Best way to finish an old quilt top?

Question

I found a quilt top in an abandoned farm house. It was dirty and has some issues, but I washed it carefully. Should I replace the torn and faded pieces or just repair it best I can?It only has one side of a border, so I will replace that. Not sure if I should just tie it or try and get it quilted... it is all hand sewn so lots of it 'pucker' and won't lay flat.

Dee Hughes · Answer

I have had some old quilts like this one, and put a new bat behind, a new backing, and hand tied them. They came out looking really good. I have also taken really raggedy quilts, taken the better parts, and made a cushion for an old cedar chest, and an antique rocking chair seat and back to cushion them.

Anna Schultz · Answer

Hi, I'm by no means a quilt 'guru', but if it were one I'd found, there isn't the sentimental value that I have to figure in. I'd just finish it around the edges and hand sew the big stuff/ repairs as best you can and then just use it! I have one that my mom made for my oldest and it is completely wore out. Can't even mend it anymore. So put it in a chest. LOVE QUILTS!

JCEllis · Answer

Due to it's possible age, I would repair as best as possible, put on a new border, maybe strips from an older sheet ( new wine in old wine skins problem) and hand tie.

Mary · Answer

I would be tempted to take it to a conservator, find out its value and go from there. Or, you can fix it up as best you can, sew a backing on it for support, put on a sleeve and hang it on a wall that needs some color. It's really very pretty and very colorful. It would be a shame to do nothing with it.

Bobbie-A Vision To Remember · Answer

If it were me, I would try to fix the holes as best as I could with coordinating fabric. I would add/fix the border. Then I would add a new back and batting and quilt on my machine. I liked what @Mary suggested. Take it to get an idea as to the value of it. If it was really valuable then I would try to repair it to as authentic as possible. Otherwise, depending on how much work I really could put into it I might cut it down and make pillows or a wall hanging out of it.

Sheila Stewart · Answer

I made a quilt 30 years ago and one of the fabrics has started to fray in spots, so I recently bought a complimentary fabric and added patches (appliques). It's patchwork, right? lol. I figured it's what they would have done back in the day. JCEllis has a point about about old wineskins. If you don't have any old sheets, you'd be able to find some on Ebay.

Mary is probably right, too. If you are inerested in it's value, you might want to have it looked at before you 'fix' it.

Connie perkins · Answer

How about going to a 2nd hand store or antique store to find contemporary material to repair it with?

Terri · Answer

HI Julie: You have a Pinwheel pattern scrap-bag quilt, named because it was made from fabric scraps too small to use for anything else. The best thing to do would be to replace the missing or damaged pieces with similar fabric. Maybe a local quilt shop or group could recommend some fabric choices. Then, as Mary suggested, add batting and tie together, which will help distribute the weight better. A sleeve for hanging would allow you to enjoy it without subjecting it to more damage from use. Good luck with your sweet find!

Linda Sapp · Answer

Very, very carefully! Take it to someone who knows about and deals with quilts. Surely there is a quilt-making group in your area and they can give you some recommendations.

Annie · Answer

Good idea, Linda Sapp. Do a little more research with quilters recommendations. Google it to find a nearby group. I did just now and there are a BUNCH of quilters groups in your area in Kansas City, MO. Have fun and good luck!

Marla · Answer

Just a reminder to everyone; 'Abandoned' farm houses belong to someone. Someone owns them and is paying taxes on them. Entering a place you do not own is trespassing and taking things from that place is called stealing. I grew up and live on a farm and was several times appalled at folks who thought anything not nailed down was free for the taking.

Marie Cole · Answer

@Marla: In response to what you said about abandoned places and people taking things from them, I would like to add that most people I know do not enter these places if they are locked and/or posted with No Trespassing/ Keep Out signs. It is unfortunate that there are people who disregard another's obvious ownership, however if a place looks abandoned (ie: falling down, uncared for, no sign of human habitation for years) I see nothing wrong in looking around and taking things. One of my favorite memories was of exploring old barns, cabins and buildings as a child on Sunday's with the family. If we found something we wanted (usually a kitchen or utility implement) we would take it and didn't consider it stealing in any way. I am sorry you had unfortunate events, but not all people are out to take personal property that looks as though it will be retrieved.

Julie Benson-Grant · Answer

I want everyone to know how appreciative I am to have you take part in this discussion. I did get an opinion from a professional and am happy to know that although there was nothing particularly extraordinary about this quilt - it came from the 40's or 50's and was, indeed, a scrap bag quilt. It had, however, become a very valuable treasure for me, along with the memories built into it by spending time with my son. I have opted to repair where possible and replace where not, and added a narrow border (simply to help reinforce the edges. I am looking for someone who will hand quilt it for me; I think in a simple echo pattern and then be on display in my home. It has become quite a treasure.

Thank you for being a part of it!

Margaret · Answer

Thank you for rescuing this quilt. If the people that owned that place wanted it they would have taken it. I too an a quilter and I know how this quilt will be loved and treasured in your home.

MagnoliaMama · Answer

See mamasmiracle.com for information on caring for vintage and antique linens and specific instructions on removing stains from age, improper storage, or spills. The section called Our Favorite Ideas has hundreds of ideas for using quilts, lace, and other linens in decorating, entertaining, and crafts. I'm so glad you rescued this quilt ... now it can be enjoyed by other generations!

MagnoliaMama · Answer

You may be able to find short lengths of vintage fabric or damaged clothing from the 40s and 50s on ebay or etsy. Many people bundle them up and sell them. Also look for 'cutter' linens (too damaged to use, as is) and older 100% cotton sheets or muslin. This would provide the older fabrics you need to repair this quilt.

Dee · Answer

I am so glad someone cared enough to preserve that quilt. I often think of the time and effort that someone put into making, and the memories each of those scraps had. It is sad when they are just discarded. I agreed one should be cognizant about not removing what is not yours, however sometimes the lines are gray . . . if that was left dirty in an abandoned place, isn't it better someone who values it has it, rather than having rodents eat it? I do love exploring abandoned places and have take trivial things . . . if there is something there that I would like but could be questionable to take then if it is worth my while I find the owner and ask for it. I never enter posted places and I try to leave things, if not the same, then better than when I found it (i.e. I do pick up - carefully - garbage, esp. something dangerous & dispose of safely, or turn old boards w/ nails sticking up so that the nails are in the ground, or bend the nails down if that is not possible).

Lori Johansen · Answer

I do NOT sew....so this was my solution. Artwork for the family/t.v. room, framed in painted pine. :)

Best way to finish an old quilt top?

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