I have a quilt top that was from my great grandma(she died at 101). I hang it on a quilt rack. It is all hand pieced. Should I finish it with backing and batting or leave as is? It is the bow tie pattern out of feed sack fabric. Don't have a picture, it just got it packed up to move.

The advice I have gotten is this: The top will keep better, and for longer, if it is put together. One quilt shop lady advised me to use flannel for batting and muslin for backing, and tie it, rather than try to quilt the old, somewhat dry fabric.

I will be interested to see what others have to say.

This is a hard one. To finish it would show you honored her. But, to finish it, changes it forever after she touched it and sewed it. Not sure what I would do.

If I were here I'd love to know it was finished. But that has nothing to do with preserving delicate fabric...

I quite agree.

I would at the very least baste the quilt top to muslin fabric to help preserve it. This would relieve stress on the seams and prevent fraying over time.

I like the idea of using flannel (prewashed and dried) for batting and tying the quilt. I would be sure to add preservation directions on the back too.

I'd contact a quilt museum ask them what they would recomend or the Smithsonian has a textile department they could at least point you in the right direction. Good Luck

Wow, what a wonderful treasure you have from your DGG. I think you have to do what feels right for you. I agree to check with either a quilt museum or someone who restores quilts for advise. Myself, I would finish it with batting in the middle and I would utilize my DGG's clothes to piece the backing, I would tie it off so as to not see the ties and hand sew the binding on both sides. Lucky you to have this precious quilt top.

I would have to agree to this...and I would not use it...I might even just pack it away with all the pertinent info.
K