Quilt Labeling

A label provides a permanent record for a quilt, it captures information that is often lost over time.

If you have a quilt that was passed down to you, check to see if it is labeled and if that label provides all the information you know about the quilt. If the label is lacking, take the opportunity to add information with new label.

The following information is valuable for documenting the history of a quilt:

The maker’s name(s) - both for the piecing and the quilting
The maker’s birth date, death date
Date made
Place made
Pattern name
If applicable, the occasion the quilt was made and who it was made for: wedding, birth, or graduation
If a quilt has traveled or changed locations - capture information on when and why

Your label can be written on a piece on unbleached muslin fabric using archival ink, then hand sew the label to the back of the quilt.

Other considerations for valuable quilts:

If you have an heirloom quilt, check with your insurance agent to see what your policy covers. A certified appraisal is required to determine value. Ann Bodle Nash, located in La Conner Washington, is one resource who is certified by the American Quilter's Society. She can be reached at 360-391-1696 or annnash51@gmail.com.