If you've ever poured your heart and creativity into crafting a stunning art quilt, you know just how precious these textile masterpieces are. From intricate stitches to vibrant fabrics, each quilt tells a unique story and holds a special place in our hearts. But as much as we love to admire and display our creations, ensuring their long-term preservation is essential for safeguarding their beauty for generations to come. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting your journey, join us as we delve into expert tips, practical advice, and creative solutions for preserving your cherished works of art.
Preserving Your Art Quilt
Avoid Compression:
Art quilts often feature three-dimensional elements, such as embroidery, appliqué, or beadwork. To prevent flattening or damage to these embellishments, avoid compressing the quilt excessively during storage. Consider rolling the quilt instead of folding it, or use a padded hanger to hang it vertically.
Also consider what type of batting you're using in your Art Quilt. You are not going to want to fold your art quilt for storage if you're using a cotton blend batting. Once your cotton batting has a crease in it, it's very difficult to get it out. However, if you used wool batting in your Art quilt, any folds in your quilt will be easy to steam out after storing them.
Mind the Materials:
If your art quilt contains non-fabric materials such as beads, sequins, or metallic threads, take extra care to protect these elements during storage. Avoid folding or rolling the quilt in a way that puts pressure on these delicate materials, and consider placing a layer of acid-free tissue paper between the folds to provide cushioning.
You can also purchase acid free storage boxes here to keep your quilt safe during storage.
Temperature and Humidity Control:
Art quilts may be more sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity than regular quilts, especially if they incorporate materials like silk or wool. Store art quilts in a climate-controlled environment to minimize the risk of damage from mold, mildew, or insect infestations.
*Quick Tip- to avoid potato bugs nibbling on your art quilt, keep an eye on what your starch is made from! Potato starch will attract potato bugs.
Protective Covering:
Consider covering your art quilt with a breathable fabric cover or cotton pillowcase to protect it from dust and light while allowing air circulation. Avoid using plastic covers, as they can trap moisture and lead to mold growth.
This is a perfect chance to make a pillow case using left over fabrics from your art quilt! I hate throwing away my fabric scraps and love finding new ways to use up the bits and pieces.
Support Structure:
If your art quilt is particularly large or heavy, consider providing additional support during storage to prevent stretching or distortion. For example, you can roll the quilt around a sturdy core like a pool noodle or support it with acid-free cardboard to maintain its shape. Just make sure not to wrap too tightly to avoid compression!
Read more about storing your quilts with pool noodles here
Display Considerations:
If you plan to display your art quilt when not in use, choose a location away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and high humidity. Avoid hanging the quilt in areas with excessive air circulation, as this can cause stress on delicate embellishments.
Many quilters will lay their quilts flat out over a spare bed in a guest room. Not all of us have that luxury of space, however. Consider moving your quilts to the wall to hang and display. I'm constantly cycling through my wall hanging quilts from my living room into my studio so I can keep admiring them a bit longer.
Also consider having a dresser drawer dedicated to storing small wall quilts. You can layer them between acid free paper and have them at an easy reach instead of digging through your all your larger quilts.
Storing your Art Quilts - Make it your own!
As we wrap up our exploration into the world of art quilt storage, I hope you've found inspiration and practical guidance for preserving your cherished creations. Remember, the care and attention we give to storing our art quilts today will ensure they remain vibrant and beautiful for years to come, allowing future generations to admire and cherish them just as we do.
Whether you're folding, rolling, or hanging your quilts, the key is to handle them with love and respect, just as you would any cherished treasure. By following the tips and techniques shared here, you can protect your art quilts from the ravages of time and enjoy them for many lifetimes.
As you embark on your storage journey, don't hesitate to get creative and tailor solutions to fit your unique needs and space constraints.
Happy Stitching,
Sondrasa
