How to Fold a Quilt – (to Gift, Display & Storage)

Last Updated on January 9, 2024

We hope you’re having a fantastic Quilt Week filled with creativity and inspiration. Here, we’re excited to share a fantastic tip on how to fold your quilts with precision and care.

Melinda, our quilting expert, has an effective method that keeps your quilts neatly organized and ensures they remain free from those pesky permanent creases.

Highlights:

Learn the diagonal fold technique to store quilts neatly, preventing permanent creases and preserving their integrity during extended storage.
When gifting a quilt, roll it up to showcase the quilt block, attach a personalized label, and consider using the couple’s wedding invitation for a thoughtful and cute presentation.

Display quilts on shelves by folding them along the length, adjusting them for width and depth to fit your shelf dimensions. Refold yearly to avoid wear on the same fold lines.
Set up a dedicated space for folding, use a cutting mat to accommodate various quilt sizes, and measure your shelf’s interior before starting the folding process.
Consistently fold quilts by starting with the length, finding the center, folding in thirds, adjusting for depth, and presenting the neater edge for display. Smooth out wrinkles for an organized appearance.

So, let’s dive into folding!

Table of Contents

How to Fold a Quilt – Diagonal Fold Technique

To fold a quilt, follow the diagonal fold technique: start by folding along the fabric’s diagonal, create a tent shape, bring the corner up, fold inwards, and then compact for space-saving storage, preserving the quilt’s integrity without permanent creases.

This method ensures easy retrieval and a neat appearance when unfolded.

Step 1: Prepare Your Quilt

Before you begin, ensure your quilt is flat on a clean, spacious surface. Ensure that it’s free from any wrinkles or folds.

Step 2: Identify the Diagonal

Linda suggests folding on the diagonal of the fabric. Locate the longer edge of the quilt, which could be a rectangle or square, and visualize the diagonal line running across it.

Step 3: Create a Tent

Mimicking a tent formation, fold each side along the diagonal, keeping the edges aligned. This initial step sets the foundation for the rest of the folding process.

Step 4: Bring the Corner Up

Take the corner of the tent (far end) and bring it up to the top of the tent. This step creates a triangular shape, ensuring your fold remains diagonal.

Step 5: Fold Inwards

Next, fold the remaining fabric inwards to meet the edges of the triangular shape. This step maintains the diagonal orientation, preventing permanent creases in your quilt.

Step 6: Compact for Storage

To make the quilt even more manageable for storage, fold one side over to meet the other. This step further reduces the size of the folded quilt while keeping it on the diagonal.

Step 7: Preserving Seams

As Linda mentions, folding on the diagonal is crucial for preserving the integrity of your quilt’s seams. It reduces stress on the seams, ensuring your quilt remains pristine, especially during extended storage periods.

Step 8: Final Adjustments

Feel free to make any additional folds or adjustments while keeping the overall orientation on the diagonal. This technique offers flexibility in folding without compromising the quilt’s structure.

Benefits of Diagonal Folding

No Permanent Creases: Folding on the diagonal prevents unsightly permanent creases, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your quilts.

Space-Saving: The diagonal fold results in a more compact quilt, ideal for maximizing storage space in closets or drawers.
Preserved Seams: By distributing the folds along the diagonal, you minimize stress on the seams, ensuring the longevity of your quilt.

Additional Resources:

How to Fold a Quilt for Gift Giving

To fold a quilt for gift-giving, follow these steps:

Roll it up to beautifully wrap a quilt for gift-giving, leaving the quilt block visible. Attach a label with your name, year, and pattern company, and consider adding a fabric band matching the quilt to secure their wedding invitation for a thoughtful and cute presentation.

Label Your Quilt: Before folding, attach a label to the quilt with your name, the year, and the details of your pattern company. This personal touch adds a meaningful touch to your gift.

Consider Multi-Purpose: Include a crate or container with the couple’s names and wedding date if possible. This can serve as both a decorative piece in their living room for magazines and a practical storage solution for the quilt.
Roll the Quilt: Roll the quilt neatly, ensuring the quilt block is visible. This showcases your craftsmanship and allows the recipients to preview the design easily.
Add Color Catchers: Include color catchers to help preserve the quilt’s colors. This thoughtful addition ensures the quilt doesn’t bleed, maintaining its vibrant appearance.

Use Wedding Invitation: Take the couple’s wedding invitation and wrap it around the rolled quilt. Add a band of fabric that matches the quilt to the bottom of the invitation to prevent scratching.
Present with Care: Tuck the wrapped quilt into the crate or chosen container. This creates a visually appealing and well-protected package for your thoughtful gift.

How to Fold a Quilt for Display to Fit Your Shelves

To neatly display and storage quilts on shelves, follow these easy steps. Lay the quilt flat, unfold it, and then fold it in half along its length. Measure your shelf and fold the quilt to fit its width and depth.

For example, if your shelf is 11 inches deep and 31 inches wide, fold accordingly. Center the quilt, fold it into thirds and smooth out the edges. Refold and adjust as needed for a tidy appearance.

This simple method lets you showcase your quilts on shelves while keeping them in good shape. Remember to refold them yearly to avoid wear on the same fold lines.

Choose Your Space: Begin by setting up a dedicated space for folding your quilts. In this case, our quilting specialist uses a 24×36 cutting mat to accommodate various quilt sizes.

Measure Your Shelf: Before folding, measure the interior of your shelf to determine the ideal dimensions for your quilt. Our example aims for 11 inches deep by 31 inches wide.
Start with the Length: Lay out your quilt on a flat surface and unfold it. Align the top and bottom edges, folding along the length to bring them together.
Find the Center: Locate the center of your quilt and position it over the corresponding mark on the cutting mat. This step ensures a symmetrical fold.

Fold in Thirds: Fold the quilt into thirds, starting from one side and matching up the corners to maintain a neat appearance. Repeat the process on the other side for consistency.
Adjust for Depth: Once the width is achieved (in this case, 31 inches), fold the quilt over itself to adjust for depth. Our quilter uses the 10-inch mark for a bit of extra wiggle room.
Final Fold for Shelf Placement: To complete the folding process, bring one side over to 33 inches and fold the other side over itself. Flip the quilt to present the neater edge for display.

Smooth Out Wrinkles: Ensure the quilt is folded smoothly without any wrinkles, especially for thicker quilts. A well-folded quilt enhances the visual appeal when displayed on the shelf.
Repeat the Process: Continue folding your quilts using this method, adapting the dimensions based on your shelf size. Consistency in folding ensures a uniform and organized display.

Additional Resource – https://www.reddit.com/r/CleaningTips/comments/q5mjgp/dont_fully_make_your_bed_in_the_mornings_fold_the/

Conclusion

And there you have it! A simple yet effective guide on folding your quilts using the revolutionary diagonal technique. You can now confidently store your quilts, knowing they’ll be ready to showcase their beauty whenever you decide to bring them out.

Tersia Jager

I Like to write and read on fashion, may be that’s why “Fashion says “me too” style says “only me”