TLC for Quilts

Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F

Before attempting to repair a quilt, gather the following tools:

antique fabric
fine needles
scissors
100% cotton thread
antique floss
plastic template
acid-free tissue
tracing paper
silk crepe de chine
monofilament silk thread
magnifying glass

Tips and Tricks

• Small, barely-noticeable stains like this one are not worthy of a wash. The quilt is a family piece and because it is not distressing to the eye, it would be best to leave this one alone (figure A).
• Even though the fabric on this quilt is frayed in some areas, it should not be replaced. The quilt is of historic value and replacing the fabric could devalue the quilt (figure B).
• This part of the quilt was in serious need of repair. To help the fabric out without replacing it, applique a patch of the crepe de chine around the problem area and trim off excess. The crepe de chine is virtually invisible and will blend in with the existing fabric (figure C).
• To repair a rip simply find a matching fabric, applique around torn area, and re-stitch (figure D).
• To repair buttonhole-embroidery, clip out existing stitches, and then go back and stitch through the same holes, being careful not to sew through to the backing (figure E).
• Color loss on a piece of fabric can be fixed by finding a similar fabric pattern and replacing the piece. To fade a new piece of fabric, try putting it in the dishwasher with a small amount of dishwashing liquid (figure E).
• For really bad tears, such as this one, try covering it with a memory label. Tell a story about why the quilt was made, who the quilt was made for, and the date of the quilt (figure F).

The most important rule to remember before you display your quilt--keep it out of direct sunlight! UV rays are lethal to a quilt and can cause permanent damage. The best way to display a quilt is to lay it across a bed, but many quilters will display them on a wall (let's face it, we usually have more walls then beds). Another good way to show off your quilt is to drape it over a fixed object, such as a quilt rack, railing, or curtain rod, but be careful of stained wood, which can also harm a quilt.

Many quilters will sew a sleeve onto the back of the quilt and then slip the rod through, being careful only to sew into the backing of the quilt. Quilt stores carry quilt hangers as well as a newer gadget called a quilt crane, which allows only portions of the quilt to be displayed.

One last thing, if you don't want to stress the fibers in the quilt, don't leave them in the same place for too long. To prevent this, rotate the quilts every few months or so.

Storing Your Quilt

All fabrics need to breathe and your quilt is no exception. Whatever you do, do not put it in a plastic bag. The best way to store a quilt is to roll them around a cardboard tube. It helps if the tube is covered with an acid-free paper and a cotton sheet. The tubes will make for easier storage and the quilt will not have those nasty creases that folds make. If you must fold them, take them out every now and then and re-fold them in different directions. Remember that folding will cause the fibers to stretch, which could result in tears later (yours and your quilts').

Cleaning Your Quilt

Never clean a quilt unless it is absolutely necessary. There are lots of ways you could clean your quilt, but many are not recommended, especially dry cleaning. For best results, read as much as you can on the subject and contact a specialist before starting.

If your quilt has an odor, it may not need to be cleaned at all. Try airing it out first . . . nine times out of 10 the odor will disappear.