Tips: Textiles
The category of textiles includes clothing, quilts, needlework pieces, and actual pieces of textile. Dolls are often included as they are primarily made from fabric.
Historic clothing should never be worn. The sizes were different, and sweat and perfumes will cause stains and damage. Do not wash textiles in washing machines with commercial detergents. Most dust and dirt can be brushed off with a soft brush, or by using a vacuum nozzle covered in mesh. The mesh will stop any item that is pulled off from being sucked into the vacuum. If the item requires washing, it is usually safe to wash by hand in cool water with no detergents. Then lay the item flat to dry. Check first to make sure that none of the colours will run. Do not iron historic textiles. Do not try to repair tears or rips, as there are special stitches and fabrics that conservators use. Modern polyesters are not compatible with historic textiles and can cause damage.
Needlework pieces can be mounted and framed for display, but a trained conservator should only undertake this type of work.
Handling: It is safe to handle textiles with clean, bare hands. Always support the garment while you are handling it. Do not allow the object to drag on the ground. Heavier garments should be kept flat and not hung. The weight of beads or large skirts can cause damage to the shoulders of a garment, if it is hung.
It is safe to handle textiles with clean, bare hands. Always support the garment while you are handling it. Do not allow the object to drag on the ground. Heavier garments should be kept flat and not hung. The weight of beads or large skirts can cause damage to the shoulders of a garment, if it is hung.
Storage: Do not fold textiles for storage. This can cause permanent creases and damage the fibres that are folded. Do not store in plastic bags because if moisture gets in, it will cause mould growth. If the environment is too hot, the textiles can become discoloured and embrittled. Quilts can be rolled for storage. Take a heavy cardboard tube and pad it with cotton batting, and wrap with unbleached, cotton muslin. Roll the quilt onto the tube and cover with more unbleached, cotton muslin. Tie the ends with cotton twill tape. You can also make garment bags out of unbleached, cotton muslin to keep dust off of items that can be hung. Store coloured textiles separate from white ones.
