. There are many brands to choose from such as Miracle Fabric Sheets, Vintage Workshop and others too. You can even do it all yourself. Carol Bryer Fallert has some easy to follow instructions for the Bubble Jet Set method at www.bryerpatch.com/faq/bjs.htm

No matter which method you use, test, test, test to check for color fastness.

Attach the quilt label where it won’t show if the quilt is hung on a wall or laid on a bed. Most quilters like to put it on the bottom right corner of the quilt back.

To discourage any potential thieves from removing the label, sew it firmly to the backing fabric before you assemble the quilt. Then when you do your quilting, stitch right through the quilt label. This will make sure it is nice and secure with your own unique quilt label.

Now back to quilting...

Go to Basic Quilting Instructions from Quilt Label for Handmade Quilts