How to store family heirloom?

Question

I have a patch work quilt, made during the second world war. It is in mint condition and want to keep it.

Answer 1

The best way to store an heirloom quilt is flat - actually on a bed, if you have a guest bedroom that isn't used. Protect it from sunlight and pets. If you don't have that luxury, but still want to display it, don't hang it on the wall - it puts a lot of stress on the quilt. You can find quilt cases - wood and glass boxes that protect the quilt, but still keep it visible.

If you want to store it in a box, don't just pack it away and ignore it. It should be taken out and refolded frequently. If it settles into the same creases, the fabric will deteriorate along those lines. You can protect it to some extend by putting wadded up pieces of archival quality (that means acid free) tissue paper in the folds. You want to use lots of the tissue paper to cover the entire surface of the quilt before folding as well. Place it in a sturdy, archival quality box that is lined with more tissue. Do NOT store your quilt in a sealed box, or in a plastic bag. This traps moisture and will damage the fabric relatively quickly.