Scrapbooking, Quilting, Needlework, Arts & Crafts

Keepsake Quilt

A keepsake quilt is a precious item that needs to be stored carefully in order to stay well-preserved. The author of this article shares some great tips for storing a keepsake quilt ...

Nothing is more beautiful in this world than a quilt. And nothing is more meaningful in this world than a keepsake quilt. Whether it’s been in the family for generations, or your grandmother just made it yesterday, these quilts hold a special place in our hearts. But sadly, there are numerous elements that can damage and destroy these precious blankets, so it’s very important to know how to store your keepsake quilt properly.

In general, there are several things to remember when you go to store one of these treasures. The first of which is to keep your keepsake quilt dry. It’s important that you try to look for a spot where you know your blanket will have a nice movement of cold air that’s dry. Any moisture in the air could cause mold to grow on the keepsake quilt. The fibers in the cloth would rot and the fabric would be destroyed. The second thing to remember is make sure your place your keepsake quilt in a sheet that’s cotton. This will allow your quilt to breath properly.

Remember to keep it away from extreme temperatures. Cold temperature causes the fibers in the quilt to stress and deteriorate. Heat can even cause the quilt fabric to dry out. Make sure you store your keepsake quilt where there aren’t any bugs or mice. Mice will eat at the fabric and bugs would nest inside the quilt, staining and ruining it altogether.

Make sure you store it in places where there aren’t extreme amounts of light. Sunlight can damage the blanket because the fibers break down, and the colors would fade. Never allow direct sunlight to touch your keepsake quilt. If possible try to keep from folding your quilt. This will keep creases from developing in the cloth. It’s best to hang your quilt from a quilt-rack. If this isn’t an option because you are limited with space, it’s better to roll your quilts, instead of folding them. Keep your rolled keepsake quilt inside a cardboard cylinder that’s lined. Remember to wrap your blanket in acid free paper.

The last thing to remember when storing keep sake quilts is to make sure you don’t put it anywhere near unfinished wood, like the kind in a dresser drawer. These woods have acids that can do a lot of harm to the fabric of your quilt. If you have to store them here, make sure you line the areas with acid-free paper before you ever let the keepsake quilt touch the wood.

While these tips might seem a little annoying, they are very important for preserving the material. You want to make sure you’ll have these precious pieces of cloth around for future generations. The only way to do that is by being careful when storing and cleaning them. After all, these blankets are meant to be loved and enjoyed. There’s nothing better than pulling out your keepsake quilt every so often, and remembering what it means to you.

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