Unfold, Refold, Repeat

How do you fold your quilts? There is no one specific way that is best to fold quilts but it is very important to remember to unfold and refold them from time to time. Especially those quilts that are stored in a closet or stacked.

Many of my quilts get folded and refolded every time I drag them out to do a trunk show at a quilt guild event. My working quilts get lots of time in suitcases, so I try to refold them after every event to help reduce stress on the fold lines and keep the fibers from breaking down in the creases.

My bed quilts get rotated at least every season or holiday if not more often. I love to layer quilts on beds, especially in winter. I have a quilt on each bed in the house and generally another one folded at the end of the bed. It might be considered unnecessary, but when you have as many as I do, why not?

The display quilts in the house also tend to get rotated seasonally. I have quilts folded on furniture, piled in stacks on benches and shelves, hanging from the walls, folded over quilt ladders, rolled into large baskets and draped across tables. And yes, there was a time when my kids were young that they would play ‘count the quilts’ in every room of the house. Quilts bring me joy and we live with our quilts.

I never wanted my quilts to be ‘off limits’ to kids or pets. Okay, I’ve got a few that are tucked out of reach because I am not going to be making another “Dear Jane” obviously, but almost all of my quilts are meant to be used and loved and worn and tattered. A worn quilt is a sign that it’s done its job! Nothing makes me happier than seeing a quilt I’ve gifted to someone being used and loved!

No matter what job a quilt is doing, or where it lives, it’s important to refold them regularly to keep them from getting creased on the fold lines. Also, refolding them gives me a chance to see if they need to be washed, mended, moved out of direct sunlight, or swapped out for another quilt.

Happy folding!