Storing quilts
 

My daughter is 18 and has career plans but maybe someday she will have her own children. I would like to store her childhood quilts for her children. What is the best way to store quilts for the long-term? Looking forward to your comments and suggestions.

I use pool noodles. I make a sleeve for the pool noodle. Roll the quilt around it and then make a 2nd sleeve to go over the whole thing. You can lay these flat on a closet shelf, or you can stand them on end.

Rob

long ago I bought large fabric bags with zippers. I think i got them from Nancy's Notions. I have four.

You can use those acid free boxes, but understand acid free paper and cardboard isn't "acid free" forever. The most important thing is to keep them away from light and extremes of hot and cold. Cotton likes the same living temperatures as we do. Attic storage is the worst! Also, do not store them wrapped in plastic or touching the sides of a plastic bin, etc. because if the plastic gets damp from condensation, you'll end up with mildew on the quilts in that spot. If they are folded, unfold and refold a different way at least once a year so they don't get permanent fold lines. Don't let them come in contact with unvarnished wood because they will get brown stains from the wood over time.

Fold them on the diagonal.

Here's Alex Anderson showing how:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-waYZSCyOA

ha, ha. my brain doesn't do diagonal!

I keep my house about the same temperature year around. Most all are in plastic trash bags or rubbermaid tubs. All look the same, been in there for years.

Mine are folded in a closet. Sometimes I take them out to show to an interested party. Or if I want to look at them. they all seem fine. They are not heirloom quality. I don't expect them to last forever. But some of them are about 10 years old. So far, so good. Once I have passed, they will be donated.

i have a quilt i made in 1991 that is fine. been used and washed many times.