The term "textile" covers a wide range of objects made of fiber: wedding dresses, christening gowns, baby clothes, everyday wear and costumes; samplers, quilts, and coverlets; household linens and laces; and accessories such as handkerchiefs, hats, and gloves. On a personal level it includes your finished projects and heirlooms, the creative work that you want to care for and cherish. Unfortunately, since most "textiles" are made to be used, they survive only by chance. They are used daily, washed frequently, and eventually discarded. Only a few are carefully packed away or properly displayed. Today we treasure historic textiles because they document art, craftsmanship, and a way of life that no longer exists. We also want to save contemporary textiles for their beauty or their significance in our lives.
Textiles are among the most fragile of all artifacts. They are easily damaged by insects, mold, handling, and exposure to light, heat, and humidity. As with all art and artifacts, preservation begins with proper storage, whether the textiles are family heirlooms or part of collections in museums, historical societies, or archives.
The greatest threats to the textiles in your collection come from exposure to light, fluctuating or extreme temperatures and humidity, pollutants, mold, insects, and animal pests. Good planning and the use of stable storage materials go a long way toward providing a suitable environment. Make sure to take the following factors into consideration:
Temperature and humidity
Light
Pest Management
As you prepare your textiles for storage, make sure that you handle the work with care. Body oils can cause staining so wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching. Don’t use hand lotions. Cotton gloves are a good idea, but make sure to replace soiled ones immediately. Don’t smoke, eat, drink, or use pens and markers while you’re working with textiles. If you take care, your stitchery patterns will have a good chance of surviving the test of time!
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