How To Make Keepsake Tags from Old Quilts

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Hi friends! We've been on a super creative kick recently, taking those well-loved old quilts and textiles and giving them a fresh start as beautiful little keepsakes. You know how it goes – after making a bunch of cuddly stuffed hearts from a quilt we were working with, we had a bunch of sweet fabric scraps left over. Well, we couldn't resist finding a fun way to use them up, and that's how the idea for these unique fabric tags came about! It suddenly seemed like such a great way to keep those really sentimental textiles close, like that quilt you've had since you were little that might be getting a bit worn. Instead of storing the whole thing, a little snippet can hold so many memories. Whether you're looking to be thrifty with your fabric, add some personality to your slow stitching and journaling, create unique touches for your home, or make your gifts extra special, these fabric tags are perfect. Join us as we explore the happy process of turning those leftover bits into something truly special.

Materials Needed

Gather your supplies before getting started:

• Quilted fabric scraps or strips from old quilts

• Manila tags to use as a template OR make your own in Canva

• Erasable ink pen (we use FriXion pens)

• Pinking shears

• Sewing machine or hand needle and thread

• Metal grommets and setting tool

• Optional: binder ring or twine for hanging

  
  

💡 Tip: Try using different quilt pieces for a variety of textures, weights, and colors!

Step 1: Trace Your Tag Shape

Use a manila tag as a template to trace the shape onto your quilted fabric. A FriXion Erasable Pen works great for this step—it disappears with heat later!

Step 2: Cut Out with Pinking Shears

Cut out your traced tag shape using pinking shears. The zig-zag edge not only looks cute but also helps reduce fraying.

Step 3: Stitch Around the Edge & Hole Punch

Sew about 1/4 inch in from the outer edge of the tag, all the way around. This helps secure the quilt layers and adds a polished, handmade detail. Then punch a hole at the top (we use this handy dandy tool) just under the stitched line. You can eyeball it or place your grommet and trace the inside with the FiXion pen and use that as a guide when punching.

Step 4: Add a Grommet

Insert a metal grommet using your setting tool. This creates a durable opening for stringing or hanging your tag. Also, don't be intimated by grommets--just be sure your placement is correct before hammering!

Step 5: Embellish To Your Heart's Content

We left these plain for now but these are a canvas for you to embellish as you see fit! Sew or glue bits of lace, fabric, or buttons. Add decorative stitching, charms, stamped canvas, the possibilities are endless!

Step 6: Use, Gift, or Collect

Now your tag is ready to be used however you like:

✔️ Tie onto a plant pot or jar for instant charm✔️ Add to a wrapped gift as a handmade touch✔️ Clip onto a binder ring to create a swatch book of quilt memories✔️ Use as a tactile keepsake to commemorate a family heirloom

This small project packs a lot of heart. Whether you're saving pieces from a family heirloom quilt or simply using up quilted fabric from recent makes, these little tags are a beautiful way to preserve memories and reduce waste.

💬 What kind of quilt would you turn into tags? Would you keep them in a keepsake swatch ring, use them in your decor, or share them as gifts? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!

Happy stitching,

Aunt Henri