The differences in storage methods for quilts arise partly in response to different issues being most pertinent. 1) Quilts are large and cumbersome objects. Flat storage is often very difficult to handle (pull out, view, clearance) and puts the object at greater risk from mishap than rolled storage would. 2) The natural fibers of quilts are stronger in extension than in compression, so the safer thing is to roll the front side outside, and compress the lining. The lining or backing is less important than the quilt front; it is usually less fragile from having had less wear/abrasion. 3) Quilt faces are often susceptible to abrasion so an unprotected rolled quilt is susceptible to damage. Folding with interleaving (acid free tissue) may be preferable if funding does not permit acid free tubes, interleaving, and protective covers. 4) Cotton quilts are susceptible to acid attack (discoloration) from wood in trunks. Folding the right side inward and bundling with sacrificial acid free paper to absorb acidic vapors is preferable. 5) Cross folding (lengthwise and widthwise) produces compression in two directions, but remains preferable (with 'sausages' of acid free tissue) to permanent display (light, dust, mishandling). 6) Cold climates have fluctuations in relative humidity that are minimized by containerized storage involving acid free tubes within closed acid free tubes (top half lifts off bottom cradle). Thus, the 'best' storage method is the one that addresses the concerns of the institution or client and those of the object's preservation. At different places and different times, different solutions arise. Sincerely yours, Mary Ballard, Senior Textiles Conservator, SCMRE >>> [log in to unmask] 04/25/03 10:21AM >>> Hi there! Well, not only am I working on a paper for collaboration, I am also working on one in regard to the care and collection management of antique quilts (my first love). I have been reading several books on this subject and just about everyone says something a little bit different. Most all agree that flat storage is the best. However, this is not always possible due to space constraints. This is where the question comes in: of the books I've read, they each have their own scenario as to what is the next best thing for storing quilts. 1) Rolling the quilt with the design to the center so that it is less tension on the stitches. (They all talk of making sure that the quilt is rolled onto a 3-5" thick tube and put in some type of sleeve to keep dust, etc. off) 2) Rolling the quilt with the design to the outside so that if there are any creases it will be on the backing and not the top 3) Folded storage because it causes the least amount of stress on the quilt. Granted the stitches where the folds are will be stressed. (They all suggest packing the folds with acid free paper so that it is not a harsh fold.) For those of you that work with antique quilts/textiles, what is your method of storage and why do you prefer it?? Thanks for your input! Kathy ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).