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!
First up, folding the quilt for storage. There are two ways I fold quilts to minimize creases. On the bias or in thirds with acid free paper in the creases.
The following are photos showing how to fold on the bias. First, lay the quilt out flat on the floor face up.
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!**
