As anyone who has ever stitched, admired, or snuggled with a quilt knows, quilting has a history steeped in resourcefulness, storytelling, community, and warmth. In honor of National Quilting Month, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, Amy Milne, the director of the Alliance for American Quilts, has penned a how-to project and a call for the importance of labeling quilts (and artworks of all kinds) for the sake of staking a spot in handmade history and taking pride and authorship in your craft. Do you have a quilt that holds a special spot in your heart or family history? Be sure to share your story in the comments below.
Note: On Monday, March 28, we will be hosting a mini-quilt Craft Night with Haptic Lab and the Alliance for American Quilts at the Etsy Labs in Brooklyn, NY, with a QSOS interview and demo on Etsy’s Livestream beforehand. RSVP for the workshop here. I hope to see you there!
I have been working as Executive Director of the Alliance for American Quilts (AAQ) for the past five years. The AAQ is a national nonprofit with a mission to document, preserve and share the rich history of quilts and quiltmakers. I came to the AAQ with a background in fine art and textile design. I’ve always been a maker of things, including sewing and fiber art. I inherited all of my grandmother’s notions and sewing supplies and count them amongst my most important and memory-inducing treasures. I still have and wear many garments made or worn by my grandmother and even have a memoir she wrote about her life. Amongst her things are textiles including quilt blocks and embroidered pieces that I have no clue about — who made them, when, why and how?
My passion for the mission of the AAQ comes from an understanding that objects, like the one in my humble collection, have an undisputed inherent value. They can tell us (and future generations) about our culture, our communities, our families and our everyday lives, and whenever we carefully record and preserve information about these objects and their makers/users we are reinvesting in our culture and our history. The AAQ and its partners want quiltmakers today to know the importance of documenting their work, because we see every day the gaps and mysteries in available records of quilts made by the generations before us. Labeling your work doesn’t just apply to quiltmakers of course; clothing and other textile works with time are usually separated from their maker and if not labeled, no matter how unique, they drift into the massive author category of Anonymous.
Labeling your quilts is relatively easy, but many quilters still don’t take the time to do it, myself included. Last year I helped my son, Clark, make his first quilt. Since it was a wholecloth quilt (two whole pieces of fabric with cotton batting sandwiched in between, then quilted and bound with bias tape), we whipped it out in two days. Clark was proud and excited and the quilt immediately went on his bed. Now, over a year later, I’ve borrowed his quilt back for the purposes of this demo, with a reminder to myself that I am not exempt from this important last step.
Join me as I walk through one method of making a quilt label.
Supplies you’ll need: 
- Permanent fabric marking pen
- Two rectangular pieces of fabric for your label:
- A print or solid fabric that coordinates with your quilt
- Muslin or light colored fabric (cut ½” smaller than print fabric piece)
- Piece of freezer paper same size as muslin piece
- Needle and thread
- Double fold bias tape (1/2 yard for a 3” x 5” label)
Directions:
1. Cut out fabric pieces to size based on how much information you plan to put on the label. (The label in this demo is approximately 3” x 5.”)
2. Iron the shiny side of the freezer paper to one side of the muslin piece. This stiffens the fabric temporarily so that it is easier to write on.
3. Write the information you want to include on your label on a scrap sheet of paper roughly the size of your finished label to practice spacing. Basic information includes quiltmaker’s name, date finished, location made, phone number or email address of owner. For other ideas see below.
4. Use the permanent fabric pen and copy the information to your muslin piece. Remove the freezer paper from the back of this piece.
5. Attach the bias tape to the muslin piece by sandwiching the edge of the muslin piece inside the bias tape and sewing through all three layers using a running stitch.
6. Position the muslin piece on top of the coordinating fabric and sew down using a whip stitch. Now your label is ready to attach to your quilt.
7. Fold under ¼” on all sides of the label, finger press and sew to your quilt using a whip stitch.
A quilt made by the Quiltsy Team for the Etsy office. (More here.)
