it's all in the label, baby!

It is so refreshing to finish up one of my quilts especially the last process of closing the binding with hand stitches. I like to reflect about the entire process and whom the quilt is for. (Every process of the quilting making is crucial and takes planning. No step should be sped on through.) One of the very last steps should not be forgotten and should be just as beautiful as the quilt itself. What step you may ask? The labeling of course! There are lots of different ways of labeling a quilt, but the best one I like at the moment is ironing a self-made, computer-generated t-shirt label onto a solid piece of fabric and then hand sewing to the back of the quilt.

I set a template in Photoshop for a standard size of 10 x 15 cm and adjust according to the size of my quilt. If it will become a mini, the size will usually be reduced to maybe half the size - 7 x 10 cm or so. I like to incorporate some aspect of the design of the quilt usually by making a block or importing the block from EQ7.
 
Here are a few of my favorite labels and corresponding quilts so you can see which elements I captured fromt the quilt in the label:

Scrapkunst - the Doll Quilt Swap - "Let's go modern"

 

Prairie Star - Doll Quilt Monthly - "Diamonds are Forever"

 Crosses on Paper - Doll Quilt Monthly - "Try Something New"

Katzenpost - Doll Quilt Monthly - "Love Letters"

Tulips Upside Down - Doll Quilt Monthly - "In the Garden"?

Chess or Checkers? - Doll Quilt Monthly - "For Kids"

The elegant way of finishing up the label is to add a little binding to the edge. It really doesn't take that long and gives it an awesoming finishing touch. On my most recent label, I took one inch strips, folded in half lengthwise, pressed, and sewed to the tops and bottoms of the label (binding style - raw edges together) using 1/8" and press outwards. On the outer two strips, I folded the edges in 1/4" so the raw edge wouldn't show. Then I pinned in place and hand stitched around the edge. Voila!

I would love to hear about your favorite method of "signing your quilt." Please leave a comment and share with all of us. Thanks for dropping by.
Karen

labeling your quilt

As we finish up our quilts, we sometimes forget the most important step of "signing" our work with a quilt label. There are so many ways to make a beautiful label for your quilt, don't forget to do it!

I have experimented over the years with different labeling techniques such as using a permanent marker, embroidery floss, designs on t-shirt transfers, iron on ink transfers and professionally printed labels. One of the easiest ways is to use a permanent fabric marker and write on a light piece of fabric and then sew this to the back of your quilt. I have never used a stamp, but would love to have one designed. I saw this quite a bit in Amish Country.

I generally prefer to use computer generated designs on t-shirt transfers and then iron onto light fabric and sew by hand. This gives me the most freedom to design a label according to the design of the quilt and personalize to the recipient. My problem here is the stiffness of the label, but as long it isn't majorly used, it won't interfere with the cuddliness of the quilt.

Since embroidery is NOT my best trait, I usually prefer not to use this technique. I love the work that some quilters bring to their labels by outlining in a fabric used in the quilt and then embroidering the information. Ich beneide diesen Kunst und die Kunstlerinnen. I don't have the patience.

Some important facts to write on your label:

Quiltmaker
Quilt Recipient
Date Made
Name of Quilt

What is your favorite way to "sign" your quilts? Please leave a comment or link so we can all get inspired!