Hey there, fellow quilting enthusiasts! Today, I’m sharing some thoughts on the heartwarming tradition of gifting and labeling quilts. As a passionate quilter myself, I find immense joy in not only creating quilts, but also sharing them with loved ones as meaningful gifts.
Gifting a handmade quilt is more than just presenting a beautiful piece of fabric. It’s a heartfelt expression of love, care, and thoughtfulness. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply to brighten someone’s day, a handmade quilt holds the power to wrap its recipient in warmth and comfort, both physically and emotionally.
But how do we ensure that our quilts convey not only warmth, but also the story behind their creation? That’s where labeling comes into play. Just as a signature adds a personal touch to a masterpiece, a quilt label serves as a tangible reminder of the love and effort poured into every stitch. I will admit that I often skip this step, but, when I take the extra time to label it when I am gifting a quilt, it never goes unappreciated.
Gifting Quilts
Choose the Perfect Quilt
Take the time to select or create a quilt that speaks to the recipient’s tastes, preferences, and needs. Whether it’s a cozy lap quilt for chilly evenings or a vibrant bedspread to brighten up a room, tailor your creation to suit their unique style and personality. Keep in mind special interests like sports, animals, or hobbies. A bird quilt made for someone who loves bird watching will definitely make them feel loved. Think about the types of colors they gravitate towards and if it will fit in with the aesthetic of the quilt’s intended use.
Personalize with a Thoughtful Message
Once your quilt is ready to be gifted, personalize it with a heartfelt message or dedication. This could be in the form of a label or a letter. Whether it’s a simple “Made with Love” or a personalized note expressing your sentiments, adding a touch of warmth and sincerity to your quilt elevates it from a mere fabric to a cherished heirloom. A quilt label not only adds a clean finish to your creation but also serves as a lasting memento for generations to come. Include essential details such as the quiltmaker’s name, the date of completion, and any special significance or dedication. Get creative with your label design, incorporating embroidered motifs, fabric scraps, or even handwritten messages for an extra personal touch.
My Top 3 Label picks are:
- Printable fabric: This is a quick and easy way to include a note with your quilt. You can use Google Docs to make something simple, or Canva to make a more graphic-based label, all with the use of your home printer. I do like this method, but the one downside is that printable fabric can be stiff and difficult to blind stitch with needle and thread.
- Panel Labels: You can find panels of labels you can write on with fabric markers. These are easy, quick and made out of quality quilters cotton.
- Embroidery: This is probably the most time consuming method, but it has the longevity of heirloom quilting. This can be done by hand, or you can speed up this process a little if your sewing machine has an embroidery function.
Attach with Care
Once your quilt label is ready, attach it securely to your quilt with invisible stitches. Take care to position it in a discreet yet accessible location (I like corners for labels so it can be stitched into the binding on 2 sides), ensuring that it complements the overall design while remaining legible for future generations.
Share the Love
A question that recipients often have is how to care for their quilt. I like to provide a little wash tag they can hang in their laundry room to know how to care for it when it needs cleaning. I like to use these tags and include them with the quilt when it is gifted.
Finally, present your quilt with love and joy, sharing the story behind its creation and the sentiment woven into every thread. Whether it’s a gift for a cherished friend, a beloved family member, or a charitable cause, let your quilt radiate warmth, comfort, and the boundless love that went into its making.
Continue spreading love, warmth, and comfort one stitch at a time. Whether we’re gifting a quilt to celebrate a milestone, commemorate a special occasion, or simply to brighten someone’s day, let’s remember that every quilt carries not only the beauty of its design but also the love and memories stitched into its very fabric.
Until next time, happy quilting!