Quilt restoration question
 

Our senior center quilting group received a donation of quilt blocks..signature type,with elaborate hand embroidery. Some are dated from 1851 . The embroidery section is done on very thin,open weave white cotton( you can see through it.). In order to sew the blocks into a top,the embroidered section need an appropriate stabilizer/ backing. What would you recommend. Of course it will be hand quilted and put in a local museum. Thanks .

WonderUnder & a lightweight bleached muslin would be my first choice. You might consider asking a local AQS-approved quilt appraiser, though. The fabrics I've worked with were 100 years younger. http://www.americanquilter.com/about_aqs/appraisers.php

What a wonderful gift to the quilting world that your group is so carefully preserving these beautiful blocks!

A lightweight nonwoven stabilizer would be a good choice. Joanne's carries a good selection. Misty fuse is a good çhoice because it is very fine, easy to stitch through, will add stability and durability without taking away from the blocks

I would do some testing first. I am not sure how hand quiltable that using any fusible or interfacing would work. You might take them to the group that will be hand quilting and ask their advice. You may only be able to make these into smaller wall hangings so they won't have to be laundered as often.

Is there a quilt museum near you? They could offer suggestions as to how to preserve the blocks. It might even be better not to put them in a quilt, depending on their historical significance.

That would be my suggestion, too. They might find them to be too fragile, once they start quilting on them.