AppraiseYourQuilt.com

The Why and How of Signatures and Quilt Labels

First things First:  Always sign and date your quilt!  Unfortunately, there are too many lost and stolen quilts that cannot be identified when recovered.  Don’t rely only on the label for identification, because labels can be detached or fraudulently replaced; your signature on the quilt is very important.

There are many places quilters put their signatures on their quilt.  Here are some suggestions:

• Underneath the label or sleeve
• On the FRONT of the quilt.  As far as I know, there are no “quilt police” saying that signatures have to be placed in the back.  Many of the professional quilters proudly sign their quilts on the front.  Why not you too?
• Anywhere you like, on the border or in a flower… it’s your call
• Hide your signature on the edge seam allowance before the binding is sewn on.  This is useful if the quilt is stolen and another label is attached.  Put your hidden signature in the same place on every quilt and document it with the quilt history.

How to sign your quilt: 

• Use a permanent fabric pen made especially for cloth 
• Use a stencil signature.  This was popular on some antique quilts 
• Embroider your signature. 

AND Don’t Forget the Date! 

Why a label?  Labeling insures that the history of your quilt survives.  How many times have you looked a beautiful antique quilt and wondered who made it, when, and why?  The most fascinating part of American quilts is the story behind each one.  The label helps future quilt historians, researchers, and others, to better understand our present lives.  The label also provides documentation in case your quilt is ever lost or stolen.  Last but not least, take credit for a great accomplishment.

What is the minimum information for a label? 

• The quilt maker’s name

Also include the name of the quilter if different from the one who pieced it. 

• The city and state where the quilt was made
• The date it was finished  (When the last stitch was stitched.)

What else can be on a label? 

• Title of the quilt 
• Who the quilt was made for 
• The occasion it was made for  
• Special stories 
• Poems 
• Photo transfer picture of the quilter 
• Quilt care instructions 
• In you are shipping your quilt: your address and telephone number 
• The techniques you used 
• Pattern used
• Batting used - This is useful for washing purposes as well as documentation.

How to attach your label: 

• You can machine or hand appliqué the label onto the backing.  For additional protection, use fusible webbing under the label to hold it in place 
• For additional protection, attach your label before quilting, and then quilt through the label.  This way, it would be very difficult for someone else to remove your label.

Copyright© 2001,   Noreen Raphel.     All Rights Reserved.                Please do not copy except for personal use.

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Copyright © 2009 AppraiseYourQuilt.com
Last modified: July 21, 2009