How to Fold and Display Heirloom Quilts

Fold, display, and love your heirloom quilts with this guide! Come on a tour with me of our Coastal Maine and Vermont homes filled with handmade family quilts.

What is a Heirloom Quilt?

An heirloom quilt is a special type of quilt that is passed down through generations within a family. It holds sentimental value and is often treasured as a family heirloom. These quilts are typically handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail and are made to be durable and long-lasting.

Heirloom quilts are more than just blankets; they are tangible representations of family heritage and the skill of the quilters who created them. They embody the love, creativity, and craftsmanship of past generations, making them truly special and cherished pieces of family history.

My mother loved making quilts in her later years. I always looked forward to what she would come up with next. All different colors, patterns, and sizes. She wasn’t an expert by any means, but today, her quilts are my treasured family heirlooms.

Heirloom Quilts in the Attic

On a recent rummage trip to our inherited Maine home’s attic, I discovered an old trunk that was filled with heirloom quilts along with a few hand-knit blankets that my mother had stowed away that surely dated back to her mother, my grandmother.

This inspired me to gather up all my mother’s handmade quilts to fold and display in our downstairs guest bedroom, with all their tears, wrinkles, and tatters.

There was something about these quilts, too. Ella, our Bernese Mountain Dog, was completely fixated on the quilts while I was folding and decorating with them. I even found her later roaming around the trunk in the attic, as you can see above.

This turned out to be the perfect cozy home decorating project, too, as we head into the winter months.

How Not to Fold an Heirloom Quilt

Do you have a collection of quilts that you’ve always wanted to display? Do you know how to fold a quilt so it looks pretty for display?

Many people think that you fold a quilt as you would a blanket, me included. But they didn’t look right folded this way. Much too cumbersome and bulky.

To properly care for a quilt and prevent damage, it is important to know how not to fold a quilt. Here are some guidelines to follow:

1. Avoid folding along the same lines repeatedly: Folding a quilt along the same lines over time can lead to permanent creases and weaken the fabric. It is best to change the folding pattern each time you store or transport the quilt.
2. Do not fold the quilt tightly: Folding a quilt too tightly can put unnecessary stress on the fabric and seams, leading to potential damage over time. Allow some room for the quilt to breathe and avoid excessive compression.
3. Avoid folding on sharp edges or corners: Folding a quilt on sharp edges or corners can cause creases and wear out those areas faster. Instead, try to fold the quilt on softer curves or rounded edges.
4. Do not fold a quilt when it is dirty or damp: Folding a quilt when it is dirty or damp can lead to mold or mildew growth. Make sure the quilt is clean and completely dry before folding and storing it.
5. Avoid folding a quilt for extended periods: If possible, avoid folding a quilt for long periods of time, as it can cause permanent creasing. If you need to store a quilt, consider rolling it instead of folding to minimize stress on the fabric.
6. Do not store a quilt in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures: Exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures can fade and weaken the fabric of a quilt. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve its quality.
7. Do not store a quilt in plastic bags: Storing a quilt in plastic bags can trap moisture and promote the growth of mold and mildew. Instead, use a clean, breathable fabric bag or wrap the quilt in acid-free tissue paper for protection.

By following these guidelines, you can help preserve the beauty and integrity of your quilt for years to come.

How to Fold Heirloom Quilts

I learned how to properly fold my heirloom quilts by watching homeowner Kimberly Kaufman, who teaches an easy way to fold your quilts for display! Sponsored by Country Sampler Magazine.

This folding technique is amazing, friends! I laid out each of my mother’s heirloom quilts on our dining room table, and it took about five minutes to fold each quilt. Super easy.

How to Display Heirloom Quilts

Displaying heirloom quilts can be a wonderful way to showcase their beauty and preserve their legacy. Here are several tips on how to display heirloom quilts:

1. Choose a suitable location: Select a location in your home that is free from direct sunlight, excessive humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Avoid areas near windows or heating/cooling vents, as these can damage the quilt over time.
2. Use a quilt rack or hanger: Invest in a quilt rack or hanger specifically designed for displaying quilts. These racks allow you to hang the quilt vertically so that it is fully visible. Make sure the rack is sturdy enough to support the weight of the quilt.
3. Consider a quilt ladder: A quilt ladder is another option for displaying multiple quilts. It provides a decorative and functional way to showcase several quilts at once. Simply drape the quilts over the rungs of the ladder, making sure they are evenly displayed.
4. Wall mounting: If you prefer to hang the quilt on the wall, use a quilt sleeve or fabric loops attached to the back of the quilt. This method allows the quilt to hang flat against the wall without putting stress on the fabric. Use a hanging system that is appropriate for the weight and size of the quilt.
5. Rotate your display: To prevent prolonged exposure to light and minimize wear, consider rotating the displayed quilts every few months. This allows you to enjoy different quilts and ensures that each quilt gets equal time on display.
6. Keep quilts clean: Regularly clean the quilts according to their specific care instructions to maintain their appearance and prevent dirt or dust buildup. Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive agitation that can damage the fabric.

My mother’s heirloom quilts are now folded and displayed beautifully on a vintage dresser in the home’s guest bedroom.

You may also enjoy the post, Coastal Bedding Ideas For Your Beach House.

These heirloom quilts are in all their glory. Not perfect, not professionally made, and definitely tattered. But very sentimental.

And who knows, maybe I’ll find a pie cabinet to display the quilts in, like Kimberly’s…

With these heirloom quilts all being different sizes, I arranged them bottom-up from large to small.

I’m also using two additional heirloom quilts on this guest bed and another quilt on our master bed.

I really believe in enjoying our family heirlooms and not just keeping them on display.

See more of this small guest bedroom over the years in this Small Cottage Guest Bedroom, Vintage, and Delightful post.

Embroidery Hoop Quilt Hanger

Here’s another simple heirloom quilt display tip for you. Fan a quilt or blanket and hang it through an embroidery hoop. I used the second smallest one in this package to hang this white vintage blanket on the back of our guest bedroom closet door.

Simply lay out your blanket, quilt, or towel and fan the top of it. Then, hang the heirloom quilt into the hoop and fan it all out. Isn’t this such a unique and simple idea to hang an heirloom quilt?

I think you may enjoy the post, 3 Wallpaper Bedroom Designs Emblematic of a Cozy Vermont Inn from our home in Vermont, too!

Remember, heirloom quilts are delicate and should be handled with care. By following these tips, you can proudly fold and display your heirloom quilts and share their beauty with others while preserving their integrity for generations to come.

I’m so glad you dropped by, and if you are new to my blog, welcome! I hope you enjoyed your visit with us here today at our Home in Coastal Maine.

Be sure to also check out our Home in Vermont, too, where we spend winters enjoying the coziness of home in the Green Mountains of Vermont.

I’ve created the above custom pin just for this post!  Hearing from you makes my day, and your comments mean so much to me! Please join me on Instagram & Pinterest to see more!

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