Quilt Labels

Without a label on your quilt, generations to come will be unable to trace your quilt's history.

Quilt labels not only help establish a quilt's historical importance, they can also help deter theft and even provide identity in case of theft.

Quilt labeling has become such an art form itself that we may revisit it more than once in our tip section. At the very least, you should attach a muslin label to your quilt that includes this information:

Quilt Piecer's Name
Quilter's Name
Date the Quilt Was Completed
Pattern (give credit to any pattern designer)
Inspiration
Title of Quilt

For a simple label, spray-starch a muslin square and then iron freezer paper to the back of the muslin for stability. If you like, use a thin-point marker and ruler to draw straight lines on the paper side of the freezer paper. These lines will show through the muslin and provide writing guides. Use a permanent, non-bleeding marker to write your information on the label (Pigma pens are one brand available in quilt shops). Heat-set the ink with a dry iron. Remove the freezer paper, turn under the label's raw edges, and applique the label in place on the quilt back.

To deter theft, apply the label to the quilt backing before you quilt the project. This extra stitching makes it difficult to remove the label without also destroying the quilting.