Labeling Your Quilts: Part 2 of 2 (or It's Not Done Until It Has a Label)

I pieced a 'mini' of the flower for this label

Now it's time to make sure YOUR creations are
not anonymous.The days of thinking of these textiles as just 'women's work' or 'just a quilt' are over. My work, and yours, is worthy of identification. If you aren't sure, just trust me on this! Your label will add to the knowledge about quilts and their history down the road and you can rightfully take pride in what you have made.

The EZ method shown in the previous post can certainly be used on any quilt, vintage or new, and that may be adequate but now you will be able to include more information since YOU are the maker. In the case of a quilt you have made as a gift you may want to personalize it even more. The possibilities are endless. You can make a label that relates to the quilt itself, do a simple frame in coordinating fabric, write directly on the backing and more.

A simple frame 

These examples span the years of my quiltmaking. At one time I did print labels on muslin on my computer but they are not permanent unless treated or traced over. I chose a simple font and used a pigma fine point marker to go over the letters (tedious) and then press to set in these examples.

Personalized and 'signed'

Commercially printed labels come in yardage in all varieties. When I see something I like I buy it and try to remember that I have it (and where it is!)
I prefer to use my own handwriting these days. It's more personal. I so enjoy recipes my mother wrote in her own hand!

Commercial label from yardage

Embroidery adds a nice touch to the front of this quilt
and takes the place of a label on the back

For new quilts I sometimes write directly on the backing fabric. Do not do this on a vintage quilt.

Here's another idea. Piece a diagonal strip right onto the backing before you layer and quilt. You need to take care to see that it will fall in the corner the way you want it to but it makes a nice neat finish and is not removable!

I consider my choices for each new quilt and am always eager to learn of new ideas for labels. Do be sure that whatever style you choose, whether elaborate or simple, that you include at least the minimum basic information:

• YOUR NAME (I include my maiden name lately)
• WHERE YOU LIVE - city and state - many people forget to add this
• DATE FINISHED - it may be a range of years from start to finish.
• QUILTER'S NAME AND LOCATION -if not done by you

Now, can you match the label to the quilt?