How long will our quilts last??
 

At the LQS a couple of ladies talked about very old quilts like the original DJ. Then one said that the quilts made today will never last that long as the cotton does not have the same quality anymore.
Do you believe that?? I sure have other problems than the question whether my quilts will be in the family for decades to come. lol. but wouldnt that be a shame??

Granny

there are so many variables that come in to play whether or not a quilt will last- i made one back in 1976 that to me is (aweful!) but it is still used and loved- and i have never had to do any repair work on it- i've made quilts that only a few weeks later looked as if they were 100 years old and abused...falling apart- faded, frayed---not even saveable
and i can hear you saying---well the fabrics were different back in the 70's- but i think it's the choice we make-regardless- i've used vintage fabrics that have disintergrated- i've used newer fabrics that hold up for years-the batting is a factor- how it is laundered- and how often- how it is stored- even location (is it a humid enviroment- or a very dry one?) does it get alot of sun?---lives on a bed in a light/airy room? is it stored in a cedar chest- or in a closet? so many factors- i would not be comfortable to just blame new fabric quality---there may not have been as many to choose from 50+years ago---but there was still a vast range of quality---just like today-the statement is just to (general) i bet there will be many many quilts made today still around in 100 years

I have no scientific backup for this, but would expect modern-day quilts to last a long time if well made with good quality materials and well looked after (which would mean no hardcore lovin' from children unfortunately).

Not all quilts from way back when have survived, and not all quilts from now will survive, but there will surely be some that last a long while.

I made one in the late 70's (my first) that I have used constantly. First the "iffy" fabrics wore out and I replaced them. Now even the good quality cotton calicos are starting to wear out. And I do NOT machine wash or dry it.
I have seen much older quilts in better shape, but who knows how much or how little wear they got.

Now I am thinking of maybe making a replacement for my quilt - I think I deserve it after all these years.

I make quilts for people to love and stay warm. My Granny did the same. If you love a quilt like a kid does it won't last a 100 years but in it's life time it was well loved. I have quilts I havent used that are 30 years old. But bless their hearts they may feel unloved. Actully I love them so very much my Granny made them for me. They are taken out and aired and laid flat for a week and put back up, in that week I get to really enjoy them.

The first quilts I made over 30 years ago were big blocks sewn together, an odd used flat sheet for backing and tied with yarn that I had on hand. They are still going strong. My grandkids love sleeping under them as much as my kids did.

I think one variable is that people wash their quilts more often these days than they did back before every home had a washing machine/dryer.

The less often you wash a quilt, the longer it will last.

Personally, I don't routinely wash my quilts...only when they show signs of being dirty. That said...since it's just DH & I and we are both clean people, my quilts don't get washed very often.

I learned this from my aunt who quilted all her life and died at the age of 92. She said to only wash the quilts when necessary.

I hope my quilts last at least a few years. However, I want my quilts to be used and loved and that's how I make them. Nothing fancy, just simple.

I don't think that it is much about the quality of fabric as it is the wear and tear on the quilt and the amount of scrubbing it takes. personally I don't want my quilts to last 100 years because i would rather them be loved to death in 20-30 years.

There are the keepsake quilts and there are the 'drag to the beach' quilts. As long as they are LOVED...that is what is important. i have heard that each washing takes 5 years off the life of a quilt so I do mention this when I give someone a quilt. But then, 5 years off of what? That is the big question!!