Label Logic
- If your quilt is washable, then your label should be too. If you use inkjet printables, be sure to follow instructions to set the ink and keep it from fading or washing out.
- Some quiltmakers hide an additional washable label inside the binding somewhere on the quilt to add an extra way of identifying the quilt if the outer label were to come off.
- Historians can more easily decipher quilts that have a name and a date. If you want a minimal label, be sure to include at least these two things.
- Family members can piece together the family history easier when dates, names, locations and other details remain with the quilt, often a long time after the maker has passed away.
- Consider recording both the begin and end dates for your quilts so you’ll remember how long it took to complete.
- Lost quilts are easier to locate if contact information is included on the label.
Entry from AAQ’s 2010 “New From Old” contest
Variations and alternatives:
- Write your information directly on a coordinating fabric, turn under the edges and sew to your quilt.
- Write your information on a piece of muslin then position a ribbon, rickrack or a row of buttons over the raw edges and sew to the quilt.
- Buy inkjet printable fabric sheets to print your labels and either sew or iron onto your quilt.
- Write your information on a wide, light-colored piece of twill tape and sew to your quilt.
- Embroider your information onto a fabric label and sew to your quilt.
More Quilt Label Examples:
By Robin Smith (my mom) for my birthday
Entry from AAQ’s 2010 “New From Old” contest
By Whimbrella from the Quiltsy Team
Quilt label with 2006 coin by Jane Jellyby
By Pamela Quilts from the Quiltsy Team. Tutorial here.
Make a Mini-Quilt | More How-Tuesday Posts | Quilts on Etsy
Tell us your quilt story in the comments below!
111 comments
Sign in to add your ownshop1848 says:
Such gorgeous craftsmanship!! Adorable labels!!
1 year ago
ShibaNgDesigns says:
What a nice idea to draw attention to the quilt labels. My mum is an avid quilter and she always puts love into the label and message for the recipient. I'm lucky to have several quilts from her and this detail on the back is the best part! Thanks for sharing this story.
1 year ago
AllysAntiques says:
Great tips, thanks!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
I have a quilt that's about 100 years old - wish it had a lable. So glad people are adding name and dates - makes it very special. Beautiful.
1 year ago
NotYourGrandmasAttic says:
I love to make quilts, and I usually embroider my name and the year in a corner. These are great suggestions for labels. Thanks.
1 year ago
Iammie says:
So cute!
1 year ago
BobbinsandBalms says:
iv never labelled my quilts before, love these ideas so gonna start from now on.
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
love this! clever quilt labels. :)
1 year ago
redyellowandblueink says:
Great post! my mom is a quilter and I have many quilts from her. One of my favorite parts of the quilts are the labels she puts on them.
1 year ago
vKnit says:
fab! i adore quilts! i'll have to get onto making a patchwork one soon! :) xox
1 year ago
TwinkleStarCrafts says:
Great tutorial. Thank you.
1 year ago
jdavissquared says:
Love this! We have a special quilt that was my husband's as a baby. It has his name, birthdate, weight, etc stitched on it. Makes me so happy to think about our future babies snuggled up in it!
1 year ago
VintageEye says:
Love the hang tag!
1 year ago
Earleyimages says:
These are great
1 year ago
Whimbrella says:
Thank you for a wonderful article highlighting the importance of quilt labels! Just a reminder to those selling quilts in the United States that there is additional information required by law that needs to be included on your quilt labels. Read about it here: http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus21-threading-your-way-through-labeling-requirements-under-textile-and-wool-acts
1 year ago
WhisperingOak says:
Great article. Thanks for the information included in this article.
1 year ago
WhisperingOak says:
Great article. Thanks for the information included in this article.
1 year ago
SailThouForth says:
Great tip! I love quilts. I have two that my Grammie made for me... Wish she had labeled them, but at least I know she made them.
1 year ago
luluhopping1983 says:
Quilts are amazing, I love the way they become heirlooms for generations to come. Must remember to label mine from now on x
1 year ago
clubaloha says:
Very article!
