Here are 11 quilts that I found in my house that still need labels. I'm sure I have at least a few that could be added to this stack.
It really doesn't take much time, and since I was working on one today, I thought I would share one way I add labels to my quilts.
you will need a small piece of freezer paper, a scrap of fabric that matches or coordinates with the quilt back, and a Micron Pigma Pen. I use an 01 tip. Also a needle, thread (I use hand quilting thread) and a scissors.
iron the freezer paper to the fabric with the shiny side toward the wrong side of the fabric
I had read about this tip for years before I tried it. It's amazing! This step stabilizes your fabric so that it's easy, well, easier to write on.
using the Micron pen, write out your label. I like that each label has a bit of my handwriting on it rather than printing my label through a printer.
my most standard verbiage is:
"title of quilt"
by
Amanda Jean
2008
if the quilt doesn't have a title:
handmade by
Amanda Jean
2008
made in Wisconsin
or if it is a gift for someone I will write:
to:___________
Happy Birthday (or occasion here)
with much love,
Amanda Jean
2008
I do like to be sure to add the location where the quilt was made, especially if it will be going out of state or out of the country.
Ok....so once you figure out what to write on your label,
use the paper as your guide and press the raw edges in on all 4 sides
remove the paper (which can be used again a few times)
press again, from the top this time
pin in place and start stitching
I like to start stitching in the top left corner and hide my knot in the layers of the fold. Stitch around the perimeter....
and NOW the quilt is done. It's really not so bad. Not sure why I have 10 sitting around waiting to be labeled.
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On a side note, this is my 400th (!!) post. I'd like to say thank you to each and every one who stops here, for your kind comments and constant encouragement. It means so much.
Thank you.
I really mean it.
83 comments:
Thank you for posting the label tip! I love your blog and all the wonderful tips you so graciously share with us! Congrats on the 400th post!
Lynn
Thanks for saying what kind of pen you used... I tried making a label for my first quilt with a sharpie and it ran all over... Stabalizing is a great idea too! Love your blog! Thanks for all the beautiful quilting ideas... you're really giving me confidence! :)
Thanks for the good info! And congrats on 400 posts!
Thanks for the freezer paper tip.
Congratulations on 400 posts! And I agree with you, I think a bit of handwriting takes the neat factor up a notch; this is a great method that I'll have to try as I have yet to label a quilt. Yep, not one:)
And your Candy Corn quilt is way way darling, by the way!
Thanks for all your wonderful tutorials. I finally finished my "star quilt". I love the way it turned out. You can see it at www.taraderricott.blogspot.com.
Thank you for being here for 400 posts. Truly enjoy checking in on what you are doing. Always helpful. Thanks to you.
That's almost exactly how I do it, except I don't iron two sides that meet in a 90 degree angle and put those sides in the matching corner of the quilt, THEN as I start sewing my binding on, the binding catches those two edges and then I handstitch the other two sides down. Two things are accomplished...one, your label is security attached to the quilt via the binding...two, by attaching your label with your binding you've now made labeling part of the finishing of the quilt (in another words not something to put off).
I also put off adding labels to quilts. Referring to your previous post , what is candy corn??? We don't have that in Australia.
thanks for the tip! i never really had a good idea as to how to label my quilts so i never have. maybe i can actually start doing it now... maybe. :)
Wow, thanks! I've only labeled two of my quilts but I vow to get better at it. I like the easy way of getting the edges ironed under, very tidy. And congrats on your 400th post!
Hi Amanda Jean,
my name is Julia and I still have quilts that needs to be labeled...;o)
And I even have finished only 3 quilts in my life so far...the one I made for my sister is even a patched one...I used the micron pigma pen, too & also drew a little bee on it...as the quilt was named "happ-bee birthday" {many bee-fabrics in it because my sister was named "little bee" when my mother was pregnant with her}. Thanks for the reminder of labelling our quilts!
