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Caring for Your Quilts: Textile Conservation, Repair and Storage

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Both natural and artificial light can fade color and contribute to the degradation and permanent damage of many textile fibers. The rate at which damage occurs is determined by the level of illumination and the duration of exposure. And, unfortunately, light damage is cumulative and irreversible. If long-term preservation is a concern, protecting textiles from light exposure is key.

Caring for textiles and costumes

To this end, several simple and practical steps can be taken: Keep in mind, however, that all types of light damage textiles. The risk of light damage can be further minimized by periodically rotating your textiles on and off display.

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Yellowing at the fold line of a cellulosic textile, probably due to photooxidation. Want to Read Currently Reading Read. When there are too many water damaged textiles to dry immediately, it is advisable to contact a conservator or local museum for advice. Yellowing is an indication that fibres have undergone photooxidation through exposure to light, particularly UV radiation Figure Commercial dry cleaners should never be used, as the chemicals used in the process are too strong for old fabrics to withstand without damage. Quilt Restoration If you are interested in doing your own quilt restoration, read our article Repair, Restore, Conserve; What to do with damaged antique quilts click here for some helpful tips. Because our hands contain oils and acids in the skin , clean cloth gloves should be worn when handling textiles.

High temperatures speed up the rate of many chemical reactions, and as a result, speed up the rate at which damage can occur in fibers, dyes, and other component materials of textiles. For this reason, textiles are best stored and displayed as far away from heat sources fireplaces, spotlights, windows, etc. Relative humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture in the air.

Because many organic materials contain moisture, fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity can cause these materials to expand and contract as they take in or lose moisture. A painted silk banner, for example, can be adversely affected when the pigment and binder in the painted design do not expand and contract at the same rate as the fibers in the silk fabric.

As a result, the paint layer will tend to crack and flake off. Other potential problems associated with high relative humidity are mold and mildew, the corrosion of metals, and the bleeding of some dyes. Relative humidity is best maintained at a constant level between 35 and 65 percent. Smog, car exhaust, and ozone are common pollutants that can cause physical and chemical damage.

Textiles are particularly susceptible to abrasion and physical damage caused by dust and other gritty particulate surface soiling. Eliminating exposure to these contaminants is an important aspect of preventive conservation care. The use of particulate air filters and protective display and storage enclosures is recommended when planning for the long-term preservation of textiles. Textiles are best preserved when displayed and stored in clean, well-ventilated areas that are routinely and adequately maintained. Controlling dust, clutter, and other accumulations of extraneous material will greatly reduce the possibility of damage caused by insects, rodents, and microorganisms such as molds and fungi.

Inspect your textiles often, ideally at six-month intervals, to identify problems early on. Indications of active deterioration are an increase in textile discoloration, tarnishing of metal components, and the presence of a sweet or musty odor.

Controlled vacuuming can be an effective means of reducing dust and other particulate soiling, though not all textiles, can be safely vacuumed. Specially-modified equipment allowing for low suction is often necessary for vacuuming to be accomplished safely.

For large or sturdy textiles, vacuuming with an up and down motion lifting, not dragging the vacuum nozzle over a protective sheet of flexible plastic screening may be recommended. For fragile three-dimensional textile artifacts, dusting lightly with a soft brush into a specially-modified low-suction vacuum nozzle may be preferable.

Contact a professional conservator to discuss appropriate techniques before you begin. Proper handling is important for the long-term preservation of textiles. Textiles are frequently more fragile than they first appear. Before attempting to handle or move a textile, familiarize yourself with its weak areas. Physical damage can occur suddenly as a result of even careful handling. Support a textile in a manner that distributes its weight evenly.

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A delicate silk embroidery may be supported by sliding a piece of paper or cardboard underneath, while a heavier textile such as a carpet or tapestry is best rolled on a large tube or carried in a fabric sling. Clean hands are important when handling textiles, as human skin contains oils and perspiration. Refrain from using skin creams as they may be readily absorbed by textile fibers and later contribute to staining. Wash your hands frequently or wear inexpensive white cotton gloves that are available through photographic and conservation suppliers.

Remove jewelry or anything that may snag and be careful not to rub or drag your hands against the textile. The materials used in frames and storage enclosures must be carefully selected to ensure a protective and stable environment. Open Preview See a Problem? Thanks for telling us about the problem. Return to Book Page.

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Caring for Your Quilts: Textile Conservation, Repair and Storage [Hallye Bone] on www.farmersmarketmusic.com *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Should you quilt that top. Editorial Reviews. About the Author. Hallye Bone has been quilting since For fifteen years, she has written and designed for many quilting magazines.

Caring for Your Quilts: Should you quilt that top you found at the estate sale? Is it possible to get that nasty stain out of your favorite quilt? Hallye Bone of St. Charles, Missouri, answers those questions and more. She packs a wealth of information on how to care for your beloved textiles in this handy little volume. Inside you'll find tips on storing, laundering, airing and displaying your qu Should you quilt that top you found at the estate sale?

Inside you'll find tips on storing, laundering, airing and displaying your quilts. Kindle Edition , 45 pages. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about Caring for Your Quilts , please sign up. Be the first to ask a question about Caring for Your Quilts.