I name my quilts so I add the title. And if there is any other interesting information I want to share, I'll add that too!
The basics:
Label
Fabric Choices: Pre-washed (without fabric softener) white or muslin
fabrics are suitable; 100% cotton fabrics are preferred. For a more
coordinated look, a good choice would be light colored fabrics left over
from your quilt.
Permanent Fabric Marking Pens: Fine
point permanent fabric marking pens are colorfast and do not bleed.
Pigma Micron® pens are a good choice. They can be found in many colors
and sizes including felt tips. They are available at your local quilt
shop, art supply, and stationery store or through many catalogs. Always
test for color fastness.
Freezer Paper: Freezer paper
is used to stabilize the fabric for writing. As a temporary bonding
process, the plastic coated side will adhere to the fabric pieces when a dry iron, at 'cotton' setting, is applied. The plastic does not damage the fabric and peels off easily.
Light
Box: A light box is very useful while tracing any design to use. If you
do not have one, improvise, a brightly-lit window works well.
Ideas: Ideas for labels can come from anywhere. Look at fabric, newspapers, magazines, and postcards for ideas.
Getting
Started: Start by making a pattern for your label on your computer.
Play with the fonts, try word art. Just be sure your label includes, as a
minimum; your name, city, state and year. • Note: Be sure to check
the spelling.
You may wish to include other information
such as the quilt name, the recipient's name, the occasion or the
inspiration. Anything goes!
Next choose the fabric for
your label of sufficient size for a generous seam allowance. Pieces left
over from the quilt top make excellent coordinated labels.
Cut
freezer paper the desired label size. Place the shiny side of the
freezer paper to the wrong side of the fabric and iron at a 'cotton'
setting, the fabric is then trimmed to approximately ½" larger than the
freezer paper. The freezer paper stabilizes the fabric for drawing.
Now
the fun begins! Place the fabric (with freezer paper) over the pattern
on your window or light table and trace using permanent fabric pens or
markers.
When you have finished inking the label, place
fabric side down and press the ½" fabric edges over the freezer paper
with your iron. This heat sets the ink and the pressed edge provides a
guide for the appliqué. Remove the freezer paper and appliqué the label
to the back of the quilt using an invisible stitch. You may choose to
add the label before you quilt the quilt.