1 year ago
btaylorquilts says:
Love this story! It's important to provide a history for your quilt masterpieces. Every quilt has an important story to tell and it's maker should be noted. It would be a nice addition to have a space for owners names to be added to the label, perhaps. Hmmmmm. Thanks for the story again, and happy National Quilt Month :)
1 year ago
NeedlesnPinsStichery says:
Great article. I try to remember to sign my quilts also. How many times I have completed the quilt and said to myself....."darn forgot to sign it"! Thanks for the info!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
What a beautiful work ! Thanks !
1 year ago
PreppyPeasant says:
I love the idea of marking a spot in handmade history. Thank you for the beautiful examples of labels and lovely quilts!
1 year ago
TerryAskeArtQuilts says:
Thanks for a great article. It's so easy to skip this step at the end of a quilting project, but you've identified several reasons why it's so important to do. Thanks also for featuring the Etsy banner made by the Quiltsy team for the Etsy office, and for featuring members of our team.
1 year ago
gingeraly says:
i am always in awe of you quilters! lovely lovely works...
1 year ago
VintageMarketPlace says:
what a great article and how tos my grandmother had made over 90 quilts in her life before having to give it up because of age. I am lucky to have received 2 of them. My only wish is that she would have labeled them. My family did put together a book of her works though so I guess that documents them too.
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
I love how quilts are part of our history. Signing them gives their origin ! Great article
1 year ago
JudiPaintedit says:
I dont sew, but its good to know as my Mother does.
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
What a great idea to be able to create something that might be in the family for years to come, I do love quilts!
1 year ago
MooseCarolQuilts says:
Very informative and good article. Labels are an excellent way to document one's work.
1 year ago
dirtygirlclean says:
adorable...
1 year ago
HoneysuckleLane says:
I have a butterfly quilt that my mom made for me when I was a kid. She made her own templates and hand appliqued all the pieces. I wouldn't trade it for the world! :)
1 year ago
CashmereJewels says:
wow! that is amazing!
1 year ago
genisepark says:
Thanks for all the information...good to know.
1 year ago
WoodlandCottage says:
Thanks for reminding everyone of this important step. Oftentimes, hundreds of hours go into the making of quilts (including some of the quilts in our shop). Documenting your quilt with your own label is as important as a painter or sculptor signing their finished work, too. Thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
QuiltLover says:
Great Article. Thanks for featuring the members of the Quiltsy Team.
1 year ago
AsLuckWouldHaveIt says:
I adore this feature! A good quilt will outlive us all & labels are so important to share the history with future generations!
1 year ago
Nishale says:
Great Article!!
1 year ago
KathyGDesigns says:
Beautiful quilts!
1 year ago
MagpieQuilts says:
Great article - lovely quilts!
1 year ago
TheQuiltingViolinist says:
Thanks for presenting all the different options for labeling our work!
1 year ago
SacredSymbolStudios says:
It's wonderful to be able to see who had a hand in making a quilt and knowing a bit of information about it! Loved the article.
1 year ago
frommylifetoyours says:
Great information ! Thank you for showing it .
1 year ago
DownHomeDesigns says:
Great article with lots of good info. Also, even when you use a permanant marking pen, it's a good idea to heatset it after writing your information on the label. Thanks so much for featuring the work of Quiltsy Team on the Etsy banners. It was a fun project and so exciting to see our work hanging in the Etsy offices.
1 year ago
brenniequilts says:
Wonderful article! Thanks for all the info.
1 year ago
SugarCubeVintage says:
i have a beautiful old baby quilt my grandmother made me, wish it were signed....
1 year ago
makerandmaker says:
The label makes all the difference! I can vouch, there's nothing better than a quilt.
1 year ago
JasmineLund says:
Love those creative ideas!
1 year ago
mylovelysunshine says:
Loved the article! I understand now the importance of the label.
