I’ve been storing quilts after my last show and I noticed a few of them I have yet to label. That got me thinking about labeling quilts to document them for future generations of my family. Also, when returning quilts to storage, I like to rotate my quilts on display. This is the time that I think about doing that. I don’t want my quilts hidden away (although I can’t display them all at once!). So, let’s talk about labeling and displaying. Next week I will cover quilt care and storage.
Labeling Quilts
This may be an afterthought. You’re so happy to get that binding done and get the quilt off to the person you made it for or on display in your house. But labeling is an important step that should not be skipped, in my opinion.
Labels of course tell us who made the quilt and when, but they can also tell us the “why”. People make quilts for all sorts of occasions from weddings to new babies or perhaps a graduation. You can use the label for historical purposes if you intend to keep a quilt in the family. You can also record the date the quilt was made, the fabrics you used and the quilting techniques. I’ve even printed poems on fabric and attached that to the back for the recipient.
How to attach the label? It can be attached partly when stitching on the binding. I like doing this because it’s easier than stitching down all four sides and it adds a little extra security to the label. Once it’s attached on the two sides, then I stitch down the exposed sides. Here is an example of a flat fabric label attached on two sides while binding is attached:
Now there is a large space to write all the information I want to record.
I have also done corner labels like this:
The above is a small square of fabric, folded diagonally, with the raw edges stitched into the binding like the flat label. You can make this from a bigger square which will create a large pocket on the back to tuck in a personal note.
Another way to add labeling to your quilt is to write directly on the back, if you have a lighter backing fabric. I’ve done this (carefully!!) with some of my quilts. Use a fine, permanent fabric marker and make sure not to press down hard and cause any bleed through to the front of the quilt.
Finally, have some fun with a label. I made one for my daughter’s graduation quilt that included her friend’s signatures and congrats messages. I put a piece of fabric out on the table at her party and had them sign it. Then, I attached it to the quilt:
I also used the printable fabric to make a label with her class information. I love this printable fabric!
What are some label ideas you have used?
Quilt Display
When displaying quilts, you need to also think about preserving your quilt for history. You want to make sure you are not causing any damage to the quilt as you display it.
For wall hangings (big and small) then best way to hang them is from a hanging sleeve attached to the back of the quilt. Here’s a mini tutorial on hanging sleeves that your wall hanging will need for you to hang it. An easy way to put a sleeve on a quilt is to do it at the same time as when you attach the binding like I did on this quilt below:
First, I cut a strip of fabric 2 1/2″ wide with the length 2″ shorter than the width of the wall hanging. This quilt is 24″ wide, so I cut the strip 2 1/2 x 22″.
Next, hem the short ends of the strip.
Now, lay the strip, right side up, on the back of the quilted item aligning it with the top edge and pin in place. So, when you attach the binding to the front, the top of the sleeve will be attached. As you turn the binding to the back to stitch, that secures the sleeve even more. Finally, turn under the bottom edge of the strip and pin in place so you can hand stitch this after you finish hand stitching your binding to the back.
Once I have a hanging sleeve on the back of the quilt, I can use anything from a curtain rod to a yard stick to hang the quilt.
I prefer a hanging sleeve because I think it’s less stress on the quilt’s threads since the weight of the quilt is spread evenly throughout.
The easiest quilts to display are large quilts, like lap quilts. Besides a quilt rack, you can drape them at the end of a bed or over the back of a couch and you’re done. I also like to drape them over ladders, over chairs, and out of baskets.
I’ve also displayed some small with unique antique items like a clipboard and old drawer:
So that’s it for this week. Next week, I will cover how to care for your quilts you have displayed and stored. Also how to safely store your quilts. Let me know in the comments below some of your labeling and displaying ideas. I’ll enter you into a drawing for my new Christmas pattern, Christmas Time:
The drawing will be on Monday, September 1st. So, you have this week’s and next week’s posts to enter.
Happy Quilting!
Deanne
This is my second try leaving a comment, so hopefully they are not duplicating. I have only been quilting for a month, and I have made four mini quilts, that I use as table mats. I plan to make more, that I will use as wall hangings, but I’m not sure yet, how I will hang them.
Welcome to quilting! I hope you can use some of my ideas for hanging your quilts.
I like the old yardstick for hanging. How do you make that work?
The yard stick actually rests on two nails on either side of the quilt to hold it up all up. You can also drill a hole at each end of the yard stick so nails can go through that. Of course… I needed a level to hang this one!
I always put a label on anything I make or quilt as I think it’s really important as many of our quilts will outlast us…at least that’s what I tell my kids and grandkids…lol! If it’s a bed quilt I usually make a label by stitching around a rectangle, cutting a small slit and turning it to write details with a pigma pen. For smaller projects I use the diagonally folded square in the corner. Often, for small wall hangings I use the folded square in each of the top corners to insert a small dowel …with details written on one of the corners. If I just use them as a label I put it in lower right side on back. I absolutely LOVE your blog posts…they are always so timely and helpful. You really have the soul of a teacher. Thank you, especially for the wonderful patterns you’ve shared over the years. Blessings from WV…
…I applique the rectangular label onto the back lower right….I forgot to say how I attach it. I once tried making the label, attaching it to the back with fabric glue then attached it as I longarm quilted the quilt. It shifted and was a bit wonky looking but I may try it again.
All great ideas! The “wonky” fixture on the back is funny. I guess you may need to find another way to secure it when long arming.
I’ve started labeling quilts a few years ago. Regret not doing it from the beginning. Haven’t tried the kitty corner label yet. I have used permanent fabric markers to go back & label quilts. Even the ones that were gifts from my small groups. But I wonder how long those permanent fabric markers will stay readable.
Several of my quilts where I labeled them with permanent marker are over 15 years old and the writing is still clear. However, these have not been washed. If you think the quilt will be laundered, a stitched on label is probably the best.
I label most of my quilts, admit some get out the door before I remember. I display the same as some of your ideas, do want to get a ladder, standing upright I think its a nice way to fold and display a few at a time & easy to remember to refold & refold.
I admit I have missed labeling some as well.
I try to label all my quilts and projects which I have made or received from friends . I include the name of the quilt, the creators name, the name of the design and designer, the date, the location of the maker, who quilted it and why it was made and who it was made for, I attach a hanging sleeves but mine are a tube of fabric that is made from a 6 inch wide strip of fabric which I hand sew to the back top of the quilt just below the binding. I sew it by hand so I can remove it if I want to . Also the width of the sleeve and the info I put on the label is so I can enter it into our GHQG quilt show.
If you are making a block for a quilt guild project I sometimes write my name in the seam allowance so the person who wins it or uses it in a quit can add my name to the label if they want.
I like all the information you include on your labels. It’s a great record for the future. There will be a lot less “maker unknown” quilts.
Thank you for your great suggestions for hanging quilts. I especially loved the antique ruler that you used as the hanger.
You’re welcome!
Labeling is important but I seem to “wax and wane” in actually doing it!
It’s definitely something we need to remind ourselves of.