Preparing your quilt for storage probably wasn't the main thing on your mind when you spent all those hours cutting, stitching and finishing. I know when I'm working on a project I really love, with every stitch I imagine how beautiful it will look on a certain bed or hanging on a particular wall, or how a special somebody will smile when she receives it as a gift. Quilts are meant to be shared and enjoyed!
But I have discovered there are some times when I do need to store my favorite quilts for a while. Here are some tips I've learned for storing them safely so when I bring them out of storage, they are as bright and beautiful as ever.
The most important thing I've learned is that a quilt has to be kept dry while it's in storage. Even slightly damp air or a bit of moisture can attract mold and mildew, which will rot the fibers in the fabric and ruin the quilt. To keep moisture away from a quilt, you can wrap it in a cotton sheet or place it inside a cotton pillow case. I avoid storing my quilts in plastic boxes or plastic wrap, or in any other material that won't breathe.
Another danger to watch out for is creasing. To keep your quilt from developing permanent creases, it's recommended not to fold it when you put it into storage. Sometimes, though, you won't have a choice but to fold the quilt. In that case, you can take it out every few months and refold a different way to prevent permanent creasing. You can also place crumpled acid-free tissue paper or muslin in the folds to pad it and to minimize creasing.
Rolling the quilt, instead of folding, and placing it inside a cardboard tube is another storage option. Be sure to line the tube and wrap the quilt in acid-free paper or cotton first so the cardboard won't damage your quilt. One trick I've seen people use instead of folding or rolling is storing a quilt on a spare bed, under a cotton sheet. That keeps it free from dust and it won't develop any creases.
Finally, you'll want choose a safe place to store your quilt. While they might be convenient, attics, cellars and garages are not good choices for your quilt. Extremes in temperatures can cause the fibres to deteriorate and excess heat can dry out the quilt. I look for somewhere dark to store mine, since even indirect sunlight and fluorescent lights can break down fibers and fade colors over time.
You might be surprised to learn that your beautiful wooden chest or dresser may not be the ideal place to to store your quilt either... without some preparation beforehand. The unfinished wood inside your chest contains acids that can damage the fabric of your quilt. Before placing my quilt s inside a chest, I line the chest with acid-free paper or cotton to avoid any damage.
I never like having to store one of my favorite quilts for any amount of time. But I've learned that if I take the time to store them properly, when it comes time to take them out of storage, they are even more beautiful than I remembered!
Fondly,
Joyce Lucas, Founder
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