Creating Unique Quilt Labels Tutorial

Everyone knows a label on a finished quilt is how we know who made it and when. But, do we always find the time to create one and stitch it onto our own projects? Perhaps not....

I like using my computer to design my own quilt labels to fit each project and make them each unique. As one can easily add color, insert images, fancy text, and make it all small enough to fit on a label. Editing is quick and easy; and when one is finally satisfied with the end result, off it goes to the printer.

Illustrations and Photos shown in this tutorial are from the Applique Mystery Quilt Along—2014 project.



APPLIQUE MYSTERY QUILT ALONG LABELS

 

 

QUILT LABEL TUTORIAL INSTRUCTIONS

 

1.      To begin, consider what you’d like to write or draw on your quilt label.

2.      Open a word document and set up a table with several rows and columns. As you plan out your design you can add more; or delete any rows or columns you do not need.

3.      If you select “no borders” these will not show when the label is printed. (These borders are visible in the illustration below, as blue dots.)

 

LABEL IN A WORD DOCUMENT

 

4.      On your page, provide white space around all sides of your label, so you have room to cut around the label to allow for seam allowances.

5.      Play with different layouts, fonts, and images if needed, so you can see what works best for the label information.

6.      Once the design is ready, check it over for errors and do any editing to finalize it before you send it to the printer.

7.      Insert your sheet or cut piece of PhotoFabric into the paper tray and print your label with the best quality ink setting.

8.      Once printed, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare it so it is ready to work with.

9.      I find the type of fabric used in this product will stretch out of shape as it is stitched onto the quilt back. One way to keep the edges straight; and looking good once applied to the quilt back, is with added borders. (I prefer to add at least two borders onto the printed label portion. This allows the label to keep its shape.)  

 

CLOSEUP OF STITCHING ON LEFT SIDE OF A LABEL
 

10.  Embellishing the quilt label, you may add applique pieces that are made specifically for the label or are extras from your project, if desired. [examples below]

11.  A quick way to prepare and also eliminate extra hand-sewing, is to use the selvage edge from fabrics to make the border strips. (If you don’t use selvages, allow an extra width to fold back raw edges on all four sides.)

 

RISK AVOIDANCE: If iron is too hot; it will scorch the label fabric. To be safe, use a pressing cloth when pressing the seams and applique embellishments on your labels.

 

12.  When adding each strip that goes around the label portion, place the raw edges together with right sides together; and stitch on the top and bottom strips, using at least a quarter-inch seam allowance. Press open.

 

ADDING FABRIC STRIPS TO LABEL: TOP AND BOTTOM
 

13.  Trim sides to where you want your seam allowance. Then add the side strips.

 

TRIMMING OFF EXTRA ON SIDES OF LABEL
 

ADD STRIPS TO SIDES OF LABEL

PRESS SEAMS -- FRONT SIDE VIEW

VIEW OF BACK SIDE OF LABEL

14.  If only adding the top and bottom strips; to hide the raw edges, you will fold back both sides. (Having the top and bottom strips will give it enough rigidity to keep the label straight as you hand-stitch is onto the quilt.)

15.  If you do not want any raw edges, cut the two side strips about one-half inches wider; and after stitching onto the label section; fold these two raw edges under.

16.  The label has added color and will not stretch out of shape; and is ready to hand-stitch to the back of the quilt.

17.  One last step: is to stitch the label to the back of your quilt. J

 

EXAMPLES OF OTHER LABEL RESULTS

 

 

FINISH TWO EDGES WITH PURCHASED BINDING

 

SHOWN: BACK OF LABEL USING BINDING

USING APPLIQUES TO EMBELLISH THE LABEL



SELVAGES USED ONLY ON SIDE STRIPS; TOP AND BOTTOM ARE FOLDED BACK



TWO SELVAGED-EDGE STRIPS USED; TOP AND BOTTOM ARE FOLDED BACK.
(THIS LABEL WAS DAMAGED WITH THE IRON, SO I MADE ANOTHER ONE.)

 

LABEL USES TWO SELVAGE-EDGED STRIPS - TOP AND BOTTOM.
RAW EDGES ON BOTH SIDES ARE FOLDED BACK.

 

 



FINISHED LABEL - TEXT AND IMAGE CREATED IN WORD

 

 

Participants in the Applique Mystery Quilt Along may use the quilt label provided along with the weekly lessons on the website. If you can open it with MS Word on your computer, you should be able to type in your name; and change any colors, if desired.

Hope these examples have inspired you to try creating your own unique labels for all your quilting projects.

 

Happy Quilting....