Caring for Your Quilted Textile

Given proper care, a quilted textile will last for an indefinite period of time. However, some quilts are made for their basic utilitarian function of keeping us warm. They will be used and washed and eventually worn out. 

These other quilts are made as special or "fancy" quilts. Here are some suggestions for owners, quilt makers, and collectors working with the latter:

Light:

In the Southwest our greatest threat to textiles is light. Direct light will quickly fade the color and structurally damage the fibers. Try to keep quilts out of direct sunlight, spotlights and other sources of bright illumination.

Foldmarks & Storage:

One of the most common problems, and most easily prevented, in quilted textiles is Foldmarks. It appears to be instinctive to fold a quilt in half, then in half again, etc. Over time the fibers in these stress points begin to break. Especially when left in this position for several years. several things can be done to help this situation. resting the quilt for a period of time on a flat surface such as a bed in a guest room is the best method. Put a clean, white sheet over the quilt to block light. The fold lines may begin to relax and become less obvious Sometimes, they don't. When refolding the quilt, try thirds. When transporting to a show, just put it randomly in the plastic bag. 

Preventing Foldmarks from occurring during long term storage requires a little more effort. The Rubbermaid or Sterilite clear plastic bins are inert plastic. They will not outgas chemicals. Storage in plastic bags is not recommended over the long term. These plastics do outgas and cause changes in the cotton fibers. If you have ever unwrapped clothing or books stored for years in plastic dry cleaning bags, you are aware of the sticky, yellow texture the plastic develops. Plus, cotton needs to breath. When using the Rubbermaid storage containers drill small holes on all sides near the top, below the fit of lid, about 1/8" in diameter. Acid free boxes are good, but need replaced in approximately three years as they lose their acid-free nature. The Rubbermaid containers are bigger if you buy the under-the-bed design, and there will be less folding of the quilt. 

Putting one quilt per under-the-bed box is best. Stacking numerous quilts on tope of each other in the container contributes to the development of fold marks on the bottom ones. using simple, white cotton sheets, laundered and rinsed several times, bunched along the folded areas will help prevent the problem. Acid-free tissue paper can also be used, again, be aware of its limited life.

Many people swear by cotton pillow cases for quilt storage. Obviously, larger quilts are folded so many times to fit in these cases that they become a prison for the quilt. Again, the best place for a quilt is resting on the bed or a large flat table in a dark area.

The cedar lined Hope Chest is a favorite of many quilters and families for the storage of quilts. Unfortunately, cedar is a wood that is highly acidic and outgases. Over the long term the Hope Chest is the wrong environment for the quilts. Coat the inside wood with a polyurethane varnish to prevent the quilts from touching the bare wood and seal the chemicals. When placing quilted items in the chest, make sure it is lined with several layers of washed, 100% cotton fabric.

Before storing, air and vacuum the quilt. Use a clean piece of nylon window screening purchased from a home supply store and a hand-held, low suction vacuum. Place the screen over the quilt and vacuum through it. Airing the quilt means simply placing it on a flat surface for a few days, with clean cotton above and below it.

Environment:

a constant environment is another important factor in quilt care. Heat, extreme cold and high humidity cause fabric deterioration. appraisers shudder inwardly when the client unfolds a quilt from a plastic dry cleaning bag while explaining they've had this in the attic for twenty years. 

Be aware that body oils and amino acids on hands can cause damage to quilts. Minimal handling and frequent washing of hands or using gloves is recommended.

In summary, controlling the light the quilt receives, providing for a stable environment and proper storage methods will greatly enhance the value of a quilt over the years. Condition is one of the most important factors considered in the appraisals of quilted textiles.

Compliments of Nora Mohr, AQS Certified Appraiser