Quilt Preservation

• Sunlight and artificial light can fade quilts. Never display in direct sunlight and keep light levels low.

• The best way to display a quilt is on an unused bed. If hanging a quilt, display it for only 6 months at a time.

• When hanging a quilt, sew a 4" wide tube of fabric along the top edge of the back of the quilt, stitching through all layers of the quilt every inch or so. Never use pins, nails, or staples to hang a quilt.

• Most quilts only need to have surface dust removed. To do this, place a nylon over the nozzle of a vacuum and gently vacuum the quilt in two different directions and on both sides. Be careful not to stretch stitches.

• Do not dry clean a soiled quilt. Harsh chemicals applied by an inexperienced cleaner can be damaging.

• Before washing, test for colorfastness by rubbing fabric with a cotton swab moistened with tap water.

• Store quilts in acid-free boxes and acid-free tissue. A washed cotton pillowcase can also be used.

• Rolling a quilt on a fabric covered cardboard tub 3 or 4 inches in diameter is also a good way to store a quilt. Cover the quilt with plain white fabric. (Unbleached muslin is good for this...and cheaper!)

• Never store quilts in plastic bags, cardboard boxes, or blanket chests.