Happy Holidays!
No matter how you celebrate the season, Rick and I hope you’re experiencing wonderful moments of peace, love and joy … and that you have the best year ever in 2026!
I can’t believe how fast this year flew by! We’ve covered lots of topics in these bi-weekly posts … longarm machine maintenance, sustainable quilting, tips on quilt tops, batting and backs, and so much more. If there’s a topic you’d like me to cover, please let me know!
One topic we haven’t discussed is caring for our quilts and how to store them. I thought that with many of us gifting quilts at this time of year, it might be nice to offer some tips that we can pass on with the quilts we’re giving … especially for those receiving their first quilt!
Let’s start by talking about caring for utility quilts that will be used on a daily basis, then shift into caring for heirloom quilts. Next, we’ll talk about storing your quilts. And finally, I’ll share a few ideas on how to share this information with those receiving your quilts.
Caring for Your Quilts
When it comes to caring for your quilts, the type of fabrics and batting used, prewashing decisions, and other factors all come into play. And if there’s something particular about a quilt that its recipient should know (i.e., drying a quilt with wool batting or no ironing polyester), obviously, share that information when gifting the quilt.
For today’s discussion of quilt care, I’m going to look at two categories of quilts: utility and heirloom quilts. This distinction isn’t about the quality of materials or time put into making the quilt. It’s about how the quilt is meant to be used … its purpose!
Utility Quilts
Utility quilts are made to be used in regular daily life – whether on beds, couches, or floors. My message to those receiving quilts in this category is simply, “Use it, wash it, ENJOY IT!!!”
I think one of the scariest concerns for a first-time quilt recipient is “how do I wash the quilt without destroying it?” (I think that’s one of the scariest questions for new quilters as well!) So, let’s start there.
Washing Tips
- Machine wash on gentle in cool water.
- Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent.
- Wash your quilt separately.
- Use several color catcher sheets (especially for the first wash or two and if the quilt contains a mix of light and dark colors).
- Avoid using bleach, fabric brighteners or fabric softeners.
Drying Tips
- Tumble dry on low heat or air-dry cycle.
- Remove when slightly damp if possible.
Everyday Use Tips
- Kids and pets are okay – just watch for snags and trim nails.
- Small repairs – complete as needed. This extends the life of the quilt.
Remember – Utility quilts improve with loving use and age!
Heirloom Quilts
Heirloom quilts are made to be preserved … they may mark a particular milestone or showcase advanced quilting skills. Regardless, they are meant to be passed down through generations!
Washing Tips
- Wash as infrequently as possible.
- Spot clean if possible, else wash gently by hand.
- Never use bleach, fabric brighteners or fabric softeners.
Drying Tips
- Never wring or twist when wet.
- Air dry on a clean, flat surface.
- Support the quilt completely when wet – no hanging!
Display Tips
- If hanging the quilt, use a full-width hanging sleeve and rod.
- Avoid direct sunlight and heat.
- Rotate display periods to reduce light damage.
Regardless of which category your quilt falls in, accidents happen. In an emergency, blot spills/stains immediately – don’t rub!!! If you can, use distilled water. And if you must use a cleaning agent, test it first on an inconspicuous area of the quilt.
Storing Your Quilts
Proper storage of your quilts when not in use is as important as their care when in use.
Remember to:
- Store clean, dry quilts.
- Store your quilts in breathable materials. (Use cotton sheets or pillowcases, muslin or acid-free tissue paper.) Utility quilts can be stored on a shelf or in a linen closet when not in use.
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place.
Avoid:
- Plastic bags or bins. (These trap moisture and don’t breathe.)
- Cedar chests. (The oils in the wood can damage fabric.)
- Attics, basements or garages. (Mice made a home in a friend’s quilt! Ugh!)
If a quilt is stored for several months, occasionally unfold it and rotate the folds to avoid setting deep creases. If storing it long-term, air the quilt out once or twice a year as well.
Every quilt deserves the appropriate level of care matching its purpose!
Sharing Quilt Care Information
When giving a quilt to someone, especially someone who isn’t a quilter, it’s helpful to provide written care instructions.
When gifting a quilt, a handwritten note can add a wonderful finishing touch. A short, warm note can make the gift feel intentional and meaningful.
Here’s an example of a note that can be included with a utility quilt:
This quilt was made to be used and enjoyed – snuggle under it, toss it on the couch, and make it part of your everyday life! It can be washed gently in cold water and dried on low heat. May it bring warmth and smiles to you for years to come!
Obviously, the problem with including the care instructions on a gift card is that the card is often discarded or misplaced with time.
A solution? Add the care instructions to your quilt label. Not only will the quilt’s new owner know how to take proper care of the quilt, but so will anyone else that benefits from sharing in the quilt’s story as time goes on.
Even if you’re making a quilt for yourself, consider adding the care instructions to the label. I don’t know about you, but I know that several years from now, I’ll potentially forget some of the specifics about the quilt that I should know to take care of it properly!
