Whether they have been in your family for decades or are a new tradition that you have started in your own home, heirloom quilts are a beautiful and meaningful way to pass down a piece of your family's history to future generations. In order for them to remain in good condition so that they can be enjoyed, they must be shown proper care so that they do not simply fall apart. With the proper attention, these quilts will continue to be passed along in your family for many years to come.
You cannot always choose what type of quilt you will have, because by their very nature, some were sewn quite a long time ago. However, if you are the one starting the tradition, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that your new piece is durable as well as attractive. Take care to choose fabrics that can stand up to wear and repeated washing, and make sure that the stitching is carefully done with strong threads.
Attempting to wash your own quilts may be feasible if they are new and made of modern fabrics. However, if they are truly antiques, then you should definitely consider taking them to a cleaner who specializes in taking care of pieces such as yours. This way, you will avoid damage that can be sustained by not knowing how to deal with fabrics from a different era.
You can do a few things at your home to contribute to the care of heirlooms as well. If it is not truly needed, you can skip the washing and hang it to air out instead. This can make a surprisingly big difference, as you will not only prevent odors from clinging to it, but also make sure it does not become misshapen from being stored in one position for too long.
Most quilts are not used year round, so you will likely need to consider how it will be stored in warmer months. Excessive temperatures or humidity can cause quite a bit of damage, so try to avoid these when finding a good location. Basements and attics are places that should be avoided if at all possible, as they almost never have good conditions for this type of storage.
The container that you choose to store your piece in is also very important. The right one will keep it from mildew and insects while still allowing air to circulate around it. Muslin bags are a good fit here, as they fulfill these requirements and keep the quilt contained, away from surfaces that can cause it harm.
When you do choose to make use of your quilt, location is very important. Direct sunlight can fade it or even break down the fabrics, so a shady place is best. Of course, they are meant to be enjoyed, so that should be your primary concern!
Anything that is passed down through multiple generations of family is sure to hold a special place in the home. Heirloom quilts are perfectly suited to this, and if you are lucky enough to have one, you will want to keep it safe. If you care for it, it will remain with you and your ancestors for a long time.
You cannot always choose what type of quilt you will have, because by their very nature, some were sewn quite a long time ago. However, if you are the one starting the tradition, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that your new piece is durable as well as attractive. Take care to choose fabrics that can stand up to wear and repeated washing, and make sure that the stitching is carefully done with strong threads.
Attempting to wash your own quilts may be feasible if they are new and made of modern fabrics. However, if they are truly antiques, then you should definitely consider taking them to a cleaner who specializes in taking care of pieces such as yours. This way, you will avoid damage that can be sustained by not knowing how to deal with fabrics from a different era.
You can do a few things at your home to contribute to the care of heirlooms as well. If it is not truly needed, you can skip the washing and hang it to air out instead. This can make a surprisingly big difference, as you will not only prevent odors from clinging to it, but also make sure it does not become misshapen from being stored in one position for too long.
Most quilts are not used year round, so you will likely need to consider how it will be stored in warmer months. Excessive temperatures or humidity can cause quite a bit of damage, so try to avoid these when finding a good location. Basements and attics are places that should be avoided if at all possible, as they almost never have good conditions for this type of storage.
The container that you choose to store your piece in is also very important. The right one will keep it from mildew and insects while still allowing air to circulate around it. Muslin bags are a good fit here, as they fulfill these requirements and keep the quilt contained, away from surfaces that can cause it harm.
When you do choose to make use of your quilt, location is very important. Direct sunlight can fade it or even break down the fabrics, so a shady place is best. Of course, they are meant to be enjoyed, so that should be your primary concern!
Anything that is passed down through multiple generations of family is sure to hold a special place in the home. Heirloom quilts are perfectly suited to this, and if you are lucky enough to have one, you will want to keep it safe. If you care for it, it will remain with you and your ancestors for a long time.
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