I need Help with signature quilt

[Judyc]

I am making a quilt for a football fan and realized it would be a great signature quilt. (She loves to collect players' signatures) Question is- Is it ever OK to have the quilt signed after it is quilted or is it always just the quilt top ? Haven't put the quilt together yet, but would rather send her a completed quilt. I would really appreciate any advice. judyc

[Franceslovesfabric]

Judy,
I've done it both ways. It is much easier to sign the quilt before it is quilted. I usually iron freezer paper on the area to be signed which helps stabilize the fabric. When it is already quilted, the signing surface is very soft due to the batting underneath.
Frances

[Judyc]

Frances,
Thanks for replying so quickly. I would like to finish this quilt soon and was afraid that no one would help me in time. I did consider the batting. I would use a thin type but realize there would still be a problem with signing. The pattern is a Log Cabin/Attic Windows. I thought of quilting around the (signing) logs to make them more stable or even of adding a light stablizer to the back of the quilt top and then putting it together just to make it easier to write on. How did you do yours after it was quilted ? I am doing this for my cousin. We just reconnected after many years so it does mean a lot to me to give her something she will like.
judyc

[Franceslovesfabric]

Judy,
I usually do a rail fence quilt when I'm doing one. I put a white fabric in the center. I did one where some of blocks were signed and some were blank when I quilted it. I then gave it to someone else to take to the party because I was out of town so I really don't know how it worked. I never did get to see the quilt when I got back because it was a good bye gift.
Frances

[BethMI]

Most signature quilts I make I try to have signed before they are quilted and then get the remaining signatures at the party -- after its' quilted.

Frankly, I've never seen anyone not be able to sign the quilt, even after it's quilted, and some of those have been washed A LOT and the signatures held up, did not run or show through, etc.

In fact, it seems so easy to sign after the quilting that I'm not sure it is really worth getting all those signatures ahead of time. Just wait for the party and get out the pens.

Of course, after the signing, all signatures must be heat-set with an iron before washing.

BethMI

[WandaM]

Frances and Beth, what type of pens do you use?

[Franceslovesfabric]

Wanda,

I use Pigma pens.

Frances

[WandaM]

Thanks Frances!

[Judyc]

Thank You All (Y'all)
I am glad to learn that I can finish the quilt before I send it. Where do you get Pigma pens ? I keep hearing about them but have never found them.
judyc

[Franceslovesfabric]

Judy,
I usually get them at Michaels. You can also get them at you LQS or an art store.

Frances

[BethMI]

For the last signature quilt I did, I did a test and these came out the best and lasted very well through many washings.

Of course, they still have to be heat-set before washing.

BethMI