These instructions are intended to serve as a guide to prolong the life and joy of your handcrafted pieces. Feel free to use these recommended practices at your discretion. These instructions are not a warranty or guarantee, they are simply offered in good faith to help you best care for a handcrafted quilt.
1. Avoid leaving quilts in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time as this can cause fading.
2. Re-fold quilts at least two to four times a year to avoid causing permanent creases.
3. Avoid washing quilts too often as this can weaken the fabrics. I generally wash my quilts once a year, only more if absolutely necessary. Spot clean as needed to remove any stains.
4. When storing for a season or any extended period of time, fold the quilt and store in a white 100% cotton pillow case. Open a stored quilt every 4-6 months and re-fold in a different direction to avoid permanent creases. If quilts are stored folded, folds should be padded with acid-free tissue paper in the folds. An alternative to storing quilts folded is to store them rolled, like a poster.
5. Use Soak Wash to wash quilts. Quilts can be washed on gentle cycle by machine, but hand washing is best. Avoid over agitating to protect the threads, fibers and integrity of the seams.
6. Use a color catcher in the wash to catch any dyes from the fabrics.
7. If you choose to machine wash your quilt, it is recommended to use cold water, a gentle detergent and the shortest, delicate cycle on your machine.
8. It is recommended to avoid smoking, eating or drinking near quilts.
9. It is recommended to air dry quilts if possible. Please note that wet quilts must be handled gently. Do not wring or twist a wet quilt. Drain excess water by allowing it to drip in a tub, then place the quilt on a bed or floor on top of stacks of towels. You can use a fan to speed up the process and change the towels as needed. It is best to avoid hanging a wet quilt from a clothesline as this can cause stress and possibly tear seams. If necessary, you can dry your quilt in a dryer on a low heat cycle. Be sure to check it often to make sure it does not tangle or tear in the dryer.
© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment