Beautiful quilts, beautiful quilts, but how can we keep them that way?
Actually, the care of a quilt begins in planning. Is this a wall hanging? Is it a lap quilt, or baby quilt to be used every day. Will it be used on a bed regularly or is it intended to be an heirloom and seldom really used? The answers to these questions determine what fabrics are used, the type of quilting, and therefore the care of the quilt.
Most quilts today are made of 100% cotton. With so many gorgeous cotton fabrics today, kids prints, animal prints, reproduction prints, it is not difficult to find cotton fabric to fit your quilt plan.
Some quilters also like cotton blends, polycotton, for how well it holds color and for its wearability. Denims and flannels and specialty fabrics, silk, rayon blends, are sometimes used in quilts
So if this quilt is to be really used, it should be of a fabric that is washable. If not to be used, then some pointers follow on its care.
PREWASH FABRIC?
Many quilt makers prewash fabric before piecing to remove manufacturing residue and to determine if it will shrink or if it is colorfast. A lap quilt, or a baby quilt will be laundered often so shrinkage and colorfastness must be considered before construction. Other quilts may not need or want this prewashing
The chemicals in new unwashed fabric are useful in avoiding mildew in quilts that are stored for long periods of time. I do not prewash fabric for bedspread quilts. I like the look and body of the new fabric. As these bedspreads do not receive much soil, I air them often to remove any dust and they stay new looking much longer than if the fabric has been washed before piecing.
QUILTING THREAD
What part does thread play in the care of a quilt? Hand quilting with a good quality cotton thread will last through dozens of washings. Machine quilting with cotton thread will hold up even longer. Monofilament is actually stronger than the fabric and may cut the quilt top. Any heat will melt the monofilament so that is a factor in your planning.
LAUNDERING
That sturdy cotton baby quilt can be washed again and again in mild soap and thoroughly rinsed. The same with the soiled lap quilt.
Your favorite quilt shop will have soaps specially designed for quilts. Tumble dry at low heat for a short time, then lay out on a sheet to complete drying. I have no place big enough to lay mine out, so I hang them on the line outside in the shade, on a day that is not windy, (hard to come by in Nebraska!) draping over two lines.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Go To Page: 1 2
