Is It Okay to Quilt an Old Pieced Quilt Top?

There are two sides to this issue. Obviously, rare or unique tops should be left as is because the new quilting will almost certainly have a negative effect on their value. Also, sometimes the fabrics in an antique top are so brittle or fragile that the actual act of stitching and pulling the quilting thread through can cut the threads of the fabric or cause too much stress, particularly on the old browns that are so fragile anyway because of the damage done by the original dyes and mordants. New quilting thread can also continue to cut through old fibers even after the top has been quilted. As in medicine-the first rule is: Do no harm!

However, if the quilt top lacks historic or artistic value and is in good condition, there is an equally strong group of supporters that believes that the original maker would have quilted it, that the tops are stronger with the batting and backing to support them, and that no harm is done by careful quilting with the proper thread. If an old quilt top is newly quilted, always make sure to sew an identification label to the back explaining the approximate age of the top and stating clearly when it was quilted. Also include identification of both the top's maker (if known) and the quiltmaker because 50 years from now, that will be an invaluable clue to future generations or to someone attempting to date the quilt.

Also pertinent is to consider should you wash an old quilt top? There's no one answer to this question because of the many variables within any antique top. However, please be aware that washing a top puts great stress on the stitching, and few tops can survive even careful home laundering intact. Washing an old top in a washing machine is a sure recipe for disaster. Frayed and split seams and loss or bleeding of color are two of the most common types of damage. Uneven shrinkage of different pieces or different fabrics used in the top canalso occur, which can warp the quilt beyond redemption.

When the quilt top is so soiled that no one will quilt it without its being washed, the owner must make a choice between risking it by washing or keeping it unquilted. If the decision is made to wash, knowing the risks, first test each different fabric and thread to be sure they are colorfast.

Then try to keep the top as flat as possible; place the top between two old sheets for support and protection before wetting it; do not agitate, rub, or move the top under any circumstances; and use repeated changes of clear lukewarm water to lift the soil or discoloration, rather than using soap or detergent. When you drain each change of water, you will see how the water has discolored as the top has soaked. That discoloration may be the water's lifting the soil and stains, or it may be color loss.

If you have access to a child's large wading pool, that can be pressed into service as a temporary "quilt bath." It's easy to drain and refill and may be large enough to allow the quilt top to remain flat. Use the two sheets like a sling to lift the wet top out of the pool. Do not try to wring or press excess water out of the quilt top! Just lay it flat outside, still between its two sheets, let it drain, dry it flat, and hope for the best. A dry, hot, slightly cloudy day is best. You can speed the drying process by placing an electric fan to blow across the quilt.

Prepared by Karey Bresanhan, President and CEO of Quilts, Inc. and author, 8/00.

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