Top 5 Quilt Care Mistakes | Essential Tips for Every Quilter

[@joannehaberman8923]

I finished a red and white quilt and washed it. There were no issues with it bleeding in the wash and I debated putting it into the dryer. I chose to dry it and when I pulled it out it was covered in bright pink spots. There was a random CRAYON in the dryer. I CRIED since it was a gift for my daughter. I quickly googled how to remove crayon stains and I used Dawn, vinegar and Oxiclean with hot water and fortunately the spots came out!,🎉🎉🎉

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Oh wow!!! So so glad you were able to get that out. That would give me a heart attack for sure.

[@wandawalker4191]

I use Carbona color catcher sheets and they work really well.

[@alexandra-zaza-burns]

Oh wow that was very lucky. I bet you always check the dryer is completely empty now.

[@WhirlyPearly]

Binbata Color Catcher Sheets work well too! Amazon

[@rosemarykriegel3226]

I learned from Missouri Star Quilt company to fold quilts on the bias. They have a KZbin video with demonstration.

[@SaraMc-ez2mv]

Why is it better to fold them on the bias?

[@jmurphy7192]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ve included your quilt care sheet with every quilt I’ve gifted! Everyone appreciates the care tips on the front. You allowed generous space on the back to tell the story of the quilt. Every recipient has loved the story of their handmade, one-of-a-kind creation!

[@joanbarker6581]

Wonderful information!!!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

You're welcome!

[@bethk7648]

Kristen, can you please do a video on how to hang mini quilts and quilts intended as wall hangings?

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

I will add it to my list. :)

[@bethk7648]

@ISeeStarsQuilting Thanks so much!

[@beckyb8808]

I have 4 quilts I rotate through for my bed. I swap them out monthly, washing with All free and clear detergent and a fabric softener sheet. Since I have a dog sometimes we dont make it a full month though. That's it, the oldest one is about 6 years old, looks great. I'm not into high maintenance items, if I had to baby them more than that I probably wouldn't ever use them. I tell people I'm not making heirlooms, use it, enjoy it, dont fret about them.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

That is great, you have a good system!

[@amandastratton8242]

thank you for the tips and the free care sheet Kristen x

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

You are so welcome!

[@claudiamaythree]

Thank you !!! Great info!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@wandawalker4191]

Thank you so much for the download!!!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Enjoy it

[@c.j.jackson3102]

Love your channel! I don’t see a link to the free quilt care guide you mentioned.

[@soniaconte3878]

@@c.j.jackson3102 It’s in the description box but you have to click on the word more to open it up and then you’ll see everything

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Thank you for watching. It is in the description. :) Let me know if you have any trouble locating it.

[@losel22]

I use vinegar for a fabric softener. It also seems to set the color. I used it with a red quilt with no color bleeding.🤷‍♀️

[@Carol_Sews]

@@losel22 I use white vinegar as a fabric softener for most of my washables. It’s especially great for towels since you are not supposed to add commercial fabric softener to towels. Modern dyes are not affected by vinegar, however.

[@dollysadlak5242]

Great tips. Thanks. ❤

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Thanks for watching!

[@meacadwell]

I refold my rarely used quilts 2x a year - in the spring and summer (actually, I refold my vintage fabric goods too) and make sure I fold in different locations each time. One time right side out, the next time inside out as well. I sewed up some quilt containers with a clear vinyl window and flap lid held closed with velcro (they actually look like the containers you showed in this video) and keep them in a linen closet. This keeps dust and light away from them but still lets them breathe - they were quick and easy containers to make too. I put small quilts in the tub in lukewarm water with baby shampoo, then stomp away. Rinse and put in the dryer on low heat. Large quilts go in the washer on gentle cycle with quilt shampoo, again in the dryer on low heat.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

That is such a great idea, I love that you refold them in different positions!

[@alexandra-zaza-burns]

Great tips. Thank you

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

You are so welcome!

[@maggienickischshannon2292]

I never knew thank you Christen. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

I am glad this was helpful!

