Repairing a quilt
#1
Repairing a quilt
This quilt is my son's GF. Though it was made by her mother she was a reticent to ask her mother to repair it, It had seen a lot of wear and tear so maybe she was embarrassed.
It's at least 20yrs old evident by the heavy wear on the cotton fabrics, the pristine condition of the poly cotton and the 'wrap' style binding which had deteriorated and fallen off.
After removing what was left of the binding, the role of quilting became very evident. Places where the quilting threads had snapped the batting had migrated up towards the centre. A few times through the wash would have been all it took.
The poly batting also speaks to it's age. I was able to coax the intact batting back into position and machine stitched an anchoring line around the edge. Where ever the quilting had broken, I replaced it using a large stitch like the original. The quilting in the center star was almost all intact, likely because the stitching lines were that much closer.
A new French binding with cotton fabric harmonious to the faded cottons finished it.
I have convinced the owner to retire this one as ask mom for a new one.
It's at least 20yrs old evident by the heavy wear on the cotton fabrics, the pristine condition of the poly cotton and the 'wrap' style binding which had deteriorated and fallen off.
After removing what was left of the binding, the role of quilting became very evident. Places where the quilting threads had snapped the batting had migrated up towards the centre. A few times through the wash would have been all it took.
The poly batting also speaks to it's age. I was able to coax the intact batting back into position and machine stitched an anchoring line around the edge. Where ever the quilting had broken, I replaced it using a large stitch like the original. The quilting in the center star was almost all intact, likely because the stitching lines were that much closer.
A new French binding with cotton fabric harmonious to the faded cottons finished it.
I have convinced the owner to retire this one as ask mom for a new one.
#8
Such a beautiful quilt and you did a fantastic job on the repairs. You are right to tell her she should retire this beauty. It is often very difficult to repair someone else's work. I have a full stack of quilts to repair and it is a matter of getting to them. Again you did a great job.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Yorkville, IL
Posts: 7,639
Just beautiful quilt and you really did a splendid job repairing it. I agree that it is a compliment to see a well loved quilt. My GS takes a very torn up one when he goes away from home. It is his favorite and it really makes me happy. I have made several replacements for him but none are as loved.