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Quilt labels are easy to make. You can use the muslin-like pocket lining material from larger blue jeans and a few fabric markers to create unique, personalized labels. (A kitty is nice, but not essential.;)
First, iron the pocket lining fabric into a square (I don't even bother trimming the edges; they won't show). Be very careful not to burn yourself on the hot iron! It's tempting to hold the edges while pressing, but use something other than a finger or else just mash the fabric a couple times. Slightly uneven edges give handmade charm. Really!
Now the fun part. Decorate the label! Draw pictures, use calligraphy, write a Bible verse, include care instructions, sign and date it -- whatever you like. Try a pencil test on scratch paper if you're nervous about messing up.
I use Yasutomo Fabricmate Superfine Markers from DickBlick Art Materials. The shipping and sales tax can be a little steep, but it's the most convenient option I've found so far. This particular brand does not need heat setting to be colorfast.
Do NOT use ordinary permanent markers! I tried it -- they bleed like crazy in water and might ruin whatever they stain in the wash. See the label above? All those pink and yellow splotches? That's from just running cold tap water over the label and squeezing it together briefly.
So that's how to label a quilt. Finished labels can be handstitched directly to the quilt back. They will fade a little in the wash (the bottom label has been washed once; you can probably see the difference), but it still beats handstitching all that information directly onto the quilt. Have fun!
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