Deborah Roberts is a quilt historian and appraiser certified by the American Quilters’ Society. Because the way people care for quilts today determines whether these heirlooms will be around tomorrow, Roberts compiled these quilt-care tips for , an online quilting-information clearinghouse. “Proper care of your quilt is important whether they are works of art or everyday quilts,” she writes. “It is important to remember that the quilts left to us and those that we pass on are pieces of (people’s) lives.”Label and photograph your quilt to document its history. The label should at least include your name, the maker’s name, where the quilt was made, the date it was made and any special handling instructions.
To display your quilt on a wooden quilt rack, be sure the wood has at least one coat of polyurethane varnish or is covered with a soft, light-colored cloth or towel. This prevents the quilt from coming into contact with acid in the wood.
Hanging quilts need to have a full-length sleeve at one end. If your quilt has an overall pattern and can be hung in any direction, you may want to place a sleeve on another end, as well, so it can be rotated.
Never display a quilt in direct sunlight; all fluorescent lighting should be filtered. Incandescent lights should be at least 10 to 12 feet from the quilt. Avoid hanging a quilt in the kitchen or near a bathroom where it will be exposed to harmful moisture.
The best way to store a quilt is flat in a moisture- free, low-light environment. If you need to fold your quilt, put rolls of batting or acid-free tissue paper in the folds. Remember that acid-free paper needs to be replaced annually.
Another way you can store your quilt is to roll it up and tie it using an old cotton sheet or a piece of washed muslin.
If you store your quilt in a chest or trunk, be sure that it is in a cotton bag and that it does not come into contact with the wood. To protect it from bugs, buy an herb called artemisia, place it in a cloth bag and hang it in the chest. Do not allow the bag to come into contact with the quilt. Avoid mothballs; they can cause damage.
Cleaning or washing of a quilt should be kept to a minimum.
To freshen it and get surface dirt off of a quilt, spread a sheet on your floor. Put your quilt on the sheet and use something to weigh it down. Gently vacuum the quilt. When you finish the top, repeat on the bottom.
Dry-cleaning can ruin a quilt, especially an old one. If you do have a quilt dry-cleaned, use a cleaner that specializes in quilts.
Although there are several commercial products available to wet-wash quilts, Roberts advises against home washing. If you do choose to wash your own quilt, be sure to use a non-ionic detergent. Never wet-wash a quilt unless the fabric is strong and colorfast.
Elana Ashanti Jefferson
