Polyester batting: Most quilters know that they should use cotton thread in cotton quilt tops. This is because polyester thread is stronger than cotton and will eventually pull through the fabric. Polyester batting is also stronger than cotton and will, over time, abrade the fabric. The quilt top will wear out from the inside.

This photograph shows an example of how the batt will wear fabric down to the seam line. This tied quilt was made in the 1980’s and did not receive hard use – nonetheless, there are five areas on the top that are showing this kind of wear. Fortunately, the owner of this quilt also had the scraps left over from the original construction. This will make the restoration work easier.

Adhesives and Fusibles: The use of fusibles dates back at least to the 1970's, with the advent of Stitch Witchery. Fusibles and adhesives tailored for use by quilters have been on the market for several years, but it would be incorrect to assume that just because they were made for quilters that they are safe for the quilts.

The International Quilt Association and Quilters Newsletter Magazine sponsored a study on the effects of light- and heat-aging on quilt adhesives, including basting sprays, fusible webs, and fusible batting. Their conclusions:

*This article was originally published here in my weblog, Force Majeure Farm.