Originally Posted by hazeljane
My solution for vintage fabrics (whites) in old tablecloths or quilt blocks, is to rub a fresh cut lemon in the stain. Squeeze the juice and really rub it in, and then put out in strong sunlight for a couple of hours. You could, if you were worried about nearby colors fading, mask them.
Old but sure fire solution. Works on any stain I have come across.