Caring For Your Star Quilt

Dry Clean:  I used to recommend washing and drying for all star quilts.  Now I've changed my mind, believing that dry cleaning is best.  The reason is that most quilt fabrics are not the same as they once were; they bleed more easily, even after washing once.

 Machine Washing: Wash and dry star quilts only when necessary, using cold water and a mild soap (but not dish washing soaps or soaps made for woolens.)  Use a large washing machine on the gentle cycle. Dissolve the soap in the washer before adding the quilt.  Color-setting additives are welcome.  Rinse the quilt well, twice if you have to. Remove immediately after washing.

Hand Washing: 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 twice, drain tub and gently press the remaining water out of the quilt.

Drying: Drying in a dryer is OK, or they may be air dried on a flat surface.  Don't hang or line dry your quilt or threads might break. Quilts may be air dried flat on a tarp, mattress pad or towels, or they may be slowly dried in the dryer on a cool-warm but not hot setting. An extra large dryer is best. It's best to remove it from the dryer before it's completely dry.  If drying indoors, a fan may speed up drying time. Always avoid prolonged or repeated direct sunlight on your quilt or it will fade.

Fluffing: To fluff up a quilt between washings, 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 major debris.

Storage: 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.