Quilt Labels

Most often, I have labeled my quilts using a sew-in tag with my LULU~BLOOM moniker. In addition to using the sew-in tag, I have also tried machine letter-stitches, hand writing with a fabric pen, and hand embroidery on a pre-printed label. For awhile I have felt like this is not enough but I could not think of a better (and easy) solution.

I want an attractive, easily reproduced, inconspicuous labeling solution that gives the who/what/when of the quilt as well as care instructions.

I thought about creating a label design and printing through Spoonflower, but I wanted a label solution with more flexibility than that.

I looked online to see what others are doing (there is even a flickr grouped dedicated to quilt labels) and I saw a label that I really liked. Rachel (2ndAveStudio) uses a stamp to create her label which got me thinking that stamping would be a good method for me. Then I saw this label on flickr that incorporated care label icons. With those two labels as inspiration, I set about to create a label design that would best work for me.

{ After heat setting and washing, there was not any noticeable fading. }

I spent a little time in Illustrator to create my designs then uploaded those files to Simon’s Stamps on Sunday night. By Thursday afternoon I had my custom stamps in hand. That turn around time is really impressive when you consider that Simon’s Stamps is in Massachusetts and I am in Texas, and the package was sent USPS First Class Mail and not even Priority. The stamps are very economical too; it was less than $25 for two custom stamps, including shipping.

{ In order to get clean stamp lines, I taped down the fabric to be stamped. }

To give me some flexibility, I decided to make two stamps. One with the “made by” information and the other with the care instructions. The recipient and date information will be handwritten with a fabric pen.

{ Several colors of Kona solids after being washed. }

I want my labels to blend into the quilt, so I will stamp on fabric that coordinates with the quilt and then piece it into the back. I bought a few different colors of fabric ink to see what would work best on a variety of fabric.

{ I tried black VersaCraft and black VersaMagic ink, but thought the VersaCraft provided a richer image. The brown VersaCraft is ok and works as a not-so-dark neutral, but I wish it was a little darker (this one looks like a milk chocolate and I wish it looked more like a dark chocolate). The white VersaMagic is a chalk-like ink and shows up on dark fabric/paper. The stamped image doesn't show up as much as I would like but it is still legible. I doubt I will need it often since I usually have at least a little bit of lighter fabric in my quilt backs (so I can use the black or brown). I also tried a light grey VersaMagic ink, but it was neither dark enough or light enough to really show up on any color of fabric. I couldn't find a darker grey but I may try to create one of my own by mixing the light grey VersaMagic + black VersaMagic. }

After testing the different inks and on different fabrics (and washing the fabric to see if it really is permanent), I am going to use VersaCraft (Real Black, Chocolate) and VersaMagic (Cloud White) inks. I ordered mine here. FYI: The ink manufacturer‘s directions say to prewash the fabric to remove sizing and then heat set the ink with an iron.

I think these labels are going to be a great solution for me and I look forward to seeing them worked into a finished quilt.

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I am not sure why I feel the need to be so longwinded just to show you my new quilt labels. I find that ironic because I really struggle to turn my thoughts into words.

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