1 year ago
ArcSquare says:
Very inspiring! Thank you Julie! I'll try that.
1 year ago
silversamba says:
love this!
1 year ago
robertacummings says:
Ah quilts! My new favourite thing! :)
1 year ago
tanyabond says:
Thank you for this WIP!!!
1 year ago
uniquelynancy says:
Fun and informative!
1 year ago
OriginalsbyLauren says:
wonderful, love to see these type of how to's, thanks
1 year ago
anotherghostquilts says:
Thanks for the article!
1 year ago
ThoseThreeWords says:
I have a handmade quilt that was given to my husband and I as a wedding gift--it's without a doubt one of the most used and cherished gifts we received. The wonderful lady who made it for us didn't put a label on it though--but after reading this tutorial, maybe I should make one and put it on. It's definitely special enough to have one! Thanks for the helpful and inspiring info.
1 year ago
maggiesraggedyinn says:
I have always loved quilts and did make one for my parents on their 35th anniversary. I bought material to make one for myself last year and am hoping to find the time to make it before the summer. Quilts go with home and a give a comfort unlike anything else. The tags are a wonderful idea!
1 year ago
KathyKinsella says:
Great information for all quilters.
1 year ago
MadebyLinLin says:
adorable great instructions!
1 year ago
UniquelyYoursbyCil says:
Quilts are beautiful - I love the tags idea!!!
1 year ago
rozzie says:
Some great ideas in here, I didn't know there were so many different ways to sign a quilt!
1 year ago
collectiblesatoz says:
Lovely quilts.
1 year ago
collectiblesatoz says:
Especially vintage quilts. The newer ones are nice too.
1 year ago
MoranArtandQuilts says:
Awesome! And love the quilts!
1 year ago
52chief says:
Thanks for posting this, it has inspired me to label my quilts!
1 year ago
Marsena says:
wonderful work!!!!!
1 year ago
AiliMcKeen says:
Labels should not be able to be easily removed by unscrupulous persons. I recommend quilting through the label.
1 year ago
vail6641 says:
I NEED SOME SUGGESTIONS. I HAVE ORDERED FABRIC PENS/MARKERS, I HAVE BOUGHT THEM AT HOBBY LOBBY AND JOANNS FABRICS. NONE OF THEM HAVE BEEN WHAT I EXPECTED. THEY DO NOT WRITE ON MUSLIN OR ANY OTHER FABRIC THAT I HAVE USED WITHOUT ANY BLEEDING. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT TYPE ARE SOME OF THE BETTER BRANDS. PLEASE HELP.
1 year ago
sarah1ashley2 says:
I made a quilt with my sisters, daughters and niece. We had a picture taken as we worked on the quilt. We printed the picture on material, along with a picture of my Mom. We used this as our label. So future generations will not only know the names of the quilter's, but they will also be able to see who we are. Love the other ideas for labels.
1 year ago
dixneuf says:
Yes, please PLEASE label your quilts! As a volunteer in the curatorial department of the MN Historical Society, I can't tell you how much easier cataloging and curating a piece is when we have a little basic info to go on. A name, a date, a location are all an important piece of a quilt. You never know where your handiwork may end up in a hundred years!
1 year ago
JewelsbyTrish says:
Awwwww.....so cute!!
1 year ago
glusk says:
It's touches like these that can make something handmade even more special! One of my aims this year is to give quilting a shot and I'll definitely pop a little label on.
1 year ago
picklehead says:
love this! I just recently finished my very first quilt and It never occurred to me to label it, so thank you!! :)
1 year ago
stitchingbevy says:
Often our "crafts" are not treated as works of art that they are. You should sign everything...leave your "makers mark" with pride and elevate your handmade piece into ART! Women's work, like quilting, was always looked at as utilitarian; just serving a purpose. These women were artists, so attach a label to an heirloom and give it the status it belongs. Those stitches tell important stories and lessons to be passes along. A great article on Labeling your hard work.
