Care and Hanging of Your American Quilt

Most quilts are made with a fabric sleeve on the back so they can be hung very easily. You can purchase a rod from any home store that specializes in curtain rods. It can be fun selecting the rod to match your new quilt. Or, you may insert a 2" wide strip of wood (lathing) a little bit shorter than the width of the quilt, attach two eye-screws and hang with picture frame wire for a more contemporary look.

If the quilt is small, you may wish to have it framed. You should use Velcro to hold the quilt in place. You may choose to add a glass to the frame or not depending on how much appliqué and texture is in the quilt. If you decide to use glass, go with non-glare.

The selection of quilts offered here is intended for wall décor. If you are planning to use your quilt on a bed, be aware of the potential need for more frequent cleaning. If the quilt needs cleaning, take it to a professional dry cleaner who specializes in antique quilts.

Always roll your quilt when storing as folding may cause permanent creases. If you are going to store your quilt for an extended period of time, wrap it in a cotton cloth (sheet). If you are planning to store for more than one year, you should inspect and vacuum it on an annual basis.

If, for some reason, your quilt becomes badly soiled, please contact us and we would be happy to recommend highly reputable establishments who do restoration work.

Using the instructions and care as noted above will allow you to enjoy your quilt for many years to come.

If the weaving is small, you may wish to have it framed. You should still use Velcro to hold the weaving in place. Again, the weaving should not be framed using glass as this will prevent the weaving from being cleaned or turned as necessary.

You need to watch out for any excessive pulling on the weaving due to gravity over time as this is one of the potential causes of damage to your weaving.

If you are planning to use your weaving on the floor, use a vacuum with the suction attachment. Periodically reverse the rug and to allow for even wear. A weaving on wood or tile floors should use a pad to avoid slippage and increase the life of the weaving. If you shake out your rug, do it gently as you do not want to snap the rug as it may loosen the end cords or fibers.

If the rug needs cleaning, take it to a professional dry cleaner with experience in wool and even this type of weaving. Always roll your weaving when storing it as folding may cause permanent creases. If you are going to store your weaving for an extended period of time, wrap it in a cotton cloth (sheet) and store in a cedar chest to prevent any moths from getting and damaging the weaving. If you are planning to store for more than one year, you should inspect, vacuum, and perhaps add fresh mothballs or crystals as needed on an annual basis. Never store a Navajo weaving in plastic as plastic can sweat and damage the weaving.

The African Kuba cloths may be pressed on the back and misted to get any wrinkles out of the cloth. If, for some reason, your weaving becomes badly soiled, please contact us and we would be happy to recommend highly reputable establishments who do restoration work.

Using the instructions and care as noted above will allow you to enjoy your weaving for many years to come.