how to repair vintage quilts

by Twila Corwin Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

5 Ways to Repair an Old Quilt

Method 1: Create a Patchwork. An old quilt with a hole in it can be easily repaired by patching it. ... If you’re not...
Method 2: Darning Your Old Quilt. This method can be applied to quilts that only require minor repairs because small...
Method 3: Deconstructing Your Old Quilt. In some cases, you may have to accept the fact that the...

Part of a video titled Repairing an Old Quilt with Heather Kinion - YouTube

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But where essentially I just took a needle and thread. And I didn't stitch all the way through. IMoreBut where essentially I just took a needle and thread. And I didn't stitch all the way through. I just stitched through the batting. And tacked. The fabric that initially was from the quilt. Down.

Full Answer

How do you repair an old quilt?

5 Ways to Repair an Old Quilt 1 Method 1: Create a Patchwork. An old quilt with a hole in it can be easily repaired by patching it. ... 2 Method 2: Darning Your Old Quilt. ... 3 Method 3: Deconstructing Your Old Quilt. ... 4 Method 4: Appliqué Patches. ... 5 Method 5: Recreating Your Old Quilt. ...

Do you repair quilts that no one else will touch?

One of the things I do is repair well-loved quilts that no one else will touch. Most of the time, someone that is truly using a quilt will not care that it isn’t museum quality, they just want the worst of the damage repaired.

How do you patch a quilt that is too big?

Stitch the seam, using a ¼ inch seam, and press the fabric towards the edge of the quilt. The patch hangs over the edge, but don’t worry about that now, we’ll trim it up in a minute. Turn the quilt over, and if needed, make a similar repair on the back.

How do I care for my quilts?

When stored, quilts should be refolded occasionally in different ways to prevent the fabric from breaking along the fold lines. Wash them only when visually soiled; they do not need to be washed when only displayed carefully and/or stored.

How do you fix a 100 year old quilt?

How to Repair an Old Quilt – 5 OptionsPatch It. The simplest way to repair an old quilt with a big hole is to patch it. ... Stitch Away. With smaller holes and rips, simple stitches can be used to mend the fabric. ... Deconstruct and Start Again. ... Applique Patches. ... Recreate Your Old Quilt.

How do you fix a vintage quilt top?

5:4612:59How to Mend a Vintage Quilt - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo position your fabric. On top of the hole that you need to mend. Make sure that it's going to beMoreSo position your fabric. On top of the hole that you need to mend. Make sure that it's going to be covering the whole hole. And that you're able to then stitch. All the way. Around.

How much does it cost to repair a quilt?

Q: How much will repairing my quilt cost, and how do I pay? A: I charge an initial deposit of $100 to cover materials and labor. Labor is $15 an hour, and fabric costs between $7-$12 a yard (although I do my best to make your dollar stretch by hitting up sales whenever possible).

What can I do with an old grandma's quilt?

Maybe it's from your child's first Christmas or maybe it was a gift from your great grandma that you've hung onto all these years....12 Tried and True Ways to Repurpose Old QuiltsPillows. ... Table Runners. ... Teddy Bears and Other Stuffed Animals. ... Christmas Ornaments and Stockings. ... Home Displays.More items...•

Are old quilts worth anything?

A quick scroll through options for sale on eBay shows prices ranging between $68 for a beautiful design from the 1940s to triple digits, like a 1930s pattern that's soaring up to $675. The older they are and the better shape they're in, the higher price tag you can set.

How can you tell if a quilt is valuable?

1:073:38How To Identify Quilts from the 1900s by Dr. Lori - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd a valuable one is if you were to actually look for the different patterns. Red work quilts orMoreAnd a valuable one is if you were to actually look for the different patterns. Red work quilts or embroidered quilts like this particular quilt some of the most popular.

Can a quilt be restored?

