PETERBOROUGH
CENTENNIAL MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES
Proper
care of any quilt will extend its life and beauty for many years. The easiest
way to store a quilt is to lay it flat on a bed under your current display
quilt. Covering your quilt will help to protect it from the fading and damage
caused by exposure to light. If you have a guest bed that is not in daily use,
this is an easy method of storing a number of quilts. Once you have run out of
beds, it then becomes important to consider alternative methods for storing
your quilt treasures.
A closet shelf or
large dresser drawer can also provide a good storage place for a quilt. To fold
your quilt, spread it face down on your bed on top of a well worn, clean,
cotton sheet. Cover the back of the quilt with another well-worn, clean, cotton
sheet. This sheet will help to pad out the quilt and prevent the folds from
tearing. Next, fold the quilt (wrapped in the sheets) in one direction only,
using an accordion pleating method. This method takes extra time, but it will
provide the best protection for your quilt.
If space is very
limited, you can use a large Rubbermaid container that will fit under your bed.
Fold your quilt between two sheets as described above and place in the container.
Quilts should
never be stored in plastic bags, cardboard boxes, or wooden trunks. These
materials will react with the fabric and cause your quilt to become fragile and
prone to tearing.
It
is important that an attempt be made to air quilts once or twice a year. Since
outside light can fade and damage the material, it is recommended that quilts
be aired spread out inside your house or inside your garage. All old quilts
should be aired flat so as not to stress the quilting stitches. Leave the quilt
to air for two to three hours.
The
cleaning of a quilt will depend on several factors: age, type of fabric,
condition of the quilt and its type of construction. You must also decide
whether or not your quilt is a "museum" piece or a functional
bedcovering.
If you are
considering cleaning your quilt it is best to seek expert advise. Your local museum
will be able to recommend someone who can help give you information on what
type of cleaning can be performed on your quilt.
Selections
from PCMA Quilt Collection
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