How to Create Quilt Labels in TextEdit

Quilt labels can be made on the computer.

A quilt label should be added to every homemade quilt. The quilt label documents the quilt creator, the location of the quiltmaker and the date the quilt was completed. Quilting is an important American art form, and its history can be told through the quilts themselves. Make a label on your computer using muslin fabric and TextEdit, and applique it to the back of the quilt.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Freezer paper
• Ruler
• White muslin fabric, 1/4 yard
• Iron
• Computer with TextEdit program
• Printer
• Needle
• White thread

Instructions

Prepare Your Label Fabric

1. Cut freezer paper to 8 1/2 by 11 inches.

2. Cut muslin fabric to 8 1/2 by 11 inches.

3. Iron fabric to freezer paper. Making sure all loose threads at edges are cut off, or they will jam your printer.

Create Label in TextEdit

1. Open the TextEdit program on your computer.

2. Click "Format," "Table" and type in 3 columns and 4 rows.

3. Make multiple labels. Type your name, city and state and date of quilt completion in the first cell, leaving two blank rows above and below the text within the cell for a border. Copy the text and insert it into each of the other cells.

4. Insert the muslin freezer paper in the computer printer and print the labels. Remove the freezer backing and cut the labels with the scissors. Applique a label on the back of the quilt.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the needle-turn method to applique the label to the back of a completed quilt. In this method, 1/4 inch of the fabric edge is tucked under and neatly sewn down around the entire label perimeter.