Storing a quilt
04-29-2010, 09:10 PM
#1
Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 833
So after seeing all of these antique quilts on here in such poor shape I thought I better ask and see what is the best way to store a quilt. When I graduated from high school my aunt had given me a quilt that was made by my great great grandmother. At the time I wasn't a quilter and had no idea how special this gift was. Now that I understand I want to do the quilt justice and not just let it sit and rot so to say. It is in very very good condition. I guess it wasn't used all that much cause it has no holes or rips or tears. Its a scrappy double wedding ring pattern. Currently it is folded up in the closet. But I am sure that is probably the wrong thing for it. So. . . . any suggestions on what I need to do to continue to preserve it?
04-29-2010, 09:23 PM
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I saw an article that recommended folding on the bias (diagonal) rather than the more common square folding. Folding on the diagonal places less stress on the fold line; a bias fold is stronger because there are many individual threads taking the fold. When you fold on the straight-of-grain, only a few threads are taking the stress of the fold.
It's also a good idea to purchase archival-quality tissue paper. Wood products (including paper and cardboard) contain wood acids that can discolor and eventually eat holes in fabric. Archival quality paper and cardboard have been processed to eliminate the acid. (This applies to storage of photographs in albums too!) Ball up the tissue paper and place it in all of the folds so the folds are rounded rather than sharp. This also relieves stress on the folds.
The folded quilt can be stored inside a clean pillowcase or achival-quality cardboard box. Never store a quilt in direct contact with wood (as in a cedar chest) because of the acids in wood. Always keep a quilt away from sunlight and also artificial light (including flourescents). Light of any kind fades fabric. If you take the quilt out for display, be sure to display it out of direct sunlight.
Even with diagonal folds, it is a good idea to re-fold the quilt (along different lines) every 6 months or so to avoid permanent fold lines.
There are other ways to store quilts too. Perhaps the best is if you have a spare room with a large bed. The kindest way to store a quilt is flat on a bed, covered with a sheet or two to keep light and dust off. Several can be stored this way, with a sheet in-between each. Museums store quilts like this on pull-out shelves in temperature and humidity-controlled rooms. People handling those quilts always wear white gloves to avoid getting skin oils and sweat on the fabric.
It's also a good idea to purchase archival-quality tissue paper. Wood products (including paper and cardboard) contain wood acids that can discolor and eventually eat holes in fabric. Archival quality paper and cardboard have been processed to eliminate the acid. (This applies to storage of photographs in albums too!) Ball up the tissue paper and place it in all of the folds so the folds are rounded rather than sharp. This also relieves stress on the folds.
The folded quilt can be stored inside a clean pillowcase or achival-quality cardboard box. Never store a quilt in direct contact with wood (as in a cedar chest) because of the acids in wood. Always keep a quilt away from sunlight and also artificial light (including flourescents). Light of any kind fades fabric. If you take the quilt out for display, be sure to display it out of direct sunlight.
Even with diagonal folds, it is a good idea to re-fold the quilt (along different lines) every 6 months or so to avoid permanent fold lines.
There are other ways to store quilts too. Perhaps the best is if you have a spare room with a large bed. The kindest way to store a quilt is flat on a bed, covered with a sheet or two to keep light and dust off. Several can be stored this way, with a sheet in-between each. Museums store quilts like this on pull-out shelves in temperature and humidity-controlled rooms. People handling those quilts always wear white gloves to avoid getting skin oils and sweat on the fabric.
04-30-2010, 06:33 AM
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 5,142
NEVER, EVER, EVER store quilts in garbage bags. They are treated with bug repellent inside and will eventually damage anything stored in them. If they are "good" quilts that I want to keep, I like to lay them on a bed. If they are utility quilts I fold them but I refold them now and then.
04-30-2010, 07:02 AM
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: MS
Posts: 3,434
Originally Posted by LovinMySoldier
When I graduated from high school my aunt had given me a quilt that was made by my great great grandmother.
I don't know the best way to store them and am anxious for responses to your post. I was taught that dust, dirt, etc. deteroriates fabric and washing the item preserves. I hope they touch on that detail in their responses.
04-30-2010, 07:14 AM
#7
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: A million dollar view!
Posts: 8,830
Sorry to be the bugger, but use the darn thing. It does no one any good storing it and grandma made it to use. Hang it behind your headboard, in your dinig room, family room, wherever. Do that away from bright light and where cats can't climb it.
What are the chances if you die tomorrow that anyone will want it? Use it.
What are the chances if you die tomorrow that anyone will want it? Use it.
04-30-2010, 08:30 AM
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Headed home
Posts: 2,372
Use it with care...
It was meant to be used, but really has become an heirloom. My grandmother several generations back (don't know how many greats) made a couple of quilts that have been handed down. They have been, even from the beginning, used only for 'company'. They have become very special to the family, and are much loved. (They are carefully stored in between using them.)
It was meant to be used, but really has become an heirloom. My grandmother several generations back (don't know how many greats) made a couple of quilts that have been handed down. They have been, even from the beginning, used only for 'company'. They have become very special to the family, and are much loved. (They are carefully stored in between using them.)
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