M.Callahan Studio quilts are made to be functional, and can withstand wear and tear associated with standard use. Quilts age beautifully with time and use, taking on texture and tactility. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.
M.Callahan Studio quilts are generally made with cotton, linen, cotton/linen blend fabrics, cotton batting and cotton thread, though other materials are used on occasion. Take note of what textiles your specific quilt is made from, and care for your quilt accordingly.
The fabrics used in our quilts are pre-washed and dried to minimize fabric shrinkage and color bleeding.
It is natural for textiles to fade over time. To extend/maintain color intensity, avoid consistent prolong periods of direct sunlight.
CLEANING
We do not recommend washing the quilt often, but rather occasionally, and only when needed. Washing will accentuate the texture of the quilting and the fabrics.
The quilt may be shaken, lightly beaten or vacuumed with a hose attachment to remove any surface dirt and dust.
For small stains, immediately spot clean with clean water and a soft clean brush, letting the areas air dry. You can add a dab of mild soap depending on the fabric/stain at hand.
To remove fold lines and large wrinkles, hang the quilt and steam using clean water.
Washing by hand and air drying will help preserve the quality and color over time and we would recommend this option if you can, but it can also certainly be washed using a machine. The fabrics used in our quilts are pre-washed and dried before quilting to minimize shrinkage and color bleeding, however shrinkage and color bleeding can continue to occur. Air drying your quilt will help limit fabric shrinkage.
Hand Washing:
Fill a clean tub or container with cold water and a gentle detergent (such as Retro Clean, or Quilter’s Rule Quilt Soap). Submerge the quilt in the water and agitate gently for a good 10 minutes. Drain the soapy water, refill with fresh water and and continue to rinse the quilt through this process until the water is sud free. To ensure colors do not bleed, add in a Shout Color Catcher to the bath. Gently press as much water as you can out of your quilt.
Air Drying:
After washing, and gently pressing as much water out of the quilt as possible, lay the quilt out on a bed of towels on a clean flat surface. Once the quilt has mostly dried out, you can hang the quilt for a quicker air dry (if hanging, adjust the quilt every so often to prevent stretching or deforming).
Machine Washing and Drying:
Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle and choose cold water. We recommend washing with a gentle detergent (such as Retro Clean, or Quilter’s Rule Quilt Soap). To ensure the colors do not bleed, add in a Shout Color Catcher sheet. To dry, use a low heat setting, tumble dry on low until it is damp and then let it air dry.
When in doubt, get the quilt professionally cleaned.
STORAGE
In general, we encourage your quilt to be out and about, being used. It is certainly fine and normal to have your quilt folded at the end of your bed, crumpled in a pile on the floor, or tucked away in a closet.
If looking to store your quilt long term, we recommend bunching some acid-free paper around the folds of the quilt to minimize creasing. Fold and store in an archival (acid free paper) box.
