Hand Sewing the Quilt Binding and Adding a Quilt Label

You can machine sew your quilt binding, but I prefer to hand sew the binding to the back of the quilt. It gives a much smoother finish and adds that extra bit of detail that helps make your quilt special. I like to use a simple running stitch, or you can use an applique stitch to finish the binding making your stitches "invisible". Most show quilts are finished this way.

Hand Sewing the Quilt Binding

	Step 1: Thread your quilting needle with about 18" of thread, doubled. Tie a knot in the end. On the back of the quilt, start the needle above the sewing line where the binding was stitched in place. Pull it through to the other side of the stitch line.
	Step 2: With your thimble, rock the needle up and down, taking small stitches. Make sure you are catching the backing fabric in each stitch. Try to make 3 stitches before you pull the needle completely through the fabric.
	Step 3: Fold the corners of the binding under to make a neat, mitered corner. Pin in place and sew. Finish the remaining sides and knot off the thread.

Adding a Quilt Label

Adding a quilt label should always be the final step for your quilt making process. Some people "forget" to add a label which is a shame. This is your chance as the quilter to express your reasons for making the quilt! Maybe you want to add a poem to a new baby, or tell your sister how much you love her, or explain the special meaning behind the colors and pattern. Be sure to include the date, your name, pattern name, and reasons for making it. Future generations will love seeing that Great-Grandma made it, and quilt appraisers/collectors like the dates and special stories in each quilt.

Here are some great quilt label resources or you can always design your own. That "Oops!" block can make a really great label with a little imagination!

• Lost Quilt Come Home - Great information on why you should label your quilt and how.



• A Patchwork of Quilting Practices: Did She Sign Her Name? The History of Quilt Labels - an interesting history on quilt labels.



• Keepsake Quilting - FANTASTIC on-line and catalog store and their brick-and-mortar store in New Hampshire is like going to Quilter's Nirvana! You can buy pre-printed labels by the yard.



• Quilt in a Day - great resource for easy to follow quilting instructions by Eleanor Burns as well as notions, fabric, and labels.

If you are going to write or sign on the fabric of the quilt or label, invest in a set of Pigma pens. These are archival quality pens that will not fade and are acid-free. They can be expensive but are well worth the investment.

FREE Quilt Pattern!

Download the FREE quilt pattern for the Tumbling Squares Baby Quilt either as a Word document (260k) or as an Adobe .pdf (136k) file.