Labels and Signature Blocks by Sregora by Terry Crawford
September 19, 2006

     Quilts are not only utilitarian; they are also very collectible. Regardless of the purpose of owning a quilt though, it is fascinating to read a quilt that has legible writing on it; perhaps noting the maker, the date, the history of the quilt, and anything else the quilter wished to share.

     Unfortunately, more often than not, quilts were not (and are not) labeled, thus leaving quilt history silent. Just think of the stories that could be told if only quilts could talk! But, since quilts are indisposed to speaking, labels and signature blocks can be the storytellers.

 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LABEL AND A SIGNATURE BLOCK?

     The difference? Well, sometimes there is no difference! They are the one and the same. They may have the same look and feel, but have a different purpose, in that they may each convey unique information.

     Typically, the difference is this. Labels are attached to quilts giving information regarding the making of the quilt. Labels are usually placed on the back of the quilt somewhere and the quilt has a single maker.

     Signature Blocks, on the other hand, are different in that the quilt usually has numerous makers. The best examples for this would be in the case of a quilt made via a "swap" or "round robin". In these instances, the Signature Blocks are usually assembled into a block (or pattern of some sort) and attached to the back of the quilt.

CAN A QUILT HAVE A LABEL AND SIGNATURE BLOCKS?

     The answer to this is up to the owner of the quilt! If I were involved in a swap and incorporated the Signature Blocks into a pattern on the back of the quilt, I'd probably go ahead and attach a label beside it, giving my personal information about the quilt, as well as swap information.

WHAT IS A GOOD SIZE FOR A LABEL AND/OR A SIGNATURE BLOCK?

     A good size for a label is 4" by 5". A good size for a signature block is 4.5" square.

WHAT TYPE OF INFORMATION SHOULD A LABEL AND/OR SIGNATURE BLOCK HAVE?

     Again, the answer to this is up to the owner of the quilt, but there is some information that should be standard from quilt to quilt:

     Other information that might be included would be:

HOW ARE THEY MADE?

     Any light-colored fabric that reads as a solid would suffice for cutting, but I recommend using muslin. It is inexpensive, sturdy, and easy to work with.

     Light-colored fabric is needed so that your writing will show. You can write on your label in one of two ways: Either by hand, using a good permanent pen, or by using your printer. Directions for using a printer can be found by reading "Making Quilt Labels".

WHERE CAN I GET FREE LABELS and/or SIGNATURE BLOCKS?

     Right here! You can access and download the available labels on the following page:

     Please respect copyright and use these only for personal usage only. Do not modify or distribute them.

     Check back often, as I add more labels frequently. And if you have any suggestions for label designs you would like to see on this site, just send e-mail to sregora@quiltingpassion.com with LABEL SUGGESTION in the subject area.

     Once you download the labels, all you need to do is to follow the directions given in "Making Quilt Labels", then use a permanent pen to finish, adding color if you want.

     If you would like to have your own customized labels made (pre-printed with your name and own text), inquire at sregora@quiltingpassion.com. The cost is very minimal (I don't do this for profit!) and customized to your specifications.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE FREE LABELS?

     From At Your Whimsy, that's where! Please adhere to the copyright notice given on this site, too, so that we can keep free things on the Web!

 

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