It is essential to restore a quilt to the overall look and feel of its original condition. Unlike furniture restoration, where any removal of original patina is irreversible, we can preserve a quilt's original fabric about 95% of the time by simply layering over it with the restoration fabric.

How do you fix a small hole in a quilt?

0:072:47Repair a rip in your quilt! Invisibly - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSide now this might be a quilt you might have got the long arm needle stuck. Maybe you might have aMoreSide now this might be a quilt you might have got the long arm needle stuck. Maybe you might have a couch that the dogs jumped up and just pulled those threads or it might be something like a

How can I improve old fabric?

1:556:33How to: Reinforce WORN Fabric in Clothing | Sewing Tutorial - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll need to iron the fabric sandwich for about 10 seconds. And then check to see if it's stuck.MoreYou'll need to iron the fabric sandwich for about 10 seconds. And then check to see if it's stuck. Keep ironing and checking until the fabric is fixed in place.

Can I wash my antique quilt in a front load washer?

Spinning a quilt in the washer does not damage the fabrics or thread, and it removes excess water quite well. Wash it with quilt wash on a gentle cycle in a front-loading machine, if possible. Rinse and spin twice to remove all residues.

Who wants old quilts?

Donate Quilts to Children Many children find comfort in a 'blankie', and Project Linus delivers them to hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere else love is needed. You can find Project Linus chapters in all 50 states and find the location nearest you on their FAQ page.

How do you hand fix a quilt?

4:3310:20HOW TO REPAIR A QUILT - HOLES, TEARS AND BROKEN SEAMSYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou will need to add some structure take a piece of fusible like stitch witchery or interfacingMoreYou will need to add some structure take a piece of fusible like stitch witchery or interfacing place it under the fray. Then using a piece of parchment.

How do you fix a quilt top?

4:1210:20HOW TO REPAIR A QUILT - HOLES, TEARS AND BROKEN SEAMSYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAfter if the frame is more severe. You will need to add some structure take a piece of fusible likeMoreAfter if the frame is more severe. You will need to add some structure take a piece of fusible like stitch witchery or interfacing place it under the fray. Then using a piece of parchment.

What was used for batting in old quilts?

Prior to the 1950s, most batting was made of cotton, wool, flannel, or from old quilts and sheet blankets. Although cotton batting is still available today and used for traditionally made quilts, most, but not all, mass produced quilts have a polyester batting.

How do you fix a rip in a duvet cover?

Patch in a Pinch A fabric patch can cover a small torn spot or hole in your comforter. An iron-on or glue-on patch is easier to apply than one that requires sewing. Iron-on patches come in a variety of colors. Pick one that is similar in color and texture to your comforter, so that the tear is not noticeable.

How do you replace old quilt bindings?

2:504:01Replacing binding on an older, and much loved, quilt. Watch ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then just put a new binding on so it's still the same size slightly different but i'm very happyMoreAnd then just put a new binding on so it's still the same size slightly different but i'm very happy with this this is a much loved.

How to Clean an Antique Quilt

Many times, vintage quilts will require some gentle cleaning. Antique fabrics cannot be treated the same as new fabrics, they are very delicate. Only wash the quilt with water if the soil is damaging the fabrics. Vintage quilts with a musty smell can be aired out with some fresh air.

Properly Storing Old Quilts

When not displaying vintage quilts, they should be stored correctly to prevent further deterioration. Avoid plastic tubs or containers for old quilts. Instead, roll the quilt in acid-free paper and place it in an acid-free box. Keep the box in a cool, dry spot out of the light.

Antique Quilt Restoration

Some vintage quilts require restoration. Restoring old quilts is extremely rewarding, but must be done with caution. True antique quilt restoration involves revitalizing the quilt back to its original condition as closely as possible.

How to patch a hole in a quilt?

If you’re not too bothered about following good design practices, then this approach will work well for you. It involves choosing a piece of leftover fabric that you like and sewing it onto your quilt to patch up the hole. You can use a zig-zag stitch to accomplish this, which will stop the patch from coming undone.

