Handmade Quilt Care – Things Never to Do to a Quilt
♥ A Labor of Love ♥
A handmade quilt is a labor of love and should be considered a prized possession. You want to make sure it will last for years to come and look as beautiful as the day the last stitch of the binding was tied off. Here are some things you should never do if you want your one-of-a-kind creation to maintain its original beauty.
Never expose your handmade quilt to direct sunlight.
This causes fading, and if it is folded, fading will occur to the area that is exposed to the sunlight resulting in uneven coloring.
Never store your handmade quilt in a plastic bag.
The fabric needs to breathe. Storing it in a plastic bag for a long period of time may result in yellowing and discoloration of the beautiful fabrics.
Read: Quilting for Beginners: How to Quilt Beautiful Heirlooms your Family Will Enjoy for Generations
Never wash your handmade quilt in hot water.
This was always the first instruction my mother gave me when she gave me one of her new quilt creations.
Never use the normal wash and spin cycle on your washing machine.
Use the gentle wash and spin cycle and let the machine spin only long enough so the quilt is not dripping wet. Remove your quilt from the washer and roll it up in an old blanket or two or three large towels laid side-by-side.
Read: Make Money Quilting – 5 Methods
Never dry on high heat.
Use low temperature to start the drying process then remove it from the dryer and lay it flat to finish drying. Once it is nearly dry, you can put it back in the dryer on low or air for a short time to fluff it up and finish drying.
Never have your quilt dry cleaned.
The chemicals used in dry cleaning are too harsh for the fabric and thread.
Read: Quilt Color – How to Read a Color Wheel
Never use a harsh detergent to wash your quilt.
Baby shampoo is a gentle alternative to special laundering soaps.
Never hide your lovely handmade quilt in a closet.
A handmade quilt is like a masterpiece of artwork that should be used and displayed. Properly cared for, your quilt can be displayed and still maintain its beauty.
Whether it has been a gift, or whether you spent your own precious time selecting your pattern, sorting through fabric to find just the right colors and designs, washing and pressing fabric, meticulously cutting out your quilt blocks, piecing your blocks together and then spending the many hours to hand quilt or machine quilt, a handmade quilt is a work or art. Tender loving care will assure that it will last a lifetime.
The Author:
Nancy Ball has had many years of experience in creating and caring for handmade quilts.
Source: EzineArticles.com
Do you own a quilt? Do you use it? Display it? Please share your comments below. 🙂
I have one that I was lucky enough to pick up a quilt piece at a thrift store. It is framed and now used to decorate my home. Its a great way to see the beautiful intricate workmanship without damaging it.
My mother made a crazy quilt for me with silk ties & velvet & exquisite embroidery but only got the squares done & never put together. I was going to frame a couple squares but have no room & they are all so lovely. If i can afford someone to put it together, i am sure it should never be washed or cleaned. I am 68. Its a same its still in a box. She spent years on it.
I will be glad to put that quilt together for you. It’s a special quilt and I’ll treat it as special as your mother. I’ll do it for free. Just need to send it to me. [email protected]
My grandmother was a needle woman. Quilts, crocheting, knitting, dresses, pillowcases, etc. And one thing she taught me was
NEVER SIT ON A QUILT.
Well, that’s my version. She said NEVER SIT ON A BED. That was for two reasons. It breaks down the mattress AND the beautiful quilt that is on it!
I love making quilts but I cannot believe the way people sit on them, put suitcases on them, smash them under metal brackets of chairs, etc.
After hundreds (sometimes up to a thousand) dollars and hours of work, I now refuse to make a quilt for anyone who owns indoor pets or does not really appreciate their value.
Thanks for sharing your tip with us. 🙂
I can’t blame you for wanting a good home for your quilts…all the time, and love that you put into them deserves respect.
Makes me happy to know you are carrying on the tradition of quilt making.
I just purchased a quilt that was started in 1930 there abouts, it came with paperwork that links it to this year. It was preserved very well, taken out and finished by several Amish ladies. I need advice on how to store this gem. It has an embroidered center which was the starting point so the threads are dated and fragile I’m sure. It’s quite large, probably king size by today’s standards. I would like to hang it but even that thought has me scared as I don’t know the proper procedure for hanging a quilt especially one this size. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
To Marci and Melissa
Tell us the end of the story. Are the blocks becoming a quilt? Is there a happy ending? Will we be treated to a photo? Share!
Years ago I purchased large square pieces of raw silk that have silk screened flowers on them. Couple months ago I decided to make a quilt for my grandson and his wife and give it to them as a Christmas gift but now not sure how it should be cleaned if it ever needs cleaning. it is a queen size quilt. I am currently having it top stitched by a professional long arm quilting shop.
It is a beautiful quilt and i hope he likes it.
Thanks for the reminder that it’s important to is also use mild detergents when cleaning handmade quilts. I’d like to find a good place to buy Amish handstitched handmade quilts because I want to make the design of my home a little bit more unique. Having those kinds of quilts on my couch will surely give it a more vibrant look.
I have a king size beautiful handmade quilt. water was spilled on it and I didn’t no. it caused it to fade into the white corner of my quilt is there any way I can take care of this problemwith?
I’m sorry to hear about the water spill and resulting fading on your beautiful handmade quilt. There are a few steps you can take to help minimize the appearance of the faded area:
Act quickly: If the water spill is recent, gently blot the area with a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
Spot clean: Mix a mild detergent with water, and using a clean white cloth, lightly dab the faded area with the soapy solution. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fibers. Rinse the area by lightly dabbing it with a clean cloth dipped in plain water, and blot dry with a towel
Seek professional help: If you’re unsure about attempting any cleaning or restoration methods on your own, it may be best to consult a professional cleaner who specializes in fabric restoration. They will have the expertise and experience to assess the damage and provide the best course of action.
Remember, prevention is key to maintaining the beauty of your quilt in the future. Always handle it with clean hands, avoid eating or drinking near it, and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.