Quilting Labels

Quilting History.  I have been lucky enough over the last ten years to view (and if really lucky, handle) some very old quilts. I do find the history of quilting so very interesting.  I enjoy knowing why a quilt was made, when, and for whom.

 

One thing we were told during my quilting evening class was to label each quilt.  And so far I have tried very hard to do this - especially for quilts which have been given as gifts.  I use this method to produce quilting label's, I also use this method to produce photographs onto fabric. 

 

 

You will need:

 

Deep Tray
Bubble Jet Solution

Fabric (Plain)

Freezer Paper

 

 

 

I have experience in two different types of transfer methods.  The first being pre-treated fabric sheets.  This is a very quick method.  However, sheets are very expensive, and I personally found them not to reproduce a great finish and the fabric became hard when washed.  Although they can be washed it is not generally recommended to be washed a great amount - which limited their use in quilts that will be used - and lets be honest all quilts should be used!!

 

The second method, and in fact my preferred method is the Bubble Jet 2000 solution.  Found generally at all good quilt shows, or can be ordered from the internet.  I've just done a quick google and even Amazon sells it!

 



 

 

 

So here we go.  Pour some Bubble Jet solution into your tray.  Put your fabric in and make sure it is all covered with the solution. Leave for five minutes.

 



 

Remove and dry the fabric.  Iron flat, and then iron the freezer paper to wrong side of the fabric. Freezer paper....this too can be found at all good quilt shows, buying on the roll is by far the most economical way to purchase freezer paper and it has many uses within quilting. However, when I made a memory quilt I was transferring a large amount of photo's onto fabric I actually invested in some A4 freezer paper - this I found actually saved me a large amount of time and, I felt, was worth the extra expense.

 



 

 

Now it's worth taking your time with the ironing of the freezer paper onto the fabric as all the corners need to stuck down.  Iron the paper to the fabric, turn the whole thing over and then iron the fabric to the paper.  And iron one more time for fun!

 

 

 

Cut the fabric to the A4 paper.

 

And you should have a fabric coated piece of paper - ready to print on.



 

 

 

Take a minute to decide on how your printer feeds the paper - making sure you insert fabric side so it will be printed on.

 

 

 

Use Word to produce a label, or your usual photo package to manipulate the photo's.  And Ta Dah.....one label, photo or anything else you which to transfer onto fabric.

 

 

 

Remove the freezer paper, and rinse with Bubble Jet Rinse - this helps set the inks. 

 

 

 

And that's it.....really simple isn't it!!