lynnie

wow!! You made out like a bandit! Lucky you. please show us when you've completed one of them.

117becca

I agree - quilt them first before washing them to add the stability. I use a oxyclean/biz solution. Let it soak - and i have let it soak in the washer overnite.

coopah

I used RetroClean and can vouch for its effectiveness. The trick is to have lots of sun when doing it. I did this several years ago and the quilts really looked so much better. The yellow disappeared without any ill effects on the fabrics. I would quilt them first...otherwise you might end up with a stringy mess.

ptquilts

I have had good luck just using an all-fabric bleach (Non-chlorine) and soaking for a long time. Gets the brown-ness out.

Wanabee Quiltin

I have bought over two dozen quilt tops that were vintage, meaning they were made from 1920-1930 fabrics. I have had to repair almost all of them, put borders on some and do major work. If the seams are extra good and there are really bad stains, I will wash it to get the stains out. I DO NOT recommend washing it to get odors out, hang the top outside, put in a plastic bag with charcoal or vinegar. I hate trimming all the raveling you will get from the seams, it's a huge mess and often the quilt top will just come undone. Because I don't hand quilt, I have had them quilted on a long arm and they are exquisite. My quilter used a pantograph each time to quilt the top. I think I have bought about six butterfly quilts and they have various butterfly pantographs on them. Good luck with your tops.

greaterexp

Whatever you choose to do with them, I'm so tickled you have them, especially when you understand what treasures they are! I have quilted a few vintage tops by hand, mostly for other people. I can tell you it was hard to let them go! Please post pictures of your blessings when they are quilted!

fivepaws

Fantastic acquisition.

tessagin

I won't use batting that requires 1/2" apart. That is too dense for me unless for a small area. As far as cleaning instructions I would atleast baste stitch it so they don't fall apart.

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 am so happy to have found these and want to use them and love them.

toverly

I have stored old quilts that were musty smelling with the flower drying powders. I don't put it on the quilts, I just have an open container in the trunk. It seems to work on the trunk as well.