We all need to store quilts at one time or another if we own a lot of them. Unless you have several bedrooms with guest beds where you can layer them, you’ll need to fold them for storage. I’ll give you tips on folding the quilt and then some on the best way and place to store them. Leave a comment and be entered in a drawing for a free pattern!
Folding Quilts
Let’s begin by laying out the quilt you want to fold on a large flat surface.
Make the first fold on the bias:
Next fold:
Finally the last two folds:
Folding on the bias puts less stress on the fabric fibers so any creases that happen while it’s folded this way will smooth out easier. Straight folds create heavier creases that could be permanent if the quilt is folded for too long.
The other way I fold quilts is in thirds. The following photos will show how that is done.
First fold:
Next fold:
Next two folds:
If you need the folded quilt to be smaller, you can now fold it over two more times.
Now, I did not have any for this demonstration, but I usually use acid free, colorless tissue paper stuffed in the folds to soften them.
Some dos and don’ts for Storing:
Do not store them in the basement or attic of your home where the temperature and humidity is not at ideal levels.
Do not stack too many folded quilts on top of one another.
Do not store quilts in plastic containers or bags. Plastic can trap moisture which could develop mold that will stain quilts.
Do use clean white sheets to cover a stack of quilts for protection.
Two other ways to store quilts is to roll them or to drape them over extra beds. Rolling large quilts may be difficult for storage since there would need to be a large space to store those rolls. But rolling them is a good way to avoid any creases from folding, so if you have the storage space, consider doing this.
If you drape them over guest beds, be sure they are not in direct sunlight that could fade a quilt. If there is direct sunlight into that room, you can cover the stack of quilts with a clean, white sheet to protect them.
Finally, when I have quilts that have been stored for longer than 6 months, I like to pull them out and refold them or switch them out with ones that are displayed.
So hopefully these tips will help you with storing quilts that you don’t have room to display!
Enter to Win! Comment below with your quilt storage tips and be entered into a drawing for a free quilt pattern! The winner will be drawn on Tuesday, April 2nd and will receive a copy of my new pattern, It’s a Tie! **Winner of the pattern is Diana Stewart. Congrats!**
I don’t have any additional storage tips but appreciated these examples. I will now refold my quilts! Thank you.
Thank you so much for the tips! I was just wondering this the other Day! Much appreciated :-).
My quilts are just folded up and then tri-folded and stored in space bags in my storage unit. I think I will bring them home and store them your way. Thanks.
I never would have thought of folding on the bias but it makes perfect sense. I think i need to make some changes!
Great tips! I will be re folding my quilts. Thanks!
This was so helpful!! Thank you so much.
I think rolling my quilts is the best option for me because they are bed quilts.
Affectionately,
Mary
I hadnever seen the recommendation to fold on the bias before. I will definitely try it
I fold mine in thirds with the largest on the bottom and store in a floor to ceiling hall closet so I have easy access to them. Have a great day!
I liked your tips. Never thought of folding on the bias. That is a great idea.
I fold my larger quilts in thirds and roll my smaller quilts such as wall hangings and table toppers. Thanks for your tip for folding on the bias. I will be trying this.
Thank you so much Deanne…you always provide us with such great tips!
I have heard the folding on the bias suggestion before and try to fold my quilts that way. The truth is, I give most of my quilts away and don’t really have any to store. 😂
Thanks for the folding tips!
I never thought about folding on the bias but that makes so much sense. Thank you!
I have used pant hangers for table runners and small wall quilts
The pool noodles that you can buy work great for rolling quilts.
Thanks for the tips- I have been rolling mine up to avoid creases but will try folding on bias for the larger ones
Thank you for the quilt storage tips. I am lucky to have an extra bed so that is where I usually store mine.
Don’t store quilts in plastic bags. Use a pillowcase. Fabric breathes. Also helps to transport quilts in pillowcases. Have heard horror stories about quilts transported in trash bags that some helpful person put in the trash. Most people would not throw away a pillowcase.
Since I first heard to always use acid free tissue paper between layers I have done that. I have also been told to roll the quilt not fold but I don’t think they knew your method of folding. quiltyladyrr-at-gmail-dot-com
I never saw a quilt folded on the bias. Thanks for tip. I store more of my small quilts in an acid free box with acid free tissue paper. The big quilts I stack on my spare bed.
I never heard about folding on the bias, and really appreciate your explanation and photos! I’m going to try this!
I fold the smaller ones (twins or smaller) in thirds and then hang them on hangers made for slacks. The larger ones I roll up and store them. I do change them out for displaying often. And of course I hang them on my walls. Thank you for the great tips, folding on the bias. I will be refolding a few left that are in the closet.
I have found laying each quilt on top of each other is a good storage method. I also use a ladder to ‘store’ quilts. This isn’t a method I would recommend as light – environment can damage the quilts. Rotation is critical and never a special loved quilt.
Thanks for the great information!
Thanks for the ideas. You already do mine, so I hope
I still qualify for a chance to win the pattern.
Great idea – folding on the bias! And thanks for the reminder that it is time to refold my quilts! Your information is always so helpful! Thanks a bunch! HUGS… and stitches
Have used both methods of folding, except I end up with an odd shaped quilt using the bias fold method. I have so many that it is time to gift them all out to family and friends. My question to self: “Just how many quilts do I really need?”
I just received a 4-shelf cabinet for storing quilts. I folded the first quilt by thirds and it fits great on the shelf. I’m also going to use acid-free paper on the shelves.
I am going to try the bias fold. It looks so easy the way you show it.
Thank you for your suggestions on folding our quilts. We fold our quilts to fit on the shelves of an antique China cabinet. I make sure they do not touch any wood of the furniture.
What caught my attention is when you said that keeping quilts in plastic containers could cause mold to develop. This is something that I will share with my mother who is planning to shop for Amish handstitched quilts that she can use as blankets next Friday. I want to make sure that the quilts are going to be kept damage-free for a long time, so I will keep your tips in mind.
You’re welcome! Definitely do not store quilts in anything or anywhere where moisture can develop.