I have done a couple signature quilts. One for a retirement and one for our son & daughter-in-law's wedding.

I ironed freezer paper on to the back of my fabric and then cut fabric into the size I needed.

Then I made picture frames out of cardboard that allowed for the seam allowance. People slipped the fabric underneath and signed in the box. It worked quite well and most people managed to stay inside the seam allowance.

I also used the pigma ink pens. Some are better then others the jel ink ones seem to be the best. Scrapbooking stores carry alot of this type pen.

Good luck and make sure you post pitures.

great ideas, congrats

Have done several signature quilts and used Southern Belle with great success. In the process of doing this type of quilt block - I have also discovered that if you place the signature square on a piece of fine grit sandpaper it creates a stable base which makes it easier for the person to sign the block. Good luck with the project.
Sue

I like the Kona fabric and the Pigma pen #8. I have used the #8 for signatue quilts since a quilt shop owner/designer/author suggested it to me.

Freezer paper works to stablize the fabric, but I have put the blocks out with out it. When you show up to a baby shower and the grandmother to be says Oh I meant to call you.....I had just ironed white muslin, high quality and it was on the ironing board; I called DH and he brought me fabric, pens, ruler, and mat...LOL

I am not that crazy about Pigma Pens. I like ZigWriters a lot better. They have a fine tip and a fat tip on the same marker. They're sold in the scrapbook department. They're archival and don't bleed. Anything that's archival for cotton rag paper is archival for cotton fabric.

I've made several signature quilts and always use an extra-fine point Sharpie. Tried a pigma pen at first because that's what was recommended but I had no luck with it. The fine grade sandpaper sounds like an excellent idea for keeping the fabric from slipping. Try one or two yourself before your big day to see what feels comfortable to you. And happy wedding!

I use Pigma Pens. They are not supposed to fade when you wash the quilt, but I think they do a little. I like to use a good quality muslin, heavily starched, and unfortunately, expect some people to write over the seam line, even if you mark it with pencil or stitching. Just can't be helped because if they don't quilt or sew people don't think about why they can't write all the way across. Also I would mark the seam line about 1/2" if possible.

Pigma pens and don't forget to heat set the signatures.

If you do use the sharpies stay away from the red ones , even though they are suppose to be permanent they do run when washed, trust me on this

Last night I ordered 6 yards of Kaufman Kona in the Maize color so I will keep you guys updated on how it goes. My plan is to cut it in the squares and make cardboard "frames" to keep people from writing in the seam allowance and provide fine grade sand paper and super fine sharpies. I'll post instructions on what to do at the table.