Antique quilts are special treasures from the past. Most of these beautiful works of art were carefully handmade using scraps of fabric and while we treasure them today, these quilts were once a necessity. Collecting handmade quilts is a popular hobby for many. There are collectors that buy, sell, and trade these pieces as a hobby and as business. Whether you collect antique quilts because of the love of the art and tradition, or you have inherited a few family heirlooms, caring for them properly is extremely important.
When you own an antique quilt you should know that it is both very valuable and very fragile. You have to learn how to clean, store and display your special treasure. If you do not care for the quilt properly it can not only decrease the value of the piece, but it can also cause irreversible damage.
Storing Antique Quilts on a Bed
One of the first things you will want to consider when you collect antique quilts is how to store them properly. Of course, you will want to keep the quilts stored in a temperature controlled environment and away from extreme temperatures and moisture. The attic, basement and the storage building behind your house is certainly not the place to store these valuable collector items.
Many people love the idea of placing an heirloom quilt on the bed. While this is certainly beautiful, it may not be the best way to store the quilt. If you use the bed, then it is recommended not to store the quilt on the bed, even though that was the original purpose of the item. This is because you do not want to handle the quilt on a daily basis, as this can cause staining and weakening of the fibers. The best thing to do is to place it on a bed that is rarely used, such as in a guest bedroom. You will also want to avoid placing heavy objects on top of the quilt. When you do choose to place the quilt on an unused bed, it is best to rotate the quilt with another quilt every few months.
Hanging Antique Quilts
Another popular way to display and store quilts is by hanging the quilts. This can be a good idea if you do it properly. Remember that old quilts that are filled with cotton are heavy. If you hang the quilt for a long period of time, it can pull the quilt and cause it to take on a strange shape. For this reason, you should never leave a quilt hanging for more than a few months at a time. Some experts recommend sewing a sleeve on quilts to hang them from, however, it is also recommended to let a professional handle this. One thing is certain. You never want to use nails or tacks through your quilt as this will cause permanent damage.
Other Things to Consider
Lighting is another concern. Never leave a quilt in a place where it gets sunlight or light from a bulb for long periods of time. This will cause fading that can never be reversed. Low lighting is always the best options for displaying fiber pieces.
Of course, if you have lots of antique quitls, you may need to store them away in a box or in your closet. Make sure you get a special bag or box that is made especially for quilts and fabric. Never use plastic because your quilt needs to breath.
With proper care, your heirloom quilt can be passed on and admired by future generations. A quilt truly tells a story about the era it came from, and this is a special way to relate history to others.
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