[@KoiSaephanh-k2e]

Great idea and great invite and thank you

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

You are so welcome!

[@lindapucillo7875]

Really great info. I saw these bags on their website, but it is very helpful to see them being used. I just couldn’t understand what they were. Will be buying some in the future. BTW, would these be good for storing pre it’s and yardage? I have. Little sewing room with very limited storage so I have fabric in bags, bins, on shelves. Looking for best way to store my fabric. Thanks. Love your channel.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Thank you so much for watching and I am glad it was helpful!

[@rmonogue]

Use color catcher sheets when you first wash your quilts. These pick up excess dye in the wash water and prevent it from redepositing on the fabric, so it reduces or eliminates color bleeding. I use them when wet finishing my handwoven fabric.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

That is such a great tip, thank you for sharing!

[@80657]

I wash all my quilts and quilted projects on gentle cycle I also use color catchers but I use 1 tide pod and I have never had an issue. Now I also don't own a washer and dryer now because mine broke so we go to the laundry mat and wash our clothes and with the quilts I haven't had any issues. I also don't wash mine on a regular either lol. Thank you for all these great tips.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Thank you for sharing your tips as well.

[@Carol_Sews]

I machine wash our quilts in warm water with lots of water in my top loading machine. I use my regular detergent, which does not contain any brightener or fabric softener. I keep my out-of-season quilts folded and stacked in a very tall stack along with blankets, pillows, mattress pads, and table toppers and small wall hangings. We purposely did not put any shelves in that double-wide hall closet with bi-fold doors so that I could make these stacks. Nothing gets too crushed, but it’s not a lot of fun when you need something that’s not close to the top. I have some vintage quilts that I keep layered on a rarely used guest room bed. They are protected from the mattress by a number of sheets and the top is protected from dust by several more layers of sheets before I top it was a utility quilt that I put on backing side up to keep the pieced side from fading. I have a quilt rack where I keep some of the quilts my late mother made. It’s in a hallway that gets no direct light. I occasionally (but not as often as I should) refold those quilts to have a different area exposed and to move the fold lines.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

I am so glad you’re taking such good care of your quilts!

[@helenpeddycord2241]

Excellent info Kristen! Please, also add do NOT store quilts or linens in cedar chests! I replied to one of your followers who asked this question and hope you don’t mind🧡 Love your channel!

[@teresaayars3164]

Why

[@sonjadalglish6544]

Cedar has oils that can be soaked up by the fabric.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

You are so right, thanks for the reminder!

[@helenpeddycord2241]

@@ISeeStarsQuilting - Thank YOU, Christen, for your great videos!🧡🧵

[@teresaayars3164]

@@sonjadalglish6544 so the fabrics shouldn’t touch the wood.

[@thomasinaennis4862]

Great tips thank you

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

You are so welcome!

[@ReneeBoyett]

