Quilts are one of the most treasured items in many households, often passed down through generations. Whether it’s a gift for a loved one or a project that you have put countless hours of hard work and creativity into, labeling your quilt is a must-do task. A quilt label not only adds a personal touch to your creation but also serves as an important historical record. In this blog post, we will discuss why labeling your quilt is significant and share tips and tricks on how to create a beautiful and lasting quilt label.
Why label your quilt
When it comes to quilting, one thing that often gets overlooked is the importance of labeling your quilt. Sure, the quilt itself is the main focus, but the label is just as significant!
Here are just a few reasons why you should always include a label on your quilt:
Record-keeping: The label serves as a record of the quilt for historians. Without a label, there is no way to know who made the quilt, when it was made, who it was made for, or anything else about it. Including a label ensures that this important information is not lost over time.
Personalization: A quilt label is an opportunity to personalize your creation and make it truly unique. Including details such as the recipient’s name, the occasion for which it was made, or even a short message can make the quilt even more special.
Judging: If you plan on entering your quilt in a show or festival, a label is essential. Judges need to know important information about the quilt, such as the name of the quilter, the date it was made, and any other relevant details.
In short, a quilt label is an important part of the quilting process that should not be overlooked. Not only does it serve as a record of the quilt for historians, but it also adds a personal touch and is necessary for competitions. So next time you finish a quilt, don’t forget to add a label!
What information to include in your label
Here are some things you should consider putting on your quit label:
Recipient’s Name (Strongly Recommended)
If you are gifting the quilt to someone special, it’s nice to include their name on the label. This not only adds a personal touch but also makes it clear who the quilt belongs to.
Name of the Quilt (Strongly Recommended)
The name of your quilt can help give it character and make it stand out. This is especially useful if you have made several quilts over the years and want to differentiate between them.
If you have created a quilt for a special occasion, such as a wedding or graduation, adding an inscription to the label can make it even more meaningful. It could be something simple like “Made with Love” or a more elaborate message.
The Quilt’s Story (Strongly Recommended)
Including a brief summary of how and why you made the quilt can add a personal touch and make it even more special. This could include information on the pattern or blocks used or any other notable details.
Anyone Who Helped in the Making of the Quilt (Polite and Thoughtful)
If you worked with a long-arm quilter or someone else who helped bring your vision to life, consider including their name or business information on the label. This is a great way to give credit where it’s due and support the quilting community.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to label your quilt, and the information you choose to include may vary depending on your personal preferences and the occasion. The important thing is that you take the time to label your quilt and give it the recognition it deserves.
Methods for labeling your quilt
Now that you understand why it’s important to label your quilt and what information to include in your label, let’s discuss some creative ways to actually label your quilt.
- Embroidery: One classic method for labeling a quilt is to embroider the information directly onto the fabric. This is a great option if you’re confident in your embroidery skills and want a long-lasting label that won’t fade or peel off over time.
- Fabric markers: Fabric markers come in a variety of colors and can be used to write directly onto the fabric of your quilt. This is a great option for a more personalized touch, as you can use your own handwriting or draw custom designs.
- Printable labels: If you’re not comfortable with writing or embroidering directly onto your quilt, consider creating a printable label to attach to the back. There are many websites and software programs that allow you to design your own labels, which you can then print onto fabric transfer paper and iron onto your quilt.
- Patchwork labels: For a fun and creative touch, consider creating a patchwork label using scraps of fabric from your quilt. You can sew the scraps together into a small square, then embroider or write your information onto the patch before attaching it to the back of your quilt.
- Personalized quilt tags: Another option for a personalized touch is to create a custom quilt tag to attach to your quilt. You can order tags online or create your own using cardstock or scrapbook paper, then write or print your information onto the tag before attaching it to your quilt.
By choosing a unique and creative labeling method, you can add even more personality and charm to your handmade quilt. Whether you prefer embroidery, fabric markers, printable labels, patchwork labels, or personalized tags, make sure to label your quilt so that it can be cherished for generations to come.