How to Preserve an Heirloom Quilt?

Answer 1

Have you ever wondered how to keep that special, handmade quilt fresh while being stored? Handmade quilts are often beautiful heirlooms that can be passed from generation to generation, if preserved properly. Try following these simple steps to preserve your special quilt.

Step 1: The most important thing to do is to make sure your quilt is clean and fresh when you store it. You can't keep it clean if it is already dirty.

Step 2: As you fold the quilt, wrap it in acid-free paper such as you would use to wrap a wedding dress. The acid-free paper helps keep it wrinkle free and the environment inside whatever storage device you choose more stable.

Step 3: Choose an area of your house that stays a steady temperature, preferably around 70 degrees, and where there is less than 50 percent humidity.

Step 4: Store your quilts wrapped in acid-free paper in acid-free boxes or a dresser drawer that is lined with acid-free paper. You should never store your heirloom quilt in a plastic bag. Or, if you need to store it in a closet, wrap the quilt in clean, dye-free, bleach- free muslin. Be sure to take them out of storage every three to six months and air them out. When you return it to storage, fold it differently so the fold lines do not become embedded.

Step 5: You should never have your heirloom quilt dry-cleaned, as the dry cleaning chemicals can be very harsh to fabric fibers and can never be completely removed in some cases.

It is best to try to keep your quilt away from sunlight and from sharp objects if you are going to use it. Preserving a quilt is actually a pretty simple and easy process. It is a way to pass on a piece of your family's history. Write down on a piece of paper the date it was made, who made it and for whom, as well as any history or information about the quilt maker and/or other previous quilt owners. Just think about what future generations can learn from you if you follow these simple steps.