You've been given some old quilts, blankets, or clothing, and they've just been sitting in your closet. Now that you're ready to tackle the sorting project, you notice some issues (oh no!). Here is a quick guide to spot some common issues and when to know if you need a professional's help.
Knowledge is always power, but that sentiment is even more true with heirloom textiles. Catching damage early and treating it right away can stop it from getting worse. Some wear is inevitable with antique or vintage textiles, but the more aware you are to the warning signs, the better you can keep small issues from becoming big ones.
5 Signs Your Heirloom Textile Needs A Professional:
1. Your textile has a smell or odor
There are a few different types of smells to look out for:
Musty: "Musty" smells like a combination of dampness, staleness, and dust. The cause is usually poor ventilation and poor cleaning.
Dusty: Dust itself may or may not have an odor, but you may know there is dust if you sneeze when you open the box; there are particles that "float" when you lift something. Dust may seem harmless, but long-term exposure can act like microscopic knives and cause holes or damage in a textile.
Smoke: This smell often comes from exposure to cigarettes or from fire or pollution. Similar to dust, it can weaken the fibers and cause damage if not addressed.
Mold or mildew: This is fungal growth that can be either dormant or active. Mold or mildew can occur after an item has been exposed to wetness. Once it dries, the bacteria can become dormant. Dormant mold can become active if given high-humidity conditions. Active mold is, you guessed it...active! It has the perfect conditions for growth and can quickly take over an object.
If you notice a smell but see no visible signs (like dark spots or holes), seek help as soon as possible before the problem worsens.
2. There are holes
There are a few different types of "holes" to look out for:
cuts/tears: a clean break in the fabric fibers
fraying: unraveling of the fibers or visible wear, often along the edges or in areas of clothing where a lot of movement occurs
holes: missing areas of fiber in both the warp and weft
shattering: a term for a loss of area in chemically treated silk
With any of these issues, fiber loss is always a concern that should be addressed. These are structural issues that make it unsafe to be handled, displayed, or used without causing more damage.
3. There is discoloration
Discoloration is one of the most common issues with textiles and is due to a chemical alteration of the fiber. Yellowing can be from a textile's long-term exposure to sweat that hadn't been properly cleaned before storage, or it can be caused by the storage solution itself. Acidic properties from plastic or cardboard can "leach" into the fibers and cause a yellowing or discoloration effect. This is typically not reversible, but proper cleaning and storage can help to mitigate further damage.
4. It has creasing
Creasing due to long-term folding is common, but did you know it can also be damaging? Along with being an aesthetic concern, creasing causes fibers to weaken. A folded garment left in the same position keeps the fiber bent and strains that area of the textile. Treat wrinkles and creases before they turn into hole damage! The method to use depends on a number of factors, including: brittleness of the textile, the material, and the complexity of the creased area.
5. It has been stored long-term
What are the current storage conditions? Is your textile being stored in a cardboard box or a plastic tub? These common household storage solutions may be well-intentioned, but aren't the best option for storing textiles. Typical cardboard is acidic, and the chemical structure can migrate to the textile. This can weaken the fibers and cause discoloration. Plastic tubs help to keep insects out, but they also trap moisture that can lead to mold and/or a musty smell.
Knowledge on what to look for is the first step in ensuring your heirloom textiles will last generations. Now that you know what to look for, let's take care of any issues you notice before they get worse!
If you read this and thought 'that sounds like mine,' let's talk. Email me at NickoleSwensen@gmail.com or fill out the contact form here.
If you have an object you'd like to preserve for future generations, contact Nickole here or send her an email at NickoleSwensen@gmail.com