How to Make an Easy Quilt Label

Adding labels to your quilts is not only a great way to remember details of your quilt years after you've finished it, but it also can serve as a meaningful and important way to pass down information about your quilts to future generations.

And while adding labels to your quilts can seem like a tedious last step of the quilting process (especially when you're sooo close to having a finished quilt), it doesn't have to be hard!

Watch the video below or keep reading for an easy method for adding labels to your quilts!

How to Make a Quilt Label

1. Cut a square of fabric. The squares can be anywhere from 5" square for smaller quilts up to 8" square for larger quilts or for labels that need a lot of room for writing. Choose a lighter fabric with a subtle print, so your writing can be seen. If desired, match the fabric to your quilt or your backing fabric.

2. Fold the square of fabric diagonally with right sides out to form a triangle. Use an iron to press the triangle and give the fold a nice crease.

3. Write your quilt label details on the front of the label using a fabric-safe, permanent ink marking tool. I prefer to use a Pigma Micron pen (specifically the 05 .45mm black version which is a great thickness for writing). Pigma Micro pens are archival quality, so are fade resistant, waterproof, and bleed free. Leave at least 1/2" of fabric between the edges and your writing. Shop the pens here.

4. Set the ink with your iron. Press on top of your quilt label using a hot and dry iron (no steam) to set the ink and make it safe for washing.

5. Once your quilt is quilted, squared up, and ready for binding, position your quilt label on the back of your quilt in a bottom corner. The quilt label's fold should be facing the center and the raw edges should be aligned with the raw edges of your quilt. Pin or clip the label in place.

6. Bind your quilt as usual. The binding will sew the label into place and cover the raw edges.

7. Hand stitch the folded edge of the label to the quilt backing to finish your quilt label.

Tips for Writing on Fabric

Mark lines. To help write straight on your label, use a hera marker to draw creases in your fabric to use as a guide (similar to lines on a piece of paper). I mark the first line at least 1" from the fold on the diagonal and then mark lines 1/2" apart from there. Shop a hera marker here.

Trace your message. If you don't love your handwriting, you can print your message on paper. Place the paper on a lightbox and layer your quilt label fabric on top. Then, trace the printed message onto your fabric.

Practice your technique. I've found that using short and slightly overlapping strokes of the pen gets me the best result when handwriting on fabric. The short strokes prevent dragging or distortion of the fabric with the pen. Practice writing on a scrap piece of fabric to find a writing technique that feels comfortable and works for you!

What Information Should You Include On Your Quilt Label?

This is a personal choice, although here are some suggestions that could be helpful to include on your label:

• Your name

• The date you finished the quilt

• The city/state you live in

• The name of the quilt pattern and/or pattern designer

• Any other special details about the quilt that gives it meaning

• If you're gifting the quilt, you may also want to write a personal message to the recipient.

Quilt labels are an easy way to personalize your quilt and make sure the quilt history is passed down to others. I hope you give this technique a try!

Thanks for joining me for "happy hour",

Lindsay