How to find the right fabric for a quilt?

For one thing, finding the right fabric is going to be like looking for a needle in a haystack. The best thing for you to do in this case is to try to find fabric that closely resembles the original quilt’s in colour and design.

How to make a quilt with a paper template?

Put the paper template on top of the fabric and, using a hot quilting iron, press the edges of the fabric around the paper. This will give the fabric a crisp edge that you can use as a guide for sewing it onto the quilt.

What is the most common appliqué used for quilting?

There are several different applying appliqué, but the most common one used for quilting projects is hand appliqué. You can also purchase a pre-made appliqué if you prefer.

What does "cut away" mean in sewing?

This means trimming away all of the fabric that’s still in reasonably good condition and either using it to create something new or simply putting it back together as a smaller version of the original.

Can a quilt be salvaged?

In some cases, you may have to accept the fact that the quilt you love is beyond repair. The good news is , this doesn’t necessarily mean that the quilt can’t be salvaged. You might still be able to repurpose some of the old fabric and use it to construct an entirely new piece.

Can you repair a quilt with stitches?

This method can be applied to quilts that only require minor repairs because small holes or tears can be mended with simple stitches.

What do you do for a Hole through the Entire Quilt?

My childhood pup, Ginger, chewed a whole in this double wedding ring quilt that my grandmother made for my dad. I remember being SO heartbroken and devastated over this....at the time, a hole seemed like such a big deal! Granny didn't really seem phased by it though. She brought the quilt home, spent a couple of days repairing it and voila! I didn't know how she did it at the time (other than that pure granny magic), but now that I have a little bit of quilty knowledge, I think I have a theory!

What is re-applique quilting?

If you want the patch to be more discrete, I've linked to a few resources that talk about re-applique, which is a technique in which us us a similar fabric to create a patch that matches the shapes within the quilt. I recommend checking that out!

What is a patch on a 1950s Bowtie quilt?

Patches on a 1950s-60s Bowtie quilt: Mending torn edge of a 1940s quilt: “Conservation”, on the other hand, stabilizes and maintains the current condition of the quilt. The only fabrics added to a quilt are those that give necessary structural support.

Why are quilts important?

Quilts (and clothing) are an important part of this country’s history, and of family histories, too. When you are working on an antique quilt, you are taking stitches in a three-dimensional, historical document. All quilts, not just “museum-quality” quilts, hold valuable information.

Can you see the original quilt?

If anyone ever wants to see the original quilt, they would be able to find the original underneath your patching. Also, removing fabrics and cutting threads can cause new problems, such as weakening and skewing the structure, or causing more stitching to unravel. - Stay away from mending with fusibles.

Is a quilt from the 1940s rare?

All quilts, not just “museum-quality” quilts, hold valuable information. In a hundred years, there may be only a few quilts from the 1940s left intact. They will be as rare and collectable as quilts from the 1840s, even the plainest ones, are now.

Where to trim binding on quilt?

Again, trim away the threads that hold the binding in place, on both the front and back of the quilt.

How to make a patch that matched the seam?

To make a patch that matched the seam, I sewed the two fabrics together along an angle, and them trimmed down to a smaller size.

How to make a patch for a sleeveless shirt?

Place the patch over the holes, lining up the seam between the fabrics and pin in place. Starting in a corner, stitch along one edge, as close to the edge as possible. Continue around all four sides, stopping when you return to the beginning. Pull the threads through to the back, and make a knot out of all 4 threads.

How to make a needle go through a green fabric?

Pull the needle through a little bit of both fabrics, in my example the green fabric is folded on top of the gold star fabric, so the needle goes through the gold fabric first and then the green fabric.

How to make a double thread?

Thread the needle, and knot the ends together, giving a double thickness of thread. Knot the end a couple times, so that the knot won’t pull through the fabric.

Can you cut the binding on a quilt?

