Labels for quilts-- embroider or print???
 

Hey all,
I've been printing labels for my quilts using fabric that goes through my ink jet printer, then heat setting it. But from what I can tell by reading the instructions it may not be able to handle a lot of washing even after heat setting.

therefore, I've been thinking about an embroidery machine to do my labels. I don't do anything fancy, just the 1. title of the quilt (or the occasion and name of the recipient if it was made for someone in particular). Then, 2. pieced and quilted by me with dates of completion) then 3. My address, phone number and email.

These labels are usually pretty small, no more than 2" x 3" when printed. So for folks who have embroidery machines, would I be able to make that size labels with all the info on them, or does the stitching take up more room on the label than the printing does? I don't want to spend a lot of money since I don't anticipate doing anything other than labels with an embroidery machine.

Machines I am considering are the smaller Brothers, perhaps going up to the size of the PE770.

alternatively I could possibly use the built in fonts in my sewing machine, or maybe there is some way to reliably set the ink jet print so it is wash fast??.?

Any thoughts y'all might have would be greatly appreciated.

Rob

For that size label, I just use the built-in alphabet font that my Brother XR3240 has. It's simple with no fancy flair, but it's a label. If I want it larger, I either hand embroider or use fabric paints.

if you get it too small with an embroidery machine, the built in fonts may not sew out well.

I agree. Most built in fonts on an embroidery machine are 1/2" at their smallest. You can reduce them a little bit, but not much. You'd have to buy a smaller font design and I don't think I've seen any smaller than 1/4". then you'd need to use a thinner thread, 60wt, with a smaller needle to have them stitch out properly. most of my labels are at least 4"x6" with small fonts, it depends on how much verbage and whether or not I put a small picture design on it too or a frame around it.
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Cari

I do mine with the built in fonts on my Janome 6600. The lettering basically runs at 1/4"- ish per letter. Then I use some of the fancy embroidery stitches for a border to embellish, but really it's not that fancy, but it makes a respectable label. Ignore the disappearing purple pen for alignment that hasn't disappeared yet!

Thanks all.

Cari-in-only- those are pretty labels, but I see what you mean about size. Would dnefinitely have to go with a bigger label than I want.

Kwiltr- that's what I had in mind. I think I'll try using my sewing machine's built in fonts and see how they look.

Rob

Rob those were done with a built in font on a Janome emb. machine. I've done some with smaller purchased fonts but these were just the first two pics I pulled up. They are approx. 3x5 and 3x7.

Kwiltr I like your label. I don't have a sewing machine with built in fonts as I mostly sew with vintage, but I'm going to look for similar fonts for my emb. machines. More verbage in less space lol.

Cari

I have been printing them. I think it is quicker and you can get more info on them. The embroidered labels are beautiful, but I haven't don't it.

I haven't tried this product but I've heard it mentioned as a print stabilizer, Bubble Jet, I think. Maybe you can google it or do a search here. Sorry to be so vague. I'm going to look it up myself soon for a label on my brother in law's QOV. I want to add more information than I normally would, such as years of his service, military branch, etc. Please let us know what method you decide to use.

I've been using an embroidery machine to embroider right onto the quilt backing, before it is sandwiched and quilted. Machine quilting goes right over the embroidery like it's not there. No label for a thief to pick off.