One question: I've just finished a reversible little table topper for my mom's birthday...how would you label this one???
Oh, last but definitely not least: CONGRATULATIONS on your 400th (!!!) post...I'm still enjoying every post you write...keep on blogging...it makes my day alot brighter ;o)
Hugs, Julia
That looks like a great way to make a label. Thanks for showing us. Congrats on #400!!! WOW
Yes, I am in the same boat as you, I have difficulty labeling my quilts as well. Although, you have inspired me to possibly go and round them up and label them all in one shot! Congrats on 400 posts, here's to 400 more!
congrats on your 400th post.
Thanks for sharing all your knowledge!
Your labels are pretty cute :)
Congrats on your 400th post. I've done my labels that way, however, I've heard that you should quilt them into your quilt, in case your quilt every gets stolen - if it's quilted in, it's much harder to get the label off by the thieves. I'm not sure anyone would be stealing MY quilts. LOL
you know i tried using the printable fabric thing...but i think i like the hand writing better. dang, 400 posts...that's a bunch of quilty goodness. thanks for sharing with us.
Thanks for the tutorial and congrats on the 400th. Maybe I'll be motivated to sew on a couple of labels now. Never thought of using freezer paper.
Congratulations on your 400th post! You have quickly become my quilting guru:) I never really understood how to label my quilt, and now I do! Thanks again!
Happy 400th post and thank you for another great tutorial
great tutorial! I really need to start labeling my quilts.
you are so darn clever!
Congrats on 400! I learn a lot from you and appreciate your ability to teach readers in a very genuine way. Keep up the good work!
Great label tips! Congrats on #400!
I prefer embroidered labels, but I don't like doing embroidery. I felt quite clever last month when I ordered some embroidered labels from It's Stitchcraft on Etsy. I label quilts with my name and the year, so I got a couple labels with my name and 2008, a couple with 2009, and the rest with just my name, so I can embroider in the year later. Quicker than doing my whole name.
I find them so much more "me" than the "Made by" labels that you see more often - they're red thread embroidered on off-white cotton twill tape, in lowercase courier font. Most importantly, there are no hearts or flowers or teddy bears. :)
Congrats on #400!
Thanks for the tutorial of labels! I need to make a few of those...Congratulations on 400 posts!
I know you will read this and laugh: Remember the apple I just ate? Well, I washed my hands and somehow got SOAP in my mouth! lol
Happy 400th post! You have the NEATEST handwriting ever.
Congrats on your 400th post, and thanks for showing us your method of labeling! 8-)
Happy stitchings!
Happy 400th! Now to find some freezer paper...
I just wish my handwriting was as neat as yours. Mine always wind up a mess and I have to do 3 or 4 before I get one that looks decent without mistakes on it or things being off center and such. I got bad marks in "handwriting" in grade school. I guess some things never change, LOL.
You are so right, I hardly ever label on of my quilts unless it is for a special gift. I would like to invite you to visit http://fallintofallquilters.blogspot.com/. I am hosting a quilt blogger giveaway with 40 participants giving away prizes. Come on over and enter the fantastic drawings.
That is the same way I do a label except I draw lines on the freezer paper. You can see the lines to write on and can keep your writing straight.
Thanks for the freezer paper tip! That will help me so much.
I've heard that it's a good idea to heat set the pigment markings after you're done writing (helps the markings last longer), but I've never tried this myself. I would guess it entails removing the freezer paper and then pressing the label with a dry iron (no steam, no spray).
Thanks for the reminder. I HATE labeling quilts but it should be done. And thank YOU for continuing to blog -- you're a daily inspiration!!!
400th post!? Congratulations!!!
And thanks for sharing how you label your quilts :-) I need to put labels on mine too, haven't labeled a single one yet :-( Well, not that I have made that many. LOL!
I will have to give the freezer paper method a try. I figure after I HAND SEW a binding, what's a little more torture to do the label?? I only have one under my belt so far but I think I will continue on with that. Congrats on the 400th post!
