How to Fold & Store your Quilts
If you are like me you have lots of quilts. As cherished pieces its best to keep them in circulation around your home or gifted to family and loved ones. There are still those that need to be stored whether it is because they are seasonal quilts or you just have a large collection.
To sustain the test of time, quilts are best laid flat on a bed. However, if you change your quilts with the season not all quilts will be out in use and will be in storage.
To preserve the quilt while in storage there is a proper way to fold so it does not get permanent crease lines. Permanent creases will weaken the fabric in your quilt and can lead to tears and holes.
That is why it is best recommended to fold the quilt on the bias to keep your quilt crease free and avoid tears.
Why the bias? The bias stretches and is much more forgiving than the straight grain. Folding on the bias will help in keeping structural integrity of the quilt so it can be passed down for generations.
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How to fold a Quilt on the Bias
Step 1: Lay your quilt face down on a flat surface. Your folded quilt should always be face out so you can see the design if stored in a glass cabinet but more importantly so the hardest crease is on the back of the quilt.
Step 2: Take a corner of your quilt and fold it into your quilt to form a triangle if the quilt is a square the points will meet. If it is not a square don’t worry just line it up till you form the triangle.
Step 3: Take the unfolded corner and fold it on itself. If the quilt is large you will need to fold the quilt into itself one more time.
Step 4: Fold one side of the quilt into the centre.
Step 5: Fold the other side into the centre.
Step 6: Fold the quilt into itself. Depending on the size of your quilt you may have to fold more than once. You can fold it onto itself again or accordian fold it – do whatever gets to the desired folded size. And there you have it!
Another way to fold your quilt to avoid creases is to roll it around a tube. Storing can be more challenging with this method but you definitely will not have any creases on your quilt.
Storing your quilt
Once your quilt is folded you can store in a temperature-controlled space away from direct sunlight and humidity. A storage cabinet would be a great way to still display your quilts (what a conversation piece that can be) and remember to switch them up. If you do not have a storage display cabinet I would recommend a linen closet or walk in closet with a top shelf for storage.
Do not store your quilts in plastic bags, plastic containers or a cedar chest/closet. Plastic creates moisture over time and mildew growth will occur on the fabric. A cedar chest or closet will cause acid damage from the wood and will create rust stains on the quilt.
The How to Fold your Quilt in six easy steps is available in our Resource Library.
Keep this guide handy to remind you how to fold those lovely quilts.