Sew a label to the back of your quilt before binding it or after, depending on your preference
A quilt label is a fabric patch you sew to the back of your finished quilt that records who made it, when, and why. Most quilters sew the label to the bottom right corner of the quilt back, either before you attach the binding or after the binding is complete. Sewing it before binding is simpler because you can catch the label edges in the binding seam. Sewing it after binding requires hand-stitching or a careful machine stitch around all four sides, but it gives you more flexibility about placement and lets you finish the label text before committing it to the quilt.
The label itself is usually a rectangle of quilting cotton, anywhere from 4 by 6 inches to 8 by 10 inches, with text written or printed on it. You can write directly on the fabric with a permanent fabric pen, print text onto fabric sheets using your home printer, or embroider the information by hand or machine. The label stays with the quilt permanently and becomes part of its history.
Key Takeaways
- Cut your label fabric to a finished size between 4 by 6 inches and 8 by 10 inches, then add a half-inch seam allowance on all sides before writing or printing on it.
- Write or print your label text before sewing it to the quilt, using permanent fabric pen, printer-compatible fabric sheets, or embroidery thread.
- Sew the label to the quilt back before binding if you want the binding to seal the edges, or after binding if you prefer to hand-stitch it in place.
- Use a straight stitch around all four sides of the label, staying a quarter-inch from the edge, and backstitch at the corners to lock the seams.
Prepare your label fabric and add text
Start by cutting a rectangle of quilting cotton that is slightly larger than your finished label size. If you want a 6 by 8 inch label, cut the fabric 7 by 9 inches so you have a half-inch seam allowance on all sides. Press the fabric flat with an iron to remove wrinkles.
Add your text before sewing the label to the quilt. The three most common methods are permanent fabric pen, printed fabric sheets, and embroidery. A permanent fabric pen (brands like Micron or Sharpie make fabric-safe versions) works directly on the cloth—write your text lightly in pencil first, then trace over it with the pen. Let the ink dry completely before handling. For printed labels, use fabric sheets designed for inkjet printers (available at fabric stores and online), print your design onto the sheet, let it dry, then cut out the label. For embroidered labels, you can hand-stitch text using backstitch or stem stitch, or use an embroidery machine to stitch the design onto the fabric before cutting it out.
Include information like your name, the quilt's name, the date completed, the recipient's name if it is a gift, and any special details—the pattern name, the occasion, or a personal message. This information becomes part of the quilt's permanent record.
Fold and press the seam allowance
Once your text is complete and dry, fold the half-inch seam allowance on all four sides of the label to the back (the wrong side of the fabric). Press each fold flat with an iron. This creates clean, finished edges that will not fray when you sew the label to the quilt.
At the corners, you can either fold the seam allowance at a 45-degree angle (called a mitered corner) for a neat finish, or straightforward fold one edge over the other. Either method works—choose whichever looks neater to you. Press the entire label flat before moving to the next step.
Position the label on the quilt back
Lay your finished quilt back-side up on a flat surface. Most quilters place the label in the bottom right corner, about 1 to 2 inches from the edges. This is a traditional spot and makes the label straightforward to find. You can also center it, place it in a corner, or position it along one edge—the choice is yours.
Pin the label in place using a few straight pins so it does not shift while you sew. Make sure the label lies flat and the folded edges are smooth. If you are sewing the label before binding, position it so that the binding seam will catch the outer edges of the label. If you are sewing it after binding, position it so it sits fully on the quilt back without overlapping the binding.
Sew the label to the quilt back
Thread your sewing machine with thread that matches the label fabric or use a neutral color like tan or gray. Set the machine to a straight stitch with a stitch length of 2.5 to 3.0 millimeters—this is a standard quilting stitch length. Lower the presser foot and begin sewing around the perimeter of the label, staying about a quarter-inch from the folded edge.
Start at one corner and sew slowly around all four sides. Backstitch at each corner to lock the seam and prevent it from coming loose. Sew all the way around until you return to your starting point, then backstitch again and trim the thread. Remove the pins as you go.
If you are sewing the label before binding, the binding will cover the outer edge of the label seam, so you do not need to worry about the stitching showing. If you are sewing the label after binding, your stitching will be visible on the quilt back, so take your time and keep the line straight and even.
Sewing the label before binding versus after
Sewing the label before you attach the binding is the faster method. Position the label on the quilt back, sew it down, then attach the binding as usual. The binding seam will catch the outer edges of the label and find it permanently. This method works well if your label is a straightforward rectangle and you do not mind the binding covering part of the label edge.
Sewing the label after binding gives you more control over placement and appearance. Once the binding is complete and the quilt is finished, you hand-stitch or machine-stitch the label to the back. This method takes longer because you must stitch all four sides by hand or use a careful machine stitch, but it lets you see exactly how the label looks on the finished quilt before committing to it. You can also add a label to a quilt you made years ago without removing the binding.
Reinforce the label corners if needed
If you want extra durability, especially on a quilt that will be washed or handled frequently, add a small stitch at each corner of the label. After you finish sewing around the perimeter, move to one corner and make three or four small stitches in place, then move to the next corner and repeat. This reinforces the stress points where the label edges meet and prevents the corners from peeling up over time.
Alternatively, you can sew a second line of stitching about a quarter-inch inside the first line, creating a double-stitched border. This adds strength and a decorative detail. Either method is optional but recommended for quilts that will be used and washed regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a label to a quilt that is already bound?
Yes. Position the label on the quilt back and sew it down using a straight stitch around all four sides, staying a quarter-inch from the edge. You can machine-stitch it or hand-stitch it using a ladder stitch for an invisible seam. Hand-stitching takes longer but looks neater on the front of the quilt.
What fabric should I use for the label?
Use the same quilting cotton you used for the quilt top and back. This ensures the label has the same weight and texture as the rest of the quilt and washes the same way. Avoid using interfacing or stabilizer unless you are embroidering the label, in which case a light fusible interfacing on the back helps prevent puckering.
Can I write on the label after I sew it to the quilt?
It is not recommended. Writing on the label after sewing it down risks getting ink on the quilt itself, and the fabric may shift or wrinkle while you write. Write or print all text before sewing the label to the quilt.
What if I make a mistake on the label text?
If you wrote with permanent fabric pen, you cannot erase it. If you printed the label, cut it off and make a new one. If you embroidered it, you can carefully cut out the stitches and re-embroider. For future labels, write lightly in pencil first, check for errors, then trace over it with permanent pen.
Do I need to wash the quilt before adding the label?
No. Add the label after the quilt is completely finished, including binding. The quilt will be washed later if the maker chooses, and the label will wash with it. Make sure any ink or embroidery thread is fully dry and set before sewing the label down.