Craftzine.com blog : Mend your Quilt

Mend your Quilt

The quilt my mother made me is falling apart. It seemed as soon as I moved to Arizona (a much drier climate than previously), the fabric started to crack and shred. Does anyone know why this would happen? My cat doesn't scratch my quilt at all. If you have any idea, post in the comments. I made an instructable about how to patch a quilt. - Link.

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Posted by: ThreeFrenchHens on November 26, 2007 at 2:57 PM

Both heat & humidity are enemies of textiles, paper, wood ~ new & old alike. Direct sunlight as well as fluorescent lights are especially damaging.
Another problem which can be seen clearly in damage around the sewing line is when a synthetic thread has been used to sew a cotton fabric. Basically the thread, since it is a petroleum product, is melting. This is another reason why you should never store quilts or any textile in plastic bags. Literally, the cotton cannot breathe.
The dyes used in the fabric may be causing the problems, too. Certain dyes will literally eat the fabric with time. Also, if your quilt has been in storage & folded in one way for an extended period of time, the unfolding can do a great deal of damage. Try to refold your quilts in other ways at least two or three times a year.

Not particularly good news, is it? :(

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