Storing/Preserving quilts

On the bed is best, imo. Use it, gently, but let it be seen and enjoyed.

As to conservation and cleaning, it's best left to experts, but it's a good idea to know what it's made of first if you can.

I am dreadful with my GA's quilts. They are all on beds, except one, which has been gifted (on permanent loan) to the Quilter's Guild of the British Isles. That one had never been used and was kept in a camphorwood chest. It was cotton sateen with a wool batting. It will be cosetted from now on. The others are of the same fabrics, but get either sent to the cleaners or washed and dried outside.

But mine are wholecloths. others will be more able than me to tell you the best things to do with yours if it is a patchwork. Can you give us any more details?

Nel (Gadget Queen)

It's hand sewen, cross stitch embroidery on cotten material. We'd like to save it to pass down to our son and his wife. Can't put it on the bed because of our Jack Russell and Yorkie like to get up there and play.

Chris

You need an acid free environment. Check it for stains and spot clean with water and a white rag. Orvis Soap (found in farm supply stores) is often used.

Get some acid free tissue paper and wad some up to put between the layers as you fold the quilt -- along the "fold lines" to help eliminate fold lines. That way you'll have a gentle rounded curve. Wrap the quilt completely in acid free paper. Store it in a clean, dry environment away from bright sunlight and humidity. Several times a year get it out and refold it differently to again help eliminate have permanent fold lines in the quilt.

If it was starched previously -- any remaining starch could attract silverfish or other bugs.

Here are a few places to help become more educated on the care and cleaning of antique quilts (and contemporary quilts).

And if it is really quite old -- you might consider having it appraised (and potentially insured). A quilt shop in your area could help you locate a certified quilt appraiser.

Thank you for caring enough for this heirloom to want to take good care of it! Too many people throw them in the trunk of the car, the corner of the basement or elsewhere and fail to realize the "value" of such a wonderful family gift.

Thank you Chris

I, also, have dogs who love to play or sleep on my bed. Three large dogs. I keep an old sheet over my bed to protect it. It?s easy to whip the sheet off when needed and the room is presentable. There are several other possibilities for your cherished old quilt: use a sheet like I do or lay the old quilt on the bed under whatever you are using for your current bed covering. If there is any way to avoid folding the quilt that is the best option of all.

Also, the old quilt can be rolled around a large cardboard 'tube'- like used for rolls of flooring. The cardboard should be covered with two layers of fabric (like inexpensive muslin) or acid free tissue paper, the quilt loosely rolled on the tube and then covered with another layer of fabric to keep dust off the quilt. The quilt covered tube can be stored under a bed, standing in a closet, etc. The quilt must always be protected from sunlight, humidity, dust, bugs, any paper/cardboard product that could contain any acids, plastic/trash bags.... and household pets, of course. ;-)

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Sounds lovely! I'd add to Kate's good advice: after spot clean>>> On the bed is best, imo. Use it, gently, but let it be seen and >> enjoyed.

Can I just add something to the 'roll storage' method Leslie has suggested. I *gather* that one is supposed to roll it with the right side outside (I think that minimises creases on the pieced part). . In message , Leslie & The Furbabies in MO. writes

Howdy!

Carefully, very carefully. At the same time, keep it out or bring it out in the fresh air where you can enjoy it (rather than storing it in a cedar chest, trunk, closet, attic, some other dark hole).

Here are a few good sites concerning preservation:

This is a pretty good video, altho' she really goes on about storage: These beauties need to be seen & appreciated. To display my more treasured quilts, I drape them over the side of a tall dresser, bookcase or wardrobe, so they can be seen (in part) and the animals can't touch them. Several of my favorite quilts live on the bookcase, where I'm reminded to refold them every few weeks. Keep them out of direct sunlight. If I'm going to put it "away" for a while, a pillowcase makes a good storage bag.

[I have washed old quilt tops, after I've quilted them w/ new back & batt. Many of the old stains & spots are grime/dirt & starch, which release from cotton after soaking w/ a sprinkle of BIZ in cold water.]

HOWEVER, cotton embroidery thread will quite often bleed onto the fabric underneath. In the case of your older quilt, I would NOT risk washing it. Hang it outside in the shade, if possible, to air the quilt, or hang it in front of an electric fan, give that fabric a breath, then a good shake or two to brush off the dust.

Keep it out of plastic bags, keep it off of bare wood. Wash your hands before folding/unfolding, patting, smoothing, spreading or otherwise touching that quilt.

Most of all, enjoy it. Quilts can take quite a bit of handling. They were made to be used & loved.

Congrats on your new treasure!

Ragmop/Sandy - handquilting in north Texas

Wow! Thanks to everyone who's replied so far. I'm going to get my wife to look all these over and get back with eveyone. My mom won it with a $2.00 raffle ticket at the Presbyterian church they attended. She doesn't remember how old it is but I remember it being on my sisters bed whenever my wife and I would come home to visit while I was in the army and I retired 21yrs ago so it's at least 30 or 40yrs old probably more. Again, thanks to all for the information and we'll digest it over the next few days.

Chris