It is very important to know how to store quilts and coverlets the proper way, in order to preserve their quality for a long period of time. Simply placing your quilt or coverlet in a wooden cabinet can deteriorate the material and fabric, because it may be subject to humidity, acidity, and even insects. By properly storing these textiles, you can preserve the beauty of each quilt or coverlet for a good number of years. Here are some tips on how to properly store quilts and coverlets.
The best way to preserve the quality of a quilt or a coverlet is by using a box. Boxes are a great way of storing these textiles because they can be stacked high on a shelf, to allow you to take advantage of all usable space. Boxes are also very effective in blocking out dirt and light. Sunlight should be avoided on these textiles because they can break down the fibers and can greatly fade the colors. In addition, boxes can protect these textiles against all types of insect infestation. Using boxes are also a great way of storing them because it can store a number of quilts, depending on its size. However, you must be careful not to use boxes that have polyester films or tops with weak material because they can be easily punctured. Once the boxes are punctured, they allow light, dirt and pests to come into the box and damage the fabric. When you place your quilts or coverlets into the box, make sure to use a muslin sling or acid-free paper sling. This allows you to place the quilts and coverlets in and out of the box without directly handling the fabric.
Before you start folding, make sure that you have a large table that is enough to accommodate the entire fabric since it is very hard to fold a textile that is not fully supported in its entirety. You can also ask for help from an assistant to make the folding process a lot easier.
The first thing that you need to do before you fold your quilts and coverlets is to check it for any old fold lines that would show an area of weakness. If the textile does not have fold lines, it is advisable to fold it in thirds, since it is likely that it was previously folded in half or in quarters. It is always best to alternate the folding lines of a piece of fabric to avoid permanent folds and creases. After examining the textile, set up a cushioned area with your acid-free paper to provided support to the folded area. Then slowly reach into the middle part of the fabric to hold the paper in place, and fold the quilt gently into the third way mark. Reach into the fold and give it a little tap, to guarantee that the fold is padded out securely. Simply repeat the procedure for the other side. Once you have done this, pull out your box next to the folded quilt, to check if it fits the width of the box. After you have checked this, you can now fold the textile on top of one another, resembling a roll. Make sure that there are no creases, to avoid any harsh folds on the textile. You can then place your folded textile by using the sling, and gently even out any spaces within the box.
Storing your textiles can be quite tedious and difficult but it is absolutely worth the effort. Always follow this process on how to store quilts and coverlets because it can truly preserve your textiles for a long time.