Congratulations with 400 posts and thanks for this wonderful inspiring blog and hosting so many wonderful projects and tutorials. You’ve been a real tutor to me!
Hope to enjoy lots and lots of posts in the future!
Thank you for all your lessons, you're the best!!
Greetings from Spain!
I think you are one of the most inspiring bloggers in blogland! Even when I don't write comments, I'm always reading your posts, your work is amazing and you are very kind in sharing so many ideas and turorials. I wish you all the best and congratulations!
Thanks so much for this Amandajean - very very timely. A slip with the rotary cutter has put my binding on hold for a few days but the label i can manage. Thank you again for all your help.
Wow! 400. That's an accomplishment!
Thank you for showing how to make a label. I have been meaning to do this form my next quilt. Now I have a tut to help me out. Happy Friday!
Alas I hate to think of the number of quilts that have gone out without labels or are here without labels, but I have done a few and I get the neatest result for me..my writing is not as neat as yours, is to use the embroidery machine and I can actually get quite a bit on a larger 5x7" label.
But I am starting to feel that the important thing is to put the label on before quilting, to make it just that little bit harder for it to be taken off should the quilt be stolen.
Does anyone else take this into consideration?
Thanks for the labeling tip. Congrantulation for your 400th post,....:)
I think labeling the quilt might just be my favorite step!
I've always wondered about this, thanks for the little tute. This is the only step I have never done.
I'm curious, though, how long does the ink stay put? Does it wash out eventually?
thanks for another awesome tute and congrats on 400!
happy weekend!
Isn't it funny how things show up just when u need them! I am putting the finishing touches on a quilt for a newborn and have been thinking about the label...well, think no more.
Thank you so much,
Congratulations on your 400th post! I'm just getting started - thanks to inspiriation from wonderful bloggers like yourself! I love your tutorials and have a whole notebook of them waiting to be made! Cheers!
Congratulations on 400 posts! Each one filled with amazing information to help a quilter. Thank you Amanda Jean. I'm off to make labels for the few quilts that I have made!
~jane
Congrats on your 400th post!
I know I have enjoyed all you have shared...tutorial and otherwise.
Thank you for sharing how you label quilts. I made one for my father's 70th bday this year and didn't label it. Wish I had.
Congrats on all the posts! I can't believe how much great info you've packed into them.
So I've never once named or even labeled my quilts, but your idea seems pretty easy... I may just have to try it!
Congrats on your 400th post!
I make my labels with 2 pieces, rst, sitich and turn. that way I don't have to worry about corners and when you sew it to the quilt you sew your turning opening shut at the same time!
Oh! This is a great way to do it! Just what I needed. I am horrible at labeling my quilts. If only my handwriting was as pleasing as yours.
I've been lurking for a while. I love your blog! Congrats on 400 posts!
pricklypearbloom,
I haven't had any problem with the ink washing out or fading, even, that I've noticed.
aj
You were apparently reading my mind! Just did a post about quilt labels, but I like that you had an actual tutorial with pictures. I tend to get a little fancier by designing something on my computer, but it's the stitching it on that gets me every time. Not a fan of the hand work!!
Wow, 400 posts. Congratulations.
Congratulations on 400 posts! I have to say that I love reading your blog, and all the projects that you share. You, and many other quilters out ther, have really inspired me to try my hand at it. Thanks so much.
I always plan to label my quilts but never do. You've inspired me to start.
Happy 400th post!
I've always been afraid of labeling because I thought it had to be printed, and I don't have that kind of printer. It all runs in the rain if I do print on paper, so I know it would on the label. So thanks for that simplified version. I take heart now and will do this from now on.
love your blog. Congrats on 400th post.
~a
I agree with you on the importance of putting a label, with all the necessary information, on a quilt. There have been far too many quilts that I've seen in magazines with 'maker unknown' and that is so sad to see. Thanks for sharing your tips for making up fast labels.
