Adding a label to the back of a quilt is a very important finishing step in the quilt making process. Last week, we looked at various methods and materials for creating a fabric quilt label. This article will focus on designing the label itself. Next week, we will take a look at labels from some of my quilts.
What is the purpose of a quilt label? In its most basic form, a label identifies the maker of the quilt. But taken a step further, it can also provide valuable documentation for future generations. When was the quilt made? Where? Why? For whom? What about the quilt itself? Does it have a name? Is it an original design or was it made from a pattern? Did anyone else contribute to the making of this quilt?
A label that says:
Made with love by Grandma
doesn’t give nearly as much information as one that says:
For Julie Marie Smith Baker
born June 30, 2011 in Whitby, Ontario
7 lbs. 2 oz.
“Sweet Dreams”
pattern by Sydney Parkridge, Easy Baby Quilts
Made with love by Grandma
Mary Jo Smith
Ancaster, Ontario
What a difference! The second label answers all our questions about when, where, why and for whom the quilt was made while clearly identifying the maker and designer of the quilt.
Assuming the label will be produced by printing or transferring onto fabric, this information must be arranged and formatted for print. There are many ways you can design a label on your computer, using software you may already have.
This first example was created using Microsoft Word – word processing software. The text was enhanced by using two fonts (Curlz MT and Garamond) in different sizes and colors. Borders and shading were added to change the background color for printing on a white pre-treated fabric sheet. A couple of clipart motifs add to the theme of a baby quilt made with love by her grandmother.
Microsoft Publisher has many features that can be used to create quilt labels. This example began with the “Art Boxes” Postcard design and the “Spice” color scheme. The text was reformatted using the fonts “Forte” and “Bookman Old Style” and the clipart images were changed to baby carriages. The background was left white.
I often use CorelDraw to design my quilt labels. This full function drawing and graphics program offers unlimited creative options. This example uses a clipart image of a baby block as the background with the text formatted to fit on each side. Wouldn’t it look sweet appliquéd on the back of a quilt?
The Electric Quilt Company produced a tutorial about making quilt labels with EQ8. The label is designed as if it were a quilt using the “Set Appliqué Text” tool to format the text. The “Set Auto Borders” tool offers an extensive collection of pre-designed borders to frame the label and the “Paintbrush” tool allows all the elements to be filled with “fabric” or solid colors.
It is also possible to purchase collections of pre-designed quilt labels. C&T Publishing’s Best-Ever Iron-On Quilt Labels includes 125 iron-quilt labels from 9 popular designers. Victoriana Quilt Designs generously provides a free selection of quilt labels on their website.
It doesn’t matter what tool you choose to create your quilt label. What matters is that you finish your quilt properly by giving it the documentation it deserves. Future generations will thank you for leaving behind this precious legacy.
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