How to Care for Your Quilts
Washing
All of our quilts are machine washable, but care is recommended. If possible, wash quilt in in large commercial washer on the gentle cycle to allow for plenty of room and thorough cleaning. While home washers can be used (if capacity allows),the agitators in home machines may stretch the patchwork or appliques. Always wash in cold water using a laundry product designed for delicate fabrics. This ensures the colors stay true. Always wash the quilt by itself at the fullest setting, and rinse in cold water. Fabric softners can be used and will minimize wrinkling. Tip: Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar in wash water to set and preserve colors.
Drying
It is best to air dry quilts when possible as machine drying tends to lift and fade the threads on the surface of fabrics and cause the colors to appear faded. However, it is possible to dry the quilt in a large capacity dryer on a lower setting to minimize fading. Fabric softening sheets also help minimize fading. Commercial dryers offer the best air flow for larger quilts.
Mending
The beauty of owning a patchwork quilt for life is that they are so easy to mend! After all, they are made of patchwork! Should a tear or hole appear in your quilt, find a similar fabric pattern from an old dress, shirt or sheet, cut to cover the rend and stitch! Not only is it an easy task, but it adds one more memory as the quilt is handed down to the next generation!
Storage
Find a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and fluorescent lighting for storing your quilts. The ultraviolet radiation in both daylight and fluorescent lights causes dyes to fade and fibers to become brittle. Refolding and rotating your quilts seasonally helps protect them from light damage.
Avoid attics, garages, damp basements, and other locations where quilts are exposed to high temperatures, high humidity, and stagnant air. Heat and/or humidity, and lack of ventilation set up the right environment for mold and mildew. An unused extra bed makes an ideal storage spot. Place cotton sheets between quilt layers to prevent dye transfer.
If you put your quilts away, avoid storing quilts directly on wooden shelves or in cardboard containers with gift-wrap-type tissue paper. Untreated wood and paper cause the yellow and brown spots seen on many old quilts. Instead roll cotton quilts (rather than folding) with acid-free tissue paper between the layers. Or, use polyester batting to cushion folds. To prevent permanent creases, regularly refold the quilts in a different way, then reroll them. Place rolled quilts inside cotton pillowcases or sheets to protect against light, dust, and contact with acidic materials. Do not use plastic bags as these tend to retain moisture and encourage mildew growth. If you need to store quilts on wooden shelves, place them in cotton pillowcases first. Then, use a layer of muslin or even aluminum foil to create a barrier between the wood and the pillowcase.
Dry Cleaning
On occasion, we may offer quilts that are labeled Dry Clean Only. In this case, bring the quilt to your local professional dry cleaner and have them test a small section for color fastness in your presence.
Quilt Dimensions
Before you buy a quilt, measure the width, length and depth of your mattress, then use this handy guide to determine the size quilt you need.
This table lists the standard US mattress sizes, quilt dimensions, and the side and bottom drop length.
| Mattress | Mattress Size (W x L) | Quilt Size (W x L) | Side Drop | Bottom Drop |
| Twin/Single | 39 × 75 | 68 x 86 | 14.5" | 11" |
| Twin/Single XL | 39 × 80 | 68 x86 | 14.5" | 6" |
| Double/Full | 54 × 75 | Full 86 x86 | 16" | 11" |
| Queen 90 x 90 | 18" | 15" | ||
| Double/Full XL | 54 × 80 | Full 86 x 86 | 16" | 6" |
| Queen 90 x 90 | 18" | 10" | ||
| Queen | 60 × 80 | Queen 90 x 90 | 15" | 10" |
| Oversize Queen 96 x 98 | 18" | 18" | ||
| King 100 x 90 | 20" | 10" | ||
| King turned 90 x 100 | 15" | 20" | ||
| King 104 x 90 | 22" | 10" | ||
| King 105 x 95 | 22.5" | 15" | ||
| Luxury King 114 x 98 | 27" | 18" | ||
| King Plus 115 x 105 | 27.5" | 25" | ||
| Olympic Queen | 66 x 80 | Queen 90 x 90 | 12" | 10" |
| Oversize Queen 96 x 98 | 15" | 18" | ||
| Oversize Queen Turned 98 x 96 | 16" | 16" | ||
| King 100 x 90 | 17" | 10" | ||
| King 104 x 90 | 19" | 10" | ||
| King 105 x 95 | 19.5" | 15" | ||
| Luxury King 114 x 98 | 24" | 18" | ||
| King Plus 115 x 105 | 24.5" | 25" | ||
| California Queen | 60 x 84 | Oversize Queen 96 x 98 | 18" | 14" |
| King turned 90 x 100 | 15" | 16" | ||
| King 105 x 95 | 22.5" | 11" | ||
| King turned 95 x 105 | 17.5" | 21" | ||
| Luxury King 114 x 98 | 27" | 14" | ||
| Luxury King turned 98 x 114 | 19" | 20" | ||
| King Plus 115 x 105 | 27.5" | 21" | ||
| King | 76 × 80 | King 100 x 90 | 12" | 10" |
| King 104 x 90 | 14" | 10" | ||
| King 105 x 95 | 14.5" | 15" | ||
| Luxury King 114 x 98 | 19" | 18" | ||
| King Plus 115 x 105 | 19.5" | 25" | ||
| California King | 72 x 84 | King 105 x 95 | 16.5" | 11" |
| Luxury King 114 x 98 | 21" | 14" | ||
| King Plus 115 x 105 | 21.5" | 21" |
The Easy Way to Find Your Perfect Quilt
If you are not sure about which quilt you want, or which colors you need, don't despair!
Patchwork Quilts - The Perfect Bedroom Decor
Why should you consider quilts for your bedroom decor? There are lots of reasons!
More about me
I am a female baby boomer coming to the end of a long career in the computer industry, and ready to enjoy my "retirement". I just had to figure out what I wanted to do! I decided to let my passions guide me so whatever path I followed, I would be energized by pleasurable work.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
