PSA for Packing Your Quilts
Public Service Announcement on Quilt Packing!!
Are you still sending your quilts to us without using some sort of water tight packing inside of your outermost box or bag? Yikes!! Despite the precautions we take, quilts that come to our studio pose some risk of being exposed to the elements along the way. Once or twice a month we receive a box or bag that has been damaged, split, or wet. Don’t worry, we’ve yet to have a quilt be damaged to the point of ruin. Luckily, the worst we’ve encountered are damp quilts that could be aired out, and some dirt smudges that washed out easily.
But let these examples be a cautionary tale and good reminder to pack your items in a way that protects them should your outer packing be compromised. A sealed plastic bag is probably the easiest and best route. Non fragrant garbage bags work if tied or taped off. If you cannot find a bag large enough for everything, pack your backing and quilt top in two different smaller sealable bags. The outer packaging can take quite a beating but between the flexibility of fabric and a sealed plastic bag, your quilt should still be safe.
Local folks, you are safe from these risks, however it’s still a good idea to be extra protective of your items. Using a paper or plastic grocery bag, the last bag we sent home with you, or a non-fragrant trash bags are great ways to pack up. Reusable totes are even better; we recommend bags that are easy to wipe off and water resistant just in case something wet or dirty makes its way into the drop box. This will reduce the amount of dirt and moisture they could pick up and transfer to your quilt and the others in the studio. If you would like for us to return your tote back be sure it has your name on it!
Thank you for tuning in to this PSA on Quilt Packing!
PSST: I get it, plastic is not ideal. Know that we reuse bags as often as we can and we recycle what we can’t. If you are looking for an alternative, there are companies like Better Packing Co that are creating compostable bags as well as multiple use bags that have been made from recycled ocean plastics.