My house has no closets, so we had to purchase standing wardrobes. It's also a very small house. The bedroom is large enough for the bed, one bedside table, and one standing wardrobe. My sewing room is about 8x10 feet, and has no space for storing anything but my tiny quilts (coasters, placemats, etc) in a plastic bin. Said bin is opened regularly because it has my printed quilt patterns and FPP patterns in it. Large quilts are folded twice, then rolled and placed in the bottom of the standing wardrobe. This makes it easier for my remove them without a stack of quilts becoming a mess, like how towels are rolled in some hotels and gyms. I've been considering getting the box-bags you have in the video, and they'll get stuffed under the bed, for the quilts I make and list for purchase online. Personal quilts, I don't mind those being rolled and placed in my standing wardrobe seeing as they get rotated pretty frequently. As for washing, my skin is so picky about detergents. Tide gives me an impressive case of hives, as do most detergents. The only one that's worked for me is All's sensitive skin liquid detergent. My allergist insists all the bedding be washed in hot water, which is fine for my sheets and pillowcases, but 100% NOT OKAY FOR QUILTS! I did that with a quilt when I was in my 20s, and the quilt I made with my mom fell apart after just four years. It was made with cheap and poor quality fabric because we didn't have the funds for the better stuff, and that definitely contributed to the short lifespan. Now It's a repair project, and the quilt will be display only afterwards. Quilts are, however, dried on timed heat (aka very hot) in the dryer after washing though. We don't have the space for air drying, and my allergies go into full "make the woman suffer" mode because of the pollen that collects on everything hung to dry outside. So high heat, and my allergies are happy. Small tip my mom shared with me: To prevent quilts from bleeding, put a color catcher sheet in the washer along with a cup of salt. The sheet catches excess dye, but it doesn't prevent the fabric from bleeding again. The salt, however, prevents this. You can prewash with like colors, but add the salt. We use a laundromat, and it makes prewashing expensive. I prewash flannel and linen, but those have a legendary talent for shrinking. Fun fact a friend who studies the history of different fabrics: linen gets stronger the more you use it. Those linen sheets that have been passed down from generation to generation? They were washed with hot water and lye. The linen becomes stronger because of it. If you make anything with linen, you will have zero issues with hot water doing any damage, save for possibly making the colors fade. The fabric itself, however, will be fine. She also dyes her own linens with natural dyes she makes herself. Some of the quilts she's made with linen are more than 20 years old, and the condition they're in is mindblowing because they're washed hot, dried hot, and the fabric still feels new. The only "damage" is the fading dye. She stores them in a cedar chest lined with cotton she changes regularly to keep the acid away from the quilts. There are tiny holes drilled in the top and sides, with a bug screen over them, so the quilts can breathe. Too small for mice to fit through, and most insects hate the smell of cedar, which is why, throughout history, cedar chests have been used storing bedding and clothes.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Wow! Thank you for sharing all your tips and knowledge. So helpful!

[@sewterie]

Great ideas. Thanks. You would think that vaccuum bags and containers would be best but clearly they are not. Thanks for sharing.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

I am so glad you found it helpful!

[@Becklet]

I have a tip for you. Refold your quilts to protect from folded lines. I learned to fold them by pulling the corners toward the center of the quilt to fold across the fabric and not with the weave. Then fold them to fit your storage container. I use pillowcases from worn out sheets. Sometimes I make more from the top sheets when the fitted sheets have too much wear. Don’t store unprotected in wood drawers. The oils from the wood will damage your fabric. Even through your pillowcase. Thank you for your tips.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Thanks for sharing! I'm glad you're taking such good care of your quilts.

[@sarahhunter3486]

Another vote for Color Catchers, cheapest insurance policy EVAH!

[@TeriMcKillip]

Could you still use the vacuum bags for shipping the quilts?

[@SuseMck994]

They are great for shipping. It's just the long term use of them (years and years) that would gradually affect a quilt. A month in shipping wouldn't be a problem.

[@TeriMcKillip]

Thank you so much for the info. Christmas gifts being sent.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Yes just for shipping is okay.

[@epicnamepwns1242]

As a crocheter (not a quilter... yet), everything covered in this video generally applies to new, vintage, and antique afghans, too. Also, be extra careful when hanging or draping them to prevent excess stretching, which, in severe cases, can permanently distort the shape.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

That’s a great point and I am so glad my information is helpful for both quilters and crocheters!

[@gomezpnp]

I washed a blue and white Christmas table runner with a red and white Christmas table runner so of course I got red in both the blue and on the red area too. But I soaked them in oxy clean and it all came out very easily. I could do a commercial for oxy clean now.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

I am so glad you were able to get it out.

[@MrImog65]

Also I have learned trying to clean a quilt up for my niece that her mother never finished I finished it for her and then had to clean some spots that I don't know was caused from a boxer mice or something but I used vinegar I used baking soda and then I finally got some Grandma's secret I always wash mine😊 delicate cycle but just barely a couple drops of the free and clear tide and maybe a little vinegar white vinegar

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

I am glad you were able to get those spots out!