Our main goal as quilters is to keep our quilts out of storage and being lovingly used. Let’s help everyone we gift or donate quilts to by sharing the information they need to confidently enjoy and care for them!
Okay, time to wrapup this post.
Upcoming Classes – 2026 Sneak Peek!
I’ll provide more details in our first post of 2026, but here’s a list of classes already scheduled for next year! (If you can’t wait for the details, see the Classes page of our website!)
Free-Motion Basics Class with Wendy Fuller
Appleton – Friday, March 6, 2026
Elkhorn – Saturday, March 7, 2026
Feathers, Flowers & Leaves with Wendy Fuller
Appleton – Friday, March 20, 2026
Elkhorn – Saturday, March 21, 2026
Ruler and Gridwork Class with Wendy Fuller
Appleton – Friday, April 24, 2026
Elkhorn – Saturday, April 25, 2026
Holiday Hours
The Elkhorn & Appleton shops are closed
Sunday, December 22nd through Thursday, January 1st
In addition to taking a little time off,
we’ll be using this time to do inventory and get ready for 2026!
Sorry for any inconvenience it may cause.
If you need help during this time OR are interested in taking advantage of the distributor sales that will be ending soon, please email us at info@QuiltingConnection.com. We’ll be monitoring email as time permits.
Year End Used Machine Sale!
The Quilting Connection has several used Handi Quilter machines with frames that we are offering at fantastic prices!
Our inventory includes:
- 2021 Used Forte (Amara 24) with 12’ Gallery Frame + Quick Zip System
- 2017 Used Avante 18 with 12’ Studio Frame
- 2022 Used Moxie 15 with Pro-Stitcher Lite and 8’ Loft Frame + Quick Zip System
- 2020 Used Simply Sixteen with 12’ Studio Frame
- 2020 Used Moxie 15 with 8’ Loft Frame + Quick Zip System
See the Used Longarm Machines page of our website for more details and pricing.
And remember, ALL machines come with FREE training at either our Elkhorn or Appleton shops!
Distributor Sales
Handi Quilter
Here’s what Handi Quilter is offering through December 31st!!
APQS
And here’s what APQS is offering! They’re also throwing in free shipping!
Whether you’re thinking Handi Quilter or APQS,
please email us for more information!!!
And remember, act before December 31st!
The Quilting Central Podcast Updates
The Latest QCP Episode
Have you caught the latest episode of The Quilting Central Podcast?
Check out “Stop the Tension Struggle! How to Dial In Your Longarm for ANY Thread Weight”!
Julie, Cathy and I give a full, step-by-step lesson on how to adjust longarm tension for ANY thread, ANY quilt, and ANY situation! We share our shop-tested tips and tricks for diagnosing tension issues fast!
This episode covers:
✔️ How to set perfect bobbin tension
✔️ How to correctly perform the bobbin drop test
✔️ How to adjust top thread tension on your longarm
✔️ What ideal stitches look like on both sides of the quilt
✔️ How to make sure your thread loops in the center of the quilt sandwich
✔️ What “hills and valleys” mean — and why they matter
✔️ How to adjust tension for different thread weights
✔️ SPECIAL: How to quilt with metallic thread without breakage
And for a complete listing of all our episodes, check out the Quilting Central Podcast YouTube channel! Be sure to subscribe and comment. We’d love to hear your thoughts!
The Quilting Central Podcast Virtual Retreat
We had so much fun with our first QCP virtual retreat that we’re doing it again!
Join us:
Sunday, January 25th 2 PM – 6:00 PM CT
Monday, January 26th 6 PM – 8:00 PM CT
Tuesday, January 27th 6 PM – 8:00 PM CT
(We’re opening 30 minutes early each day for setup and Q&A before instruction begins.)
We’ll cover:
- Free-motion quilting
- Ruler work
- Computerized quilting (Tips for all brands of longarms!)
- Needles, thread & tension
Your registration fee includes a Retreat Kit that will be shipped right to your door! It will include:
- A piece of printed fabric that looks like pieced quilt blocks large enough to practice on (and you’ll have a small table runner as a finished project by the end of class)
- A few surprise tools and supplies to use in our free-motion and ruler work lessons
- Step-by-step instructions for downloading the computerized quilting design we’ll be using
- Plus a few fun extra surprises just for you!
(You’ll need to supply your own backing, batting & thread.)
See the Classes page of The Quilting Connection website for more information and to register.
Registration closes on January 5, 2026, so don’t wait!
That’s it for this post! Hope you’re having a WONDERFUL holiday season!
Please remember, if you ever have ANY questions or want additional information about ANY of the products and services we offer, please call us at (262) 723-6775 or email us at info@QuiltingConnection.com.
You can also visit us online at QuiltingConnection.com or in person at 21 Adams Street in Elkhorn, WI (usually M-F 9-4, please call to confirm we’re open) or 1017 W. Northland in Appleton, WI (W, Th & F 10-4, S 10-3).
Finally, check out our blog at QuiltingConnection.com/blog and our Facebook posts.
And please share your thoughts and questions. I’d love to hear from you!
Angie