How do I care for hand made and antique quilts?
Hand made quilts need special care. If the fabrics in the quilt were not prewashed, all colors should be carefully tested for colorfastness before cleaning. Some dyes will bleed in water and/or detergent, while others may bleed in drycleaning solvents. If washing is safe for all colors, fabrics, and batting]filling, fill a large tub with water and a mild detergent. Gently work the detergent and water into the quilt. Aggressive agitation could pull out the quilting stitches. Drain and fill with fresh water, working the detergent our of the quilt. Rinse thoroughly until the water is clear. Drain and roll the quilt to push out the excess water. Hang over several lines to dry out of direct sunlight. Antique quilts should be cleaned by someone experienced in dealing with older textiles. How a quilt will withstand cleaning depends on its construction, fiber content, past treatments, and storage. Some older quilts may contain worn fabrics, making them very fragile. They may also contain a woo
