Sew Happy Saturday – Some Thoughts On Quilt Labels

 

I have to admit that I have not been good about labeling my quilts – what few I’ve actually finished.  But, I want to make an effort to do so.  I can see the value of it and the reason for it.  My grandmother on my dad’s side had several quilts in her possession none of which were labeled.  We don’t know if some of her relatives made them or if they were given to her from “missionary closets” or by friends.  This is too bad, especially since one of them is a lovely, vintage Dresden plate quilt which my Aussie sister-in-law inherited.  I really wish we knew who made it!  [Pictured above.]

Even if you don’t make quilts, you may want to put labels on other sewing projects, especially items that are likely to last for years to come.  Someday someone may be happy to know who made that lovely item. :-)  And, if you sew items for sale, you might even get another order through a label.  I suggest that you at least put on your URL or an email address when making items for sale.  But – generally it is best to put it in an inconspicuous location.

Labeling Quilts – from The Missouri Star Quilt Company -- Here is a short tutorial explaining the importance of labeling quilts and also giving a few simple ideas for labeling.  Some people object rather strongly to using Sharpies® (permanent markers) for labeling quilts, but Jennie Doan says here that she uses them and I’ve seen quilts that were labeled that way.  Note: Some things are really a matter of choice.  Do a little research if you want to know more about it.  Find out the pros and cons and then make your own decision.  Just because so-and-so says “always” or “never” does not mean that you won’t find some talented quilter, or even a “famous” quilter doing exactly that! :-)

Creating Quilt Labels – from Craftsy -- Here is a blog post from Craftsy explaining a number of methods for making quilt labels.  They also address the information that you may want to put on your label. 
Note: Some people seem to have trouble with fabric home printer generated labels, so use caution with that.  Be sure to do some tests with your printer, washing the test piece several times to see what effect it has on it.  Also, the writer doesn’t clarify it in this post, but my understanding is that you Can Not print fabric in a laser printer.

Quilt Labels – the Cute and Easy Way! -- This tutorial is on making a simple quilt label and how to apply it to your quilt.  I recommend tucking under the raw edges of the fabric before zigzagging it to the quilt back, but that is a matter of preference. :-)  This label will be under the quilting stitches, so it will be more secure.

Creating Quilt Labels for Spoonflower Printing – This tutorial explains how to create your own label on the computer for uploading to Spoonflower fabric printers.  They will print it on yardage and you can then cut and make your own labels.  This is a more expensive method, but it would be handy. [Here is a post by Amy at A Quilting Sheep about her Spoonflower labels which she had printed.  They look very nice.]