[@carlamangum7086]

I have a hand pieced quilt made by my Grandmother pre- 1930. It is only the top. I need to finished. How should I go about finishing it? I have been told that I need vintage fabric and hand quilt it.

[@jmurphy7192]

I have vintage blocks that my mom created with her mom back in the 50’s. They’ve sat a long time waiting for inspiration. They are just simple 4 and 9 patches - nothing heirloom worthy, but lots of sentimental value. I would think that finishing with modern fabric (maybe a vintage ‘look?) would be better than never finished? I am lucky to have my mom’s first sewing machine, so planning to use that for any additional piecing and the quilting.

[@karenbrunette6314]

❤

[@MrImog65]

What about the acid free boxes that they tell people to store stuff in unbreathable plastic tote bins

[@peggycarper4040]

My Gramma always washed in the wash tub Rinsed well and dried by laying them over the shrubs

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

A tub is a great idea.

[@wayfarinstranger2444]

I purchased an expensive quilt at a fair ( before I started quilting myself) and my dog just was fixed. She was laying on our bed and became incontinent, I washed the quilt, but the applique colors ran and stained.😢 was never the same

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Oh no, I know how upsetting that can be.

[@LauraSup]

I have several cedar chests. I’m not sure if this is good or bad. The cedar chests have quilts and many antique linens in them. This is the way my grandma stored hers and I never really thought much about it, I just continued to store them the way she did! I wonder, do you think a cedar chest is a good storage option? I would appreciate any advice you might have on the subject!❤

[@helenpeddycord2241]

Oh please🙏🏻 Do not store your quilts or linens in anything made with cedar. Back in the day, our Grandparents had huge problems with moths, which keep them away from items stored in cedar. This is a number 1 reason the quilts and linens stored in those beautiful cedar chests are extremely discolored and completely destroyed in areas. The “oil” from cedar leached into and is absorbed by this.😭😭 Ask me how I know! I’ve spoken to several excellent teachers and judges along with many trusted Professional Quilters. This is a number one “No No” straight from the horses mouths. Bless you and enjoy your wonderful antiques♥️🧵

[@LauraSup]

@ thank you for your response. I never knew about the issues it could cause. I was doing exactly as I was taught! I will remove them and store them in a different area. I will say that each of them is folded and placed in a pillow case. I take them out and refold them periodically but I don’t want to damage them. I guess the 3 cedar chests I inherited will have to be repurposed. I really appreciate the information! Thanks again!

[@helenpeddycord2241]

@ you are most welcome! The chests are great for storing wool especially. Enjoy your beauties♥️🧵

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Yes, cedar chests can ruin them from the oils. That is all they had back then, but we have more options.

[@amyschaed5816]

I didn't wash one of my grandsons blanket, I made him. Before sewing it all.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

I hope all went okay!

[@amyschaed5816]

@ISeeStarsQuilting well he loved it so much he had it every where with him. Him mom washed it with other blankets and it ripped in spots. That broke my heart however I was able to fit it

[@sarahhunter3486]

Umm, you just stole my vacuum bag joy. I had no idea. 🤦‍♀️

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Oh no! :(

[@amandastratton8242]

I seem to have spelled your name wrong Christen, my apologies x

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

No worries at all.

[@terrifaust4725]

Do not store quilts in wooden cabinets or chests. They can become discolored from the wood.

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Thanks for sharing that important tip!

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

Thanks for sharing that important tip! That is a very important one. 🙌🏼

[@janeanndouglas9231]

My husband and I were traveling in an RV for his job, with our cat. She peed on our bed, which had a wedding gift quilt on it. I panicked and rushed the quilt to a laundromat and put it in the washer with bleach; you can probably guess what happened…not only did it discolor the quilt with random spots of fading, but the thread and some of the fabric were weakened. I don’t think the relative who gifted it ever forgave me. We still have the quilt but it is displayed now in a manner where the lovely parts of the quilt can be admired. Live ‘n’ learn….🥹💜☮️

[@ISeeStarsQuilting]

It sounds like you had a very rough situation, but at least you were able to preserve your quilt.