quilt label

Hi Nancy,

Well, they do make iron-on paper for ink jet printers that does not require special ink, however I've never personally used the stuff. It may very well require setting of some kind (I just don't know) - perhaps the ironing on itself does the setting(?)or tossing it in a clothes dryer (I *have* been advised to do that when I've had custom T- shirts made). If you don't find a definite answer, I'd try doing it again on a test piece of fabric, and then ironing it (with protection) on the cotton setting (assuming you used cotton).

FWIW, DW embroiders her quilt labels right on the quilt-top - in a corner or signature block with an embroidery attachment. Looks very nice & professional.

Hi Nancy,

The answer to this is "it depends". In this instance, it depends on what kind of printer ink you use. My best guess is that you would be safest if you wrote over the printed label with a permanent marker designed for fabric (not a laundry marker).

Check the printer's website for further info.

Mary

granny2b wrote:

Nancy you may be okay, may not. Most ink jet ink will wash out eventually, some quicker than others, unless you have prepared the fabric ahead of time. Just like dying, if the fabric isn't treated to accept and hold the print, it will wash out. Unless it is one of the "special" type inks that will be more permanent. Black is always more permanent than colors, but even black can wash out. There is fabric available that is "printer ready", it is treated and on a paper backing to feed through the printer. But be careful, and read the packaging before buying. Some of the pre-treated sheets cannot be washed with detergent, some cannot be drycleaned and so on. Some are stiffer than others. Some of the better brands, from what I have heard/read are Printed Treasures, Electric Quilt, and (maybe??) HP. The June Taylor brand is widely available but has some problems (the "no detergent" bit.) All types, that I know of, do require heat setting. Some suggest waiting a certain amount of time before washing (curing time) and so on.

Using an embroidery machine, or machine that has an embroidery module that detaches, does make wonderful labels. But so does using a permanent fabric marker, or hand embroidering the info.

Usually I write my "label" on the back of the quilt. Yep, directly on the backing fabric. Even if I put a label over it, I usually mark the backing fabric.

Have fun, Pati, > I made my quilt label by printing fabric through the ink jet printer.

If it was treated fabric (like with Bubble Jet Set), iron set it with a dry iron. The prepared fabric sheets are usually pre-treated. If from a box, what do their directions say?

Happy quilting!

Lenore