Since your quilts may outlive you, it makes sense to preserve their heritage for future generations by marking them at a minimum with your name, your city, and the date. Adding other information, such as a poem, goodwill wish, special-occasion note, or the fabric content and care instructions, further personalizes the quilt.
There are several ways to permanently mark a quilt. You can sign directly on the quilt using a fine-tip permanent fabric-marking pen, cross-stitch, or embroidery. Be sure to test any marking pens on a scrap of fabric identical to the quilt fabric to check for bleeding before writing on the actual quilt.
As a guide for embroidering or cross-stitching a signature, write on tissue paper first, then stitch directly through the paper onto the fabric. After completing the stitching, gently pull away the paper.
You can also sew a separate label to the quilt backing. Purchase a premade label, or design one yourself. The fabric content of the attached label should be compatible with the quilt fabric and should be colorfast.
Think about using your computer and printer to make your labels. Using a publishing program, you can customize the label to the person receiving it. You can also document the quilt process, give a history for the reason the quilt was made, and include personal information and quilt care instructions. Printer fabric that works with your printer’s ink components will help keep the information intact. There are many programs designed to help you make labels quickly.
To attach the label, turn under the raw edges. Using a traditional appliqué stitch or other decorative stitch, sew through the folded label edge, catching the quilt backing and batting in your stitches.
However you choose to label your projects, it’s important to do so. It’s a thoughtful act for present and future generations who many want to know, “Who made this quilt?”
More to check out:
Green Pinwheels
Four-Square Pillow
Dotty Stars |
