Quilter's Muse Virtual Museum
Copyright 2002-2006, Quilter's Muse Publications. All rights reserved.
Patricia and James Cummings, Concord, NH
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by Patricia Lynne Grace Cummings
OUR ENTIRE BOOK, Straight Talk About Quilt Care is now available to read on this website.
A Few General Tips on Quilt Care
As a general rule, do not wash antique quilts at home. Unexpected results may occur due to unstable, early dyes. Also, dessicated fabrics in old cotton quilts may split.
When handling old quilts, always protect your hands from surface contaminants, (residue from mothballs, mouse scat, etc.) by wearing white gloves, or better yet, nitrile gloves.
Current advice is that white gloves can actually abrade the surface of quilts. Nitrile gloves are a superior choice for handling them.
Avoid the use of latex gloves altogether because of the risk of anaphylactic shock in people who are allergic to latex. Note that an allergy to latex can occur suddenly, without a person being aware of it.
If you display a quilt by hanging it vertically, periodically take it down and let the fibers "rest up" from the effects of gravity.
If you hang a quilt for three months or six months, let the quilt rest for the same amount of time before displaying it again.
Avoid dry cleaning cotton quilts. Dry cleaning agents are not "dry." They are chemicals, that are thought to be carcinogenic (cancer causing). These chemicals used for dry cleaning will enter the batting and remain there. This is not desirable because if the quilt continues to be used, those sleeping under that bed cover are in danger of constant exposure to the chemical substance.
Avoid hanging quilts on exterior walls. Mold and black Mildew can build up on the back side of the quilt, due to changes in temperature.
Do not hang a quilt where direct sun will shine on its surface, and also be very careful of light coming in from windows near bed quilts. Light will fade colors.
Do not store quilts in direct contact with untreated wood surfaces. Always paint any wood and seal the surface with polyacrylic (several coats). Do not use polyurethane, as its gases will not be favorable to the textile.
If you use acid-free paper to create "football cushions," or accordion-fold bunches to cushion the folds of a quilt and to prevent permanent creases, then change the paper often. The paper will regain acidity, even though it is buffered to make it temporarily "acid-free.
Air stored quilts, at least twice per year.
Wrap stored quilts in de-sized muslin, not in old sheets which probably contain oils from human skin, a substance that is not completely removed by routine laundering.
If in doubt about how to best care for your particular quilt, consult a professional conservator. References are provided in my book, as well as sources for appraisals."
©Copyright 2006. Patricia Lynne Grace Cummings, author of Straight Talk About Quilt Care (soon to be released as a CD and/or as a downloadable book.) Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, NH.
Contact Pat at: pat@quiltersmuse.com
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