Separate the binding from the front as well. Note, you are not cutting the binding itself. You are cutting the threads that attach the binding to the quilt.

Can a quilt open up when washing?

This seam that has opened up is not the responsibility of the puppy, this is type of damage is more likely to occur through repeated washing and drying. All of the quilts I make are washer and dryer friendly, because quilts are meant to be used, but the agitation part of the cycle can open up seams. Fortunately, they are pretty easy to fix; all you need is a needle and thread.

How to wash a quilt?

Bettina Havig: Only wash a quilt if it is cotton and then only if absolutely necessary. A gentle bath in a tub can do wonders but also can do damage. Make all repairs before washing. Use a gentle detergent (no soap) and dry flat, if possible, making sure that the weight of the quilt is supported. Because lifting a wet quilt puts huge stress on the fibers, lift it with a sheet or fiberglass screen under it. Squeeze out the water as you would a fine sweater; do not wring it. Never dry-clean a cotton quilt. Most silk/wool crazy quilts cannot tolerate the dry-cleaning process either.

How to tell if a quilt is old?

Bettina Havig: Many good resources are available. Clues in the Calico by Barbara Brackman (EPM Publications; 1989; out of print, but used copies are available through online sellers) is one of the best. So many aspects determine a quilt's age that it takes experience to make a determination. One clue is fabric. Looking at good photos of dated quilts can be a great way to build up some dependable knowledge. The style and size are also important. Extremely large quilts are often older than one might suspect. Quilting motifs can help, but regionalisms can fool you. Just because a quilt shows wear doesn't mean it's an antique. Remember that a quilt is only as old as the newest fabric in it.

How can I tell how old a quilt is?

Should I use antique quilts or keep them stored safely away? Do you have any ideas for displaying them?

Bettina Havig: If you are collecting quilts for possible resale, use may affect the value. If you are using and enjoying family quilts and are careful to be kind to them, then using them seems to fulfill their basic purpose. To protect them, keep pets off, do not wash them frequently, and avoid long exposure to direct sunlight or artificial light. Store them at a living temperature and environment-not in a hot attic or damp basement. (If you don't want to live in the environment, neither does your quilt.) Do not store a quilt in plastic. Textiles need to breathe so clean sheets or pillowcases work well.

Do you have any ideas for what I should do with orphan antique blocks?

Bettina Havig: The condition of the blocks may be the best answer. There is often a reason why tops or blocks never became quilts. Handling old tops and blocks can make matters worse. My personal preference is to leave both tops and blocks as you found them, as a collection. A really special block might deserve archival framing. If the assorted blocks are square and well-pieced, it's fun to make a sampler quilt. The fun comes in designing a setting that can include all of the various block sizes. This way you can use the blocks and preserve them at the same time.

What makes a quilt valuable?

Those are the characteristics that make a quilt valuable in the marketplace. Quality: The piecing must be fairly accurate and the fabrics unfaded and sturdy. The quilt should be in the best condition expected for its age. Visual Appeal: Buy quilts that speak to you, that appeal to you on emotional and visual levels.

How to get rid of dyes on quilt?

Include a Shout Color Catcher to catch any errant dyes. After soaking, spin the quilt in the washing machine to remove excess water. Spinning a quilt in the washer does not damage the fabrics or thread, and it removes excess water quite well. Wash it with quilt wash on a gentle cycle in a front-loading machine, if possible.

Can you vacuum a quilt to live with brown?

It is possible that their suggestion will be to vacuum the quilt, or perhaps just air it out and live with the brown. If nothing else, they would be able to give you an educated and informed way to proceed.

Can you wash a quilt to remove the brown color?

I do not recommend washing the quilt to remove or reduce the brown coloring. With a quilt this old, you cannot know whether the fabric and stitching will be able to stand up to the strain of washing and drying. The fabrics may bleed, fray or disintegrate; the stitches may break...leaving you worse off then you are now.