Embroidered Quilt Label Tutorial

I am getting better at labeling my quilts, I'm pretty excited about that!  So many quilts Heather and I do are not necessarily for anyone in particular and often hang in shops...but the more quilts I've been making for family and friends I've decided to make them more personal.

A lot of people use their own handwriting to label quilts and they look awesome.  I've been too scared to do it...I'm not confident enough in my own handwriting.  For my little boy Sawyer's 4th birthday this summer I decided to make him a quilt and my first embroidered quilt label.  Here's how I made mine:

Step 1

Type up (or write by hand) whatever you'd like your label to say.  I can rarely get through the children's book Love You Forever without crying, just reinforces my love for my little boys!!  (If you somehow do not know of this book you need to read it immediately!!  Children or not, if you're human you'll be touched!!)  I chose to use the lyrics from that book.  Remember to keep in mind the size of your block, I put a box around mine for reference (I use Photoshop).  I think it's important in a label to include the date and your name.

Step 2

Using a fabric pen (one that will wash out) copy the text onto your quilt block.

Step 3:

Put an embroidery hoop around the block.  Stitch the text using a simple backstitch.  Below is a step by step of how to do the stitch.  Click to enlarge.

Step 4:

Finished!  I've got extra lines in there to center it...

Here it is in the quilt!  It is on the back, a strip of blocks along with the quilt tag and I also appliqued his name.  I have a tutorial coming up showing how Heather and I like to applique.  Sorry to be so lame, I don't have a reveal of the quilt yet!  But hopefully by next month :)

I'll love you forever

I'll like you for always

As long as I'm living

My baby you'll be

Happy Birthday my sweet Sawyer

with love, mommy 6/2011

Other miscellaneous information:

I'd recommend using a piece larger than your block (while still keeping the embroidery in the right size).  You have to consider the embroidery hoop, plus it's easier to work with and trim to size when finished.

I used DMC embroidery floss.

If you have any questions please ask in the comments and I'll respond there :)

As always if you use one of our tutorials and blog about it please give us credit! :)