Adding quilt care information to quilt labels helps recipients feel confident in caring for their new quilt.
Different quilts require different care depending on materials and construction methods. Some quilts get used and abused, from super hero cape to security blanket, they do it all. While others are family heirlooms, enjoyed and passed on through the generations. Whichever type of quilt you give, let the recipient know the best way to care for their treasure.
Here are a few quilt care ideas you may want to include on your next quilt label.
For the well-loved quilt:
- Machine wash, warm
- Tumble dry, gentle
- Do not bleach
- Do not iron
- Do not hand wring (twist to remove water)
For the seasonal bed quilt (machine quilted, poly batting):
- Machine wash, gentle cycle, warm
- Tumble dry, gentle
- Limit prolonged direct sunlight
- Do not bleach
- Do not iron
- Do not hand wring
For the hand pieced, hand quilted family heirloom quilt:
- Hand wash, only if needed
- Air dry
- No direct sunlight
- Do not bleach
- Do not iron
- Do not wring
- Do not dry clean
Need step-by-step instructions for hand washing a quilt? Take a look.
For quilts where bleeding fabrics are a concern:
- Color test before washing
- Hand wash, cold
- Use detergent free of bleaches, fragrances and softeners
- Air dry
- No direct sunlight
- Do not bleach
- Do not iron
- Do not wring
- Do not dry clean
And for those who are particularly concerned for the welfare of the quilt, try this:
Before you think about washing this quilt, please call Grandma Jean.
Other things to consider:
- Check the care instruction on the batting package and pass them along to the recipient.
- You may want to give more instruction than a care label can hold. Make a Quilt Care package to give along with the quilt. Include instructions and products safe to use with the quilt.
- If the quilt requires hand washing, include step by step instructions to hand wash (not everyone knows how).
This is something I must try to add to future gift quilts!