Custom Quilt Lables...You Asked For It

Hello Everyone,

 

Recently, I was asked by a reader to make a tutorial on how I make labels for my quilts.  Some of you are probably old enough to remember the TV show "You Asked For It,"  hosted by Jack Smith in the 1950's.  "Whatever it is, wherever it is, at home or around the world, you see it here, YOU ASKED FOR IT. And here's your hostess, Lynn Wilder."

 

First of all I scour the Internet looking for vintage images with the same coloring, look and feel of the quilt for which I'm making the label.  I save the image with a right-mouse click, select SAVE PICTURE AS, to my computer and then print it on Printed Treasures fabric.  I use the highest quality setting on my inkjet printer and the colors always come out crisp and clear.

Next, trim the image a consistent 1/4" around the entire image.

Carefully peel the backing paper away from the image.  This is the hardest part of the whole procedure.

I always save the leftover binding to attach my labels to the quilt.

I cut the sides 1-1/2" x the length of the image, and stitch them on first.

Then I cut the top and bottom borders which are also 1-1/2" x the width of the label with the sides attached.  Always press the seams in the direction of the borders.

Place the label on top of a plain backing fabric, right sides together.  Using a rotary cutter and ruler, trim around the entire label.

Pin the two pieces together and stitch 1/4" around the entire perimeter of the label.

Then trim off the four corners to reduce bulk.  Carefully, make a small slit in the backing fabric, and turn the whole thing right side out and use one of those "little pointy thingies" to poke out the corners and make them square.

Press, and you have a perfect label.

The last step is stitching in the ditch between the border and the printed label with matching thread. Then, using silk thread which just melts into the fabric, attach the label to the quilt with a blindstitch.

That label went on this quilt, Butterscotch Baskets.

 

It is on the back of this corner.  You have to trust me on this one since I forgot to take a picture of the finished label before this quilt went to it's new, temporary home.

That concludes todays program, sponsored by Sew'n Wild Oaks.  If anyone else has other quilty questions, (that I think I can answer with some level of knowledge) send an email or a comment to patched55@comcast.net and the answer will appear on the next segment of YOU ASKED FOR IT!

Soon,
Lynn

P.S.  I will also copy and paste this tutorial under the Virtual Classroom tab at the top of the blog for permanent reference.