1. Julie/Jaybird Quilts writes on the selvage using a fabric safe pigma pen.
2. Using peel and stick address labels is Rachel/Snippets of Sweetness' method of choice.
photo courtesy Rachel Pascual
3. Leave it to Amy/Diary of a Quilter to think of using a label maker.
4. Lori/a bee in my bonnet creates hand-written fabric labels and safety-pins them on.
5. Rather than actually labeling the fabric, Louise/I'm Feelin' Crafty makes labeled fabric swatches kept on a metal ring.
If you have another system, do share in the comments!
This is a great collection of ideas. I currently use address labels like Rachel, but they don't stick all that well and I am really tempted by Julie's label on the selvage idea.
ReplyDeleteOh, great tips! I've tried using washi tape but it doesn't consistently stick, so I end up with the labels getting jumbled. I'm totally going to try writing on the selvage.
ReplyDeleteI write the fabric color/number on an old selvage, but I sew it on with a baste stitch so it doesn't create any additional problems. It doesn't take me very long to do it.
ReplyDeleteI also write the color on the selvage. I use a sharpie and it works great. It is especially great if you prewash. How many times have you washed your new fabric of similar tones and can't figure out which is which? Great post Debbie!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! I'm definitely going to start labeling my solids.
ReplyDeleteLove Louise's swatch idea. Would come in handy to grab and take to the quilt store, too.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about cutting out some "labels" from freezer paper and ironing them on. The stick-on labels don't really stick to fabric very well.
ReplyDeleteLots of good ideas here, thank you for this blogpost!
ReplyDeleteKATRIN W.
great ideas. Thanks for sharing them. I've toyed with ordering a color chart from the manufacturer but they are expensive
ReplyDeleteGreat round up! Will share in my newsletter soon.
ReplyDeleteI NEED to do this but I have so many that I have no idea what they are, not sure I could even make a dent. I wish the mfg would label them.
ReplyDeleteWhat great ideas. I definitely need one of those systems. Many a time I finally found the right solid and then can't remember which one it was. Thank you for sharing all of these different methods.
ReplyDeleteI just use a straight pin to attach a small scrap of paper with the fabric manufacturer and color name. I keep it folded to the inside of the fabric and can move/reattach it as needed once I cut into it. Works great for me.
ReplyDeleteAhh selvage labeling sounds like a great idea. I have some sticky labels on some of my solids but not enough of them. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteI wrap my yardage on comic book boards and write on the comic book board the manufacturer, color, and color number. Some stores if you shop online put a label on the fabric, when I order from them I put the label on the comic book board and cover it with tape to keep it from peeling off.
ReplyDeleteI don't label mine, and I absolutely regret that choice. I have a big bundle of solids being shipped to me this week, and I bought some sticky labels today in the hopes of changing my bad habit into a good one :-)
ReplyDeleteE xx
Thank you for sharing these tips ! I've never labelled my solids so far and it's maybe time to begin.
ReplyDeleteIn the past, I would write near the salvage with a Micron pen the brand, color, yardage and if it was washed or not. Now I just wing it and don't label anything. LOL!!
ReplyDeleteLabeling solids, instead of just tossing them in a bin? That's a great idea! ;) Actually, I don't use them enough to keep large bits worthy of labeling, and I'm not sure how to organize scraps of solids. (You really don't want to see that mess of a bin.)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness those are all really good ideas! I don't do anything right now, and honestly before your post it hadn't even crossed my mind but now I see how useful that labeling solids would be! Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI usually write along the edge like Julie.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of writing on the selvedge. I have color charts for Kona and Moda Bella but as new colors come out it become a problem so the selvedge is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteIf I'm buying solids at my LQS (rather than a box store) I will write on the selvage area -- especially if it is something that I might need more of for a project. I'd love to have color cards from the different brands but that seems like a lot of money when you consider how many different makers there are now.
ReplyDeleteI often forget to label my solids when I purchase them, but when I do remember, i typically just pin a scrap piece of paper to the fabric and write the colour code and manufacturer on it. I find I tend to label my greys and whites more than anything else. I once made an entire quilt with different "whites" without even noticing until I took it outside for pictures!! That's when i started labelling my whites. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat Tips!! Such a simple idea and yet..I never did it. When I needed a solid color I would go to my stash and try and figure it out. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI use a sharpie and write on the selvages. I do find it helpful when I run out of a certain color and want to reorder.
ReplyDeleteI like the ideas of Louise and Lisa S. I don't label my solids, because I like to go with how a color feels to me on each project and not what the name of it dictates for it's use. I have the fabric color charts from several lines that I frequently use and those help in ordering on line since a monitor doesn't always show a true color.
ReplyDeleteI use blue painters tape. Just write the name on the tape with a sharpie and stick on the fabric selvage. The tape sticks really well but is easily removed.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous post. So useful! Thank you =)
ReplyDeleteI keep Kona Ash, Snow, and Pepper separated from the rest, and labeled with a paper and pin. The others haven't as important to keep straight, but maybe they Should be!
ReplyDeleteGreat collection of ideas!! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't I think of any of these?! Thank you!
ReplyDelete