Originally Posted by
SherriB
Will I make any of the stains or yellowing worse if I iron the tops to get rid of the wrinkles? If so, what will be the best method to get them out? I do have two large plastic folding tables that I can spread the tops on. And to help keep with the vintage look, what kind of batting and backing would be closer to the time period of the tops?
I don't think ironing will make any of the stains or yellowing worse. I would probably apply several light layers of spray starch before ironing, allowing the starch to dry between layers (a fan speeds drying). You want light layers so there is no risk of moisture causing some fabrics to shrink disproportionately. Starch will provide a slight barrier between the fabrics and the iron and will also give the fabrics a little body and stabilization. (You need to use a steam iron when the starch is dry; steam re-activates the dried starch.)
You might also be able to block the top to get it flat and square. For this you would need a large flat surface, such as a carpeted floor or large table. My concern with this is that, if the fabrics in the top were not pre-washed, you might get some uneven shrinkage or colors running from the amount of moisture you would need to use.
For batting, I agree with not using the old batting that requires stitching lines 1/2" apart. I would use either a cotton or wool batting. Your choice depends largely on the look you want. Quilter's Dream has cotton batting that is needlepunched, making it very stable. This gives a fairly flat look to the quilt which is consistent with vintage quilts. If you want more loft than that, Hobbs wool batting would be my first choice and Hobbs 80/20 my second choice. I would avoid polyester and bamboo.
Once the quilt is bound, I would probably do the first washing with Synthrapol and a lot of water just in case any of the fabrics are going to bleed. Once sure the fabrics are not going to bleed, I would use Retro Clean to soak the yellowing and stains out.