Thanks for showing us how to label a quilt. I just have to put the binding on my first quilt and I was going to have to look around for instructions - now I don't have to! I love your blog - you have some great project ideas!
Congratulations and thank you for the label tip! I too have quite a few quilts that I never labeled! You have a wonderful blog!
Thanks for your tip! I am new to quilting and just "finished" my first quilt. I live in Quebec and was not able to find the freezer paper, but found some "palette paper" at my local craft store, and it worked great! Now...I'm off to "finish" the rest of the pile of quilts I made for Christmas!
Thanks again! I love your site! Happy Quilting
I'm glad I found your site and really like this idea for labels. I have always labeled my quilts, as the woman who taught me to quilt told me how important it was. I do calligraphy, so I like to add my own handwriting. The method I was using for labels involved sewing a dryer sheet to the front of the label, cutting the dryer sheet and turning the whole thing inside out, but I never like how the edge looks. Your method looks much cleaner and crisper and I am about to make a label for a quilt that is almost finished! (Imagine making the label BEFORE the quilt is done! I must be excited about it!)
Another mom who loves to quilt,
Kristine
Thank you so much for this idea :) I just labeled my very first quilt! I love the way it finishes it :) Nikki (Sew La Tea Dough)
Thanks for your easy to follow instructions. You give me confidence! Keep up the good work =)
Thanks a bunch for the tip! I made my 16 month old a quilt for when she gets her "big girl" bed...well and a crib quilt that I have yet to label...but this is a much better idea than the plan I had in my head!
Keep up the beautiful quilting*
You are so amazing. I LOVE your blog. I could spend hours here just looking around and learning.
xxoo
~a
Amanda Jean, I was searching the web for quilt label information and found this post. I already had freezer paper and found a fabric pen at Walmart. Today I posted a picture of a label using your tutorial and linked to this post. Thanks!!!
Debbie J.
Your blog came up on my search when looking for information on making a quilt label. I am doing one for my wife and wanted to try it. Thanks for the great information!
Your blog came up when I searched how to make a quilt label...I'm glad it did. This is simple but effective and I can do this...I'm new to quilting but I am so eager to learn it all...thanks for the great tutorial and congrats on your 400th!!
Do you have any problems with you ink fading with washing??
I tried a few pens, and they all faded.... of course, I can't remember which ones, but I hope to find one soon that doesn't have this problem.
I hand print my labels this way as well. An extra hint is to use a black marker and draw lines on the freezer paper (NOT the shiny side)so that your writing is in a nice straight line. I use notebook paper as a guide.
it's amazing how much the freezer paper helps. i've been doing my labels like that for years.:) just wish my handwriting was better!
Thanks so much for these instructions and comments on labeling quilts. My first two quilts I didn't think to label them. I linked this post on my blog. www.howtobeamollymormon.blogsot.com
I know on the Micron Pigma Pen is says not to launder after use. Have you washed the quilts after using it? Have you had any issues? Thank!
nicoleichins(at)gmail(dot)com
I just started reading your blog and I totally agree with you about how important it is to label your quilts. I am proud of my work and one hundred years from now, no one is going to wonder who made them. Good job on your tutorials, too.
Great tip....I googled "how to label a quilt" and was delighted to find your detailed info. I have several quilts lying around....without labels....and many given away that I need to get back (to label, of course! :) ). This will be my first labeled quilt. It's a "Goodnight Moon" (book by Margaret Wise Brown) story quilt for darling 2 year old, Grace. Thanks again.
I will use this technique to sign my 1st quilt, thank you!
just found this post. thank you for the directions for making labels.
I'm relatively new at quilting and just getting brave enough to give some away as gifts, and I've been struggling with the style of label I want to use. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of a label written by me instead of printed or embroidered by a machine. That's just such a personal touch, and such a simple idea, too! Thank you for the great idea! :-)
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