Here’s an easy method to make a quilt label.
It’s simple and effective. Maybe you’ll like it too.
I create the text part of the label on the computer or by drawing it with permanent fabric markers. Either way, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make the text permanent. My experience has been that everything fades over time if it’s washed repeatedly, so just do what you can to make the label as permanent as possible. Embroidery is probably the most long-lasting option, either by hand or by machine.
Trim the text panel so as to leave about 5/8″ outside the words on all sides. You need 1/4″ for the seam allowance as well as some blank space to serve as a margin between the words and the seamlines. You can experiment to see how much margin you like, but cutting 5/8″ outside the words is a good starting point.
Choose a fabric that complements the label colors and the quilt backing. Cut enough 1-1/2″ strips to go around the text panel.
Sew the 1-1/2″ strips to the label like you’re adding a border to a quilt using a 1/4″ seam allowance; it doesn’t matter which ones you sew on first.
Press the seam allowances away from the center.
Choose a backing fabric for the label.
Put the label and the backing fabric right sides together and trim everything to the same size.
Line it all up, right sides together, and put in a few pins.
Sew all the way around itwith a 1/4″ seam allowance as shown below.
Trim off the corners to eliminate bulk.
Don’t cut too closely to the seam—you want to leave a few threads of space.
Pull the backing fabric away from the label front.
Cut a slit in the backing fabric about 2″ long.
Turn the label right sides out through the slit. It will look a little lumpy.
Push the corners out gently with something pointy. Take care not to push through the seam. If you do, that label is toast.
Press the label one last time.
Sometimes I use matching thread and sew in the ditch around the center panel to give it a nice finished look. Sometimes I don’t. Totally optional.
Use a blind stitch (like you’d use for hand applique) to sew the label to the back of the quilt. Be sure it’s very secure because over time, hand stitches can easily loosen.
Presto! You’ve finished labeling your quilt!
Have you stopped by your Handi Quilter retailer lately to see the HQ Stitch sewing machines in action? You’ll enjoy learning what they can do. Take a test drive today.
Nice label…I don’t know how you did such a neat job with a permanent marker…great job. I wonder if the label letters could be sewn with the HQ Stitch 710 lettering? Could it do the job?