Storing unfinished quilt tops — this is a pretty important thing. Learn how and why storing unfinished quilt tops is important. Don’t let all your hard work disappear in pulled seams.
Many times we get so excited about finishing the tops and moving onto the next project that we forget what to do with the quilt top.
Why does this matter? Well- the top when stored the raw edges of the quilt blocks or sashings are exposed. They can unravel fairly easy. Even that stray thread that you think is just hanging there might be a thread from a seam and whoop — there it goes, you’ve got a thread pile and things are falling apart.
Not good.
My mom is one who hangs her unfinished quilt tops in the closet of her sewing room. They are there, ready to go to the quilter when it’s their turn. Years ago I went through my quilts and cut batting for each. They are all rolled up in a box and when I get settled maybe I’ll dig them out and get finishing them.
If you notice in the images used all of the quilt tops show the right sides facing out. I know you are thinking this is crazy, but you need to protect the stitching when the quilt isn’t finished.
The outside or right side of the quilt can be touch cleaned before quilting, so it being on the outside is ok. Depending on how long it has been stored you’ll need to dust it off and possibly iron it if there are any creases.
Rolling your quilt top might also be a good option as well if you have somewhere to store them when they are rolled.
I would avoid draping them on a bed at this point. You never know when pets might jump up on them (could pull on the stitching) or even a person. And, if you end up moving them a lot it could compromise the stitching as well.
Storing Unfinished Quilt Tops~
use pant hangers or pinchers for hanging your quilt tops. These wood ones are perfect because they are flat and won’t leave a pinched area on the quilt top.
fabric rack– use dowels on a hanger for draping your quilt tops. Easy to see and store. Love how this rack is on a small wall that really can’t be used for anything. This is perfect!
Metal Skirt Hangers– these work just as well!
Do you have a trick for storing your quilt tops? Share it!
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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I have used wide drapery hangers for larger quilt tops. Also the pant hangers with 4 – 5 bars for mexium tops.
I wouldn’t hang quilts or anything fabric against raw wood. Wood has acids that can destroy fabric. Paint or acid-free tissue between wood & fabric should prevent the problem.
I keep mine in its box with the instructions, batting, backing, binding, and a LITTLE extra fabric.
I hang all my quilt tops on a heavy white plastic hanger then hang them in the closet in my sewing room.