'signing' a quilt

[Kerrie]

I made 4 quilts for DS's teaches as end of the year gifts. I can't figure out how to personalize it. I was thinking of having my kids write something on a peice of fabric and then sew it to the back. Any other ideas?

[delly]

I don't know how old your DS is - with 4 teachers probly a bit older than my DS - but we were thinking of doing handprints and the kids' names for our preschool teachers' quilts. We were also thinking of printing out the class picture onto fabric and sewing that on somehow. I wouldn't do the iron-on photos, I think they look icky. There are some great fabrics for your printer out there now.

Sharpies are not great for writing on fabric, they tend to bleed out into the surrounding fibers when you use them, so they look messy. Not sure how waterproof they are, they might be fine once they've dried but I dislike the look. I think the official Gelly Roll pens (not the knockoffs) are supposed to be relatively good. Whatever you use, make sure you do a test swatch first!

I am so impressed you did 4 quilts!!!

[majick1]

I usually "sign"and date mine on the bottom corner with hand embroidery. I love the hand print idea for the teachers quilts though.

[Kerrie]

The hand-prind idea is great! Thanks! Should I do it right on the back of the quilt or on a piece of fabric and then attach it? TIA!

[Ideesmom]

I did a quilt for a baby shower once where all the guests signed a plain block with a fabric marker that you set with an iron. it has held up very well for almost 5 years now. Cant remember the brand but it came in lots of colors. I bought it at a scrapbook store.

[delly]

If I did handprints I'd do them on separate pieces of fabric and sew them onto the quilt. For that matter, I'd do the same thing for signing with fabric marker if kids or multiple people are involved. That way if it doesn't come out right the first time, the quilt hasn't been ruined!
Can't point you towards a good fabric paint for handprints or towards the fabric marker in the post above, sorry. A little research will probably get you some names... I'd still recommend a test swatch with a wash test of it with whatever marker or paint you end up with of course.