International Quilt Museum
Date of this Version
February 2004
Abstract
A quiltmaker’s choice of materials, including fabric, batting, thread and other materials influences the lifespan of a quilt. It is disappointing, and sometimes devastating, when components prematurely yellow, stiffen or weaken with age. Although conservators and conservation scientists have evaluated archival-quality adhesive products and determined which ones are acceptable for use in conservation treatments, there were no published results concerning the long-term performance of adhesive-containing products available to quiltmakers and home sewers. Consequently, they could not make informed choices. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether or not selected adhesive-containing products for quilters, specifically quilt basting sprays, fusible webs, and fusible battings, contribute to discoloration or promote degradation of fabrics over time.
Comments
Recently, Janet Evenson, PhD, and Patricia Cox Crews, PhD, Director of the IQSC, completed a study of adhesives commonly used by quiltmakers. The special report on the results of their study is provided by the International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.