Quilting makes textiles incredibly durable. Thanks in part to its stitching, quilting makes fabric stronger—so much so that it can last for generations. However, like any textile, it can wear out if it is not cared for properly. Here are a few tips to help you take care of it.
Wash in cold water
It cannot be said often enough: washing in cold water helps extend the life of our fabrics, especially their colors. To avoid a disaster where white turns pink next to red, it is recommended that you wash your quilt in cold water. If there is a stain, do not panic. Apply stain remover to the affected area only, then wash it in the machine with cold water. You can also use traditional laundry soap; this soap is miraculous.
Air-dry flat
Nothing is worse for fabric than a dryer. And it is even worse for thread. We forget that a garment or quilt withstands the test of time thanks to its thread and seams. If we put our pieces in the dryer, the fabric may not only dry unevenly, but the thread will also become damaged and may break prematurely. The best way to avoid this is to dry it flat on a clothesline, a stair railing, or a door ledge! As long as the fabric does not see the inside of your dryer.
Avoid overly humid places
Do you want to store your quilt in the basement, but the humidity level is high? Unfortunately, that is not a good idea. Keep it in a dry place. The best place to store fabric? A cedar chest like the ones our grandmothers had. There is no excess moisture and even fewer harmful insects. And it smells so good!
Do you have any other tips for taking good care of your textiles? Share them with us in the comments!
