Caring for Antique Textiles

Antique textiles come in a variety of forms.  Textiles include  clothing, scraps of fabrics, draperies, curtains, tapestries, quilts, doll clothes, needlepoint and much more.  I also include the upholstery on my antique chairs when discussing care of antique textiles  

How to care for your treasured pieces depends on many factors, including
size, age, material, and whether you want to display or store the piece for long periods of time.  My upholstered chairs remain on duty for sitting all year whereas my antique table linens are used occasionally  and mostly stored throughout the year.

Whether you use or store your antique textiles there are a few basics you must follow to preserve your pieces.



Before handling antique textiles tell yourself the piece is fragile, exactly how fragile the piece is will become known when you handle it.  Know that silk textiles "melt" and if you see melted silk immediately know to handle with care.

The 3 Basics of Handling Antique Textiles

1. Wash you hands before handling antique fabrics and textiles.  Natural oils from our hands can stain delicate textiles.  The use of hand lotions gives dust a surface to collect and the piece will get stained and require cleaning quicker

2. Keep your food and drinks away for from antique textiles. The obvious reason is the danger of spilling.  Water can create as much damage to a piece as coffee or tea.

3. Remove jewelry especially rings and bracelets that can catch on delicate fabrics leaving torn threads and pulls.  Even a long necklace can create damage to a textile if it catches and pulls on the piece.

 Storing Antique Textiles

1.  Keep antique textiles out of direct sunlight, rain, and any dampness.

2.  Store in acid free containers using acid free paper,  polyester batting.  Cotton sheeting may be used if available.

3.  Do not store antique textiles in cardboard boxes, directly in wooden trunks, or in plastic.

Preserving our clothing and textile heritage

 

When to Seek Expert Advice

1.  Identify the type of material the item is made from, date the item

2.  Before removing a stain

3.  Precautions to take if you want to wear or use the item

4.  Restoring or mending an item

5.  When you suspect insect damage

Till Next Time Stay Well Stay Happy

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