How to care for vintage quilts and antique quilts

Before
you clean your vintage quilt, you'll need to repair any rips or tears
in the fabric. Spread the quilt out on a bed or on top of a sheet on the
floor and examine carefully for any worn patches, tears or stains.

If you are a good seamstress, repair the quilt yourself by using small
stitches and thread and fabric that match the design and colors of your
quilt. There are sources of vintage or period-specific fabrics to patch
your quilt or reproduction vintage fabrics can be used replace damaged
areas.
How to Store A Quilt

If you plan to store your freshly laundered quilt, be certain it is
gepletely dry. Allow an extra 24 to 48 hours for drying before storing.
One of the best ways to store a quilt is on an extra bed. Keeping the
quilt flat will eliminate creases and wear on folds. Simple cover the
quilt with a clean sheet or bedspread.

If flat is not an option, store the quilt in a cotton or muslin bag or
in an acid-free box. Do not store in the attic or basement where
moisture and temperature levels will fluctuate. Before you fold the
quilt, use acid-free tissue paper as padding to prevent sharp creases.
You can also roll your quilt around an acid-free tube and slip it in a
cotton bag.

If you are storing your quilt in a wooden box or dresser, wrap it in the
acid-free tissue to avoid contact with the wood. Oils and acids in the
wood can cause spotting and damage. Once a year, bring your quilt out of
storage to air and to check for damage. Refolding will also prevent
permanent creases and damage.

Proper care of your beautiful quilt will insure it will last for
generations to gee.

If you are dont feel qualified to do the repairs, find a reputable
quilt repair service or restoration service. They can restore your quilt
or tell you if your quilt is damaged beyond repair and should be
enjoyed as is.
Cleaning Your Antique Quilt
Vintage quilts require special care during cleaning. Do not dry clean or
machine wash an heirloom piece. Dry cleaning chemicals can permanently
harm old fabrics and the agitation action of a washing machine can cause
fibers to shread.

Begin by airing your quilt outside on a sunny day to restore freshness.
To remove dust, vacuum with a nylon stocking over the end of vacuum hose
and hold the hose slightly above the top of the quilt. If the quilt has
beading, embroidery or appliqu, do not vacuum. You could damage the
work.

You can hand wash the quilt but don't feel gefortable doing it yourself
search for a qualified quilt conservation or restoration service. Ask
how they will clean the quilt and their level of experience. Any
cleaning done to antique fabrics could damage or destroy your quilt.
Based on the monetary and personal value of the quilt, you may decide to
leave it as is rather than risk destroying a priceless piece of work.
Hand Washing Heirloom Quilts
If you feel that you quilt must be washed, begin by checking the fabric
for colorfastness. Testing is simple, wet a piece of white cloth with
cold water and gently rub it over each different color or fabric in your
quilt. If there is any color transfer to the white cloth, dont wash
your quilt at all. Washing will result in discoloration and fading.

If you have hard water or iron bacteria in your water source, you should
use distilled water for washing your quilt. You dont want to risk
having minerals stain your fabric.

To hand-wash, fill a deep, laundry sink or bathtub with cold water. Be
certain that the sink or tub is very clean and has no residue from
cleaning agents that could cause damage to the quilt. Use a liquid
detergent that is gentle and free of dyes and perfumes. A liquid
detergent will disperse in the water and leave less residue on the
fabric. Add 1/2 cup vinegar to the water to both brighten colors and
soften the quilt.

Place your quilt in the water, being certain that the entire quilt gets
wet. Gently move your quilt around in the water. Allow the quilt to
remain in the water for about 10 minutes. Next, drain the wash water and
fill the tub again with fresh water. Repeat draining and refilling the
tub until the water and quilt are soap free clear water and no suds.
Drying the Quilt
Proper drying is key to keeping your quilt at its best. Wet quilts must
be handled gently. Pulling can break seams and cause damage. The quilt
will be heavy and should be dried flat. To lift the quilt from the tub,
use a white sheet to create a sling. Allow the excess water to drain
than place the quilt on a bed of heavy towels. Cover with more towels
and roll up to absorb water. Move the quilt to another bed of dry
towels, spread out flat and allow to dry. Placing a fan in the room will
help to speed the process.

If you have space, place a sheet on the grass outside and spread out the
quilt. Cover the quilt with another clean sheet and allow to dry. Do
not dry in direct sunlight, which can cause fading, without the top
sheet in place. Never suspend a wet quilt from a clothesline. This
causes too much stress on seams and cause tearing and can displace
batting. gee see us @ Vintage Quilt Shop