Holice

it would be better to wash before to determine the stability of the blocks. If they are fragile you might not want to spend all the time and then having them fall apart when washed.

Judie

I agree, Don't wash them!!

Dee

I would wait until the quilt is finished. It could really turn out to be a diaster.

Sew 'N Sew

Please post some photos as you work on the project -- I also have some very old family quilt blocks and haven't decided on just how to put them together in a quilt as they are various sizes and patterns. Enjoy your project!

ewesful

If they have a copper plate fabric in them (old) this will disintergrate in water/wash

bearisgray

Have you considered just framing individual blocks? or have some way of framing them so the front and back shows?

Have you seen and touched these blocks yet?

KiwiQuilter

Personally - I wouldn't wash them until after they have been turned into a quilt.

IBQUILTIN

Thanx for this post!!!! I have been commisssioned by a lady at the cancer center to put all of her 90 year old Sundbonnet Sue blocks into a quilt. They need cleaning, but I didn't know wether to wait or not, I think now I will wait. Still don't know if I will find vintage fabrics or use repros. They are all out of at least flour sacks, and the backing is some sort of sack, a little heavier than a flour sack, but a really loose weave that scares the dickens out of me. Sure hope I can do a nice job for her. I am hoping she doesn't want to use it on a bed, but just for display, I am afraid it is going to be very fragil. The applique is not done really well on some blocks, and the needle turn is nonexistant in some places. I figured to put a little fray check on those areas and hope for the best. Cant wait to get my hands on it and actually get started

All Thumbs

Some of you seasoned quilters would have to say if this works or not, but I am wondering if one would use ultra thin interfacing (fusible, woven type) behind each of the old blocks before piecing together with your repro new fabrics would help the stability of the old blocks. What a wonderful challenge you have been presented, ibquiltin. Do post your initial reactions when you see the blocks and, of course, keep us abreast of your quilting progress.

Annya

I would wait until the quilt is finished because there will be a lot of fraying on the blocks if you do it now.