Caring for your Star Quilt

New Native American star quilts will not need to be laundered for quite some time.

Cleaning Solutions:

General:  Star quilts may be cleaned by laundering them in a washing machine, or by hand in the bath tub.  Drying in a large dryer is OK, or they may be air dried on a flat surface.  Dry cleaning is not recommended for most quilts.  Do not use a lint roller, as it pulls the batting through the fabric.

Fluffing:  To fluff up a dry quilt, you can place it in the dryer for 15 minutes on the air only setting.  This will loosen a lot of lint, pet hair, and other minor debris.

Machine washing:  Wash and dry quilts only when necessary, using warm water, not hot.  Cold water is the best.  Use a mild soap, but not dishwashing soaps or soaps made for woolens.  For a black quilt, use cold water.  Use a large washing machine on the gentle cycle.  Dissolve the soap in the washer before adding the quilt.  Rinse the quilt well.  Remove immediately after washing.

Hand Washing:  Star quilts may also be hand washed in the bathtub.  Knead gently between your hands.  Don't swish the quilt or swirl it around.  After rinsing, drain the tub and gently press the remaining water out of the quilt.

Drying:  Wet quilts are very heavy, so picking up wet quilts must be done with care in order to avoid breaking the threads.  Don't hang or line dry your quilt.  quilts may be air dried flat on a mattress pad or towels, or they may be dried in the dryer on a warm but not hot setting.  An extra large dryer is best.  It's best to remove your star quilt from the dryer before it's completely dry.  Don't iron.  If drying indoors, a fan may speed up drying time.  Always avoid direct sunlight on your quilt.

Storage Solutions:

Roll up and store your quilt in a pillow case, or wrapped in a bed sheet, or rolled up in an acid free wrapping paper.  Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat, moisture, and sunlight.  Don't store it in a plastic bag.  To avoid permanent creasing, occasionally re-roll the quilt.

Visit Diane's Native American Star Quilts at nativeamericanstarquilts.net