How To Label Your Rag Quilt Easily
This tutorial will teach you how to label your rag quilt easily using leftover fabric from your finished quilt. Labeling quilts is an important final step both for the recipient and also for you, the quilter. Quilt labels are your opportunity to add a personal message to your quilts. You also want to add your name and date to make it more memorable whenever it’s used.
Rag quilts are perfect for beginners and are incredibly forgiving for any quilter. The popularity of rag quilts is likely due to their easy block assembly that doesn’t require an extra quilting step. Plus, all the edges are finished as the seams are sewn. So there’s no need to add a binding. Even adding a rag quilt border is a quick step.
But don’t stop there! You can add a simple rag quilt label for a perfect finish. Quilt labels come in all sizes and styles. From a narrow twill tape with your name printed on it, to a larger label with detailed embroidery, applique, or even a photograph.
How To Label Your Rag Quilt Using Preprinted Quilt Labels
Using Preprinted Quilt Labels
For me, using preprinted quilt labels is the easiest labeling method. I love to create text in a document and then print it onto fabric. Using printable fabric sheets has many uses in quilting, but quilt labeling is my favorite…at least for right now!
These preprinted quilt labels save you time, too. Simply print, sew, and sign. This fast finish rag quilt method will have your new quilt labeled and ready to deliver in minutes!
How To Label Your Rag Quilt With Quilt Scraps
Cut Your Label Backing Layers
First, cut two pieces of fabric left over from your quilt fabric. It should measure 2″ larger than the label you’re using. The size of these preprinted quilt labels requires two rectangles measuring 6″ x 7″. Note: you’ll notice in the photo that I pieced one of my rectangles – remember this is a rag quilt!
Place both rectangles on top of each other right sides up. Then center your quilt label on top.
For permanency and to create a smooth label that lies flat, I use Steam-a-Seam 2. It’s a super lightweight, permanent bonding sheet placed between the label and fabric. Simply cut the Steam-a-Seam 2 the same size or just a smidge smaller than your printed label. Finger press the adhesive film to the back of your label for a temporary hold. Place the label on top of the fabric rectangles.
With a warm iron, lightly press the label so the adhesive sticks. Printable fabric may scorch with a hot iron. So turn your top rectangle over with the label facing down. Press well across the fabric back to get a good adhesion without holding in one place. Iron temperatures may vary, so start with a lower temp and increase to a med heat to finish. Return your top rectangle with the attached label in place on top of the second rectangle.
At this point you may choose to add a piece of batting that is the same size as the label. This will add more dimension to your finished label. Or you may also add a third layer of fabric in the middle to create a very full ragged edge.
Sew Your Label to the Backing Rectangles
With your label facing up, sew around the label through both rectangle layers. Even though the label is secured with adhesive, I sew a wavy stitch around the edge to keep everything in place. Plus, a narrow wavy stitch catches the threads along the label edges to reduce fraying.
Once your label is sewn in place on the two layers of rectangles, measure for a final trim. You will want about a 3/4″ fabric edge around your label to create the ragged edges. This will also give you plenty of room to sew the label to your quilt.
Then make 1/4″ clips around the outer edges of your rectangles, spacing them 1/2″ apart. You’ll note on my rectangles that I snip off a bit of each corner as it tends to reduce any knotting of all that thread.
Sew Your Quilt Label to Your Quilt!
Position your label and pin in place. Sew just outside the label edge to secure the rectangles in place.
If you need to sew across a ragged seam on the front of your quilt, keep the frayed fabric as flat as possible and sew straight across. Then double check the front to see if any additional clipping may be needed to keep the seam loose. Be careful not to cut the seam threads, just the fabric of the frayed seam allowance.
Now wash your quilt and you’re finished! I signed this quilt with a sharpie after the wash cycle. It’s a good idea to let the ink dry and set well for a few hours before washing. Since I didn’t have that time, I just signed it after the wash & dry was finished. Now it’ll stand up for many washings to come!
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