How to Fold a Log Cabin Quilt

Part of the joy of owning quilts, whether they are newly handmade or antique, is displaying them on a quilt rack, over an unused chair or in a stack together in a cabinet or on a coffee table. As the fabrics sit over time, however, the fibers can begin to break down, and your prized quilt can become a tattered memory. To extend the life of your quilts, you will need to know how to fold a log cabin quilt as well as any other patterned quilt you cherish.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Quilt
• Acid-free tissue paper, if needed

1. Have someone help you by holding one side of the quilt while you hold the other. Fold the quilt in half lengthwise. The top should face out.

2. Fold the quilt over widthwise two times. Fold the quilt lengthwise again and hold it.

3. Store the quilt where you wish. If the quilt will be in contact with a wood surface, place a few sheets of tissue paper between the fabric and the wood.

4. Unfold the quilt and refold it differently every two to three months it is stored without being used. The next time you fold, start by folding lengthwise into thirds, instead of in half, leaving the top on the outside.

5. Refold the sides widthwise by thirds as well. This will keep the same portions of fabrics from being stressed and creased in the same areas all the time. Store as mentioned in Step 3.

Tips & Warnings

• Rotate out which quilts you are keeping stored up and which are being displayed on a chair, quilt rack or unused bed.
• Avoid keeping any quilts where they will be in direct sunlight. While many techniques exist today to help fabric colors stay colorfast, excess sun can fade the quilt over time.

References

• Quilter's Compete Guide; Marianne Fons & Liz Porter; 2000.