I’ve received quite a few questions about the quilt labels I use, and where to get them. Here’s a bit of an overview of the ones I’ve used and where you can find them. The three different kinds I show here are only a small sampling of the options available to you, so please don’t imagine me to be an expert on this topic!
These are the first ones I used, and was using until recently when I ran out and decided to try something different. I found these by searching for ‘sew in labels’ on Etsy. (I’d suggest you do the same! There are many sellers, and I’m sure that most, if not all, have a great product.)
The ones I’m showing here were purchased from MommieMadeIt on Etsy. (click on the name for the link)
They are printed on a slightly stiff woven fabric. You can choose your font, color, size, etc. The photo above shows the sew on ones that I ordered rather than the sew in. The sew in ones have the name printed twice with a mirror image so that you fold them in half and sew in your seam.
Here’s one sewn into a quilt. I noticed absolutely no fading with these labels, which was the biggest reason I was happy with them. The one down side was the fact that they tended to curl up a bit. Nothing that an iron can’t fix, but I avoid all ironing if possible!
Here’s the one that I put on my cell phone cover. They are quite tiny, so they’re perfect for small projects like this. As you can see, the edges are fraying a bit, but this cover has seen a LOT of use ( and needs a washing too)
When those labels ran out, I decided I wanted to try the twill look. I ordered these from the same seller, because I was happy with her customer service, prices, and she has a good selection.
You can see that the print faded a little bit on the twill labels, but it gives it a natural hand made look that doesn’t really bother me. The biggest problem for me was a designing mistake on my part. Because I have a long name, it ended up really tiny, and the beginning and end get lost in the seam allowance. Just something to remember when you order, remember to leave enough room on the edges where you’re planning to sew it in.
Also, because these labels are longer and larger, they tended to curl over the edge after washing. Again, I could iron them:)
Really, the biggest reason I didn’t continue with these was that I didn’t like the way the name was so long and skinny in the middle of the label. Again, this was completely my fault, as I was given a proof, showing me how it would look. I may try these again, and put the name on two lines, or use a tall skinny font.
OK, on to the next kind that I just purchased.
Ooo, I didn't ask, but I was wondering about your labels – and now I know! Thank you for a comprehensive review of some of the options available. I particularly love the last ones.
Thank you so much for your two cents on the label topic! I definitely want to get some and will check out those shops you mentioned. A while ago I contacted Sweetwater about it and they said they make custom labels as well and they make such cute fabric, paper, tags, etc. that I want to look into that some more too.
Oh, I was also meaning to send you a link to a post I just did about a quilt I made inspired by your basket quilts. Here's the link:
http://alittlebitbiased.blogspot.com/2011/08/cherry-pickin-baskets.html. I think yours are much cuter than mine, but I had fun making it. Thanks for all the inspiration!!! I'm so glad I found your blog. You make such cute stuff!
Thanks,
Amber Johnson
A Little Bit Biased (blog)
Gigi's Thimble (patterns)
I made my own twill ones with cotton twill tape and iron on t-shirt transfers. The hardest part was figuring out how to flip the text and what font size was right, but I'm very happy with them (except I forget them half the time!).
Thanks for sharing your experiences and the pictures. I really appreciate it! I have been wanting to get some sew in labels and these look like they're perfect. When I order I'll mention you sent me over … maybe you'll get a deal next time!
Hi Jolene,
Take a look at http://www.itsmineusa.com/
They're really great! The labels are embroidered, and there is enough room from one label to the other for cutting and sewing. I've already ordered three batches.
What a helpful review! It's so nice to hear about your exPeriences and what you thought of each option.
This is great, thanks so much for posting these!
great post! I love the info
Thank you. This is great information and very helpful.
Awesome thanks for this! Love the info =)
Also I was wondering on the ribbon tags, which one did you order exactly?
Thanks for this post. I really need to just buy labels because I'm too lazy to make them and I'm not labeling anything!
Great to know! Thanks for sharing
Thanks for the info. Labels are on my list of 'to do's. 🙂
What a fantastic post. This is what I love about blogging – the information you get and how willing people are to share their experiences. I wish everyone was so helpful. Thank you so much – I've just met with a designer today and I totally forgot about my labels so I'm going to send her a quick email to keep the logo simple enough :o)
I like the options you suggested especially because making my own labels is not how I want to spend my time. (I'd rather sew!) 🙂
I just stumbled upon this as I was searching for sew in label reviews! Have you tried any new labels lately? I am the most indecisive person ever and just cannot make up my mind on what to do for labels. Thanks for the post – very helpful!