1 year ago
HisBlessings says:
My mother-in-law and her sisters are blessed with the gifting of quilting. I am so blessed with many beautiful quilts. They all label their quilts, and you are right, this IS very important to do.
1 year ago
poorjimsvintage says:
awww! So adorable. I love quilts.
1 year ago
HoweyHill says:
How long does it take you to make a quilt? would love to make one but we're scared it could take years...
1 year ago
monogrammedeverythng says:
Love it, making one for my son's teacher as an end of the year present!
1 year ago
khowardquilts says:
Great article and lovely quilts.
1 year ago
tabbe says:
oooh! a label is what's missing from my quilts! love the tutorial and all the examples shown! thank you!
1 year ago
designlab443 says:
I love all the labels, but the tag one is sooooo great!!!
1 year ago
Nussotextiles says:
Please call us or email us at batts@nusso.com or you can also visit our website http://nussopillows.com/batting.htm s we will direct you to a distributor of quilt and craft batts in your area.
1 year ago
monamivie says:
I was literally just thinking about how to make a quilt label for a gift two minutes before logging on to Etsy and seeing the tutorial! How timely, thanks so much :)
1 year ago
KristyLynnJewelry says:
Love the labels, beautiful quilts!!
1 year ago
girliepains says:
so nostalgic ;)
1 year ago
forgottenstore says:
I love it!
1 year ago
LaventimeDreams says:
Wish my old quilts had labels too!
1 year ago
SensoryFelteds says:
Thanks for this tut - I'll put it to good use!
1 year ago
CinfulOldies says:
Wonderful. Love these Quilts!
1 year ago
JoJosArtisticDesign says:
I've been looking for ideas on label making. Thank you so much for providing these lovely examples. The quilts are simply exquisite.
1 year ago
ByBethany1990 says:
The bunny on the scooter is classic!
1 year ago
AnotherPersonsView says:
I can’t wait to attempt to start on my adventure into this side of art form of comfort, and what to me would be a great way to make something to family wouldn’t expect. I have quilts that have been passed down all the way from my great great great grandmother. It is amazing how well they preserve if kept correctly, and the stitching in the few I have from my great x’s 3 and 2 mother are so detailed.
1 year ago
AnotherPersonsView says:
Stitchingbevy I agree with you heavily it is an art from and a skilled craft. It’s odd how people slide what you do, learn, or enjoy into a male or female section. I attended Cosmo school so that I could add to my credentials for photography. It was quite the experience at first, but after they figured out I have a son I’m raising it was ok. It’s paid off in photography for hair style, cuts, color, make-up and the best of all don’t get caught up in gender only side of things.
1 year ago
catiques says:
Great learning experience and tips. Beautiful work.
1 year ago
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy says:
Love the labels!!
1 year ago
ApplewoodHandwovens says:
Great information... Thanks!
1 year ago
AlphabetCityStudio says:
I'm just getting started on quilted and it didn't even come across my mind to label quilts. Thanks for the info and suggestions!
1 year ago
CreativeZen11 says:
That's such a cute idea...thanks!
1 year ago
tweetysnest says:
Thanks for the info. Beautiful quilts and labels.
1 year ago
KnitADream says:
Those are really pretty labels. They are as artful as the quils!
1 year ago
IndianMoonmoth says:
Beautiful!
1 year ago
jiang888 says:
I inherited all of my grandmother’s notions and sewing supplies and count them amongst my most important and memory-inducing treasures. Microsoft Office 2010 Professional
1 year ago
jiang888 says:
Amongst her things are textiles including quilt blocks and embroidered pieces that I have no clue about — who made them, when, why and how? Microsoft Office 2007
1 year ago
chenxixi says:
The most effective medicine reducing weight, will let you put extra leave, with a beautiful home baseball hats slimming capsule
1 year ago
PoetryofObjects says:
The green star quilt is just gorgeous! I love the color and the complexity of this quilt. The labels are exquisite...show off worthy! Nice story.
1 year ago