Old Unfinished Quilt Tops
Lately, I’ve often been asked about old unfinished quilt tops. I have several that I bought. One is too old to withstand quilting. The other would never lay flat, as it was pieced incorrectly. Usually, I don’t even think about finishing quilts started by other people. It would be surprising if I complete my own unfinished work, both embroidered pieces and quilt tops.
The most important consideration, if you are thinking about turning a quilt top into a quilt, is how old the fabric is. If that is from 1935 or later, chances are good that you will be able to hand quilt the top with no trouble. A student of mine did just that with her grandmother’s quilt, and I was pleased a few years later to see it hanging in a quilt show.
Remember that cotton is a natural fiber. It dries out, over time, becomes brittle, or will turn to dust, with the slightest provocation.
Quilt Tops are popular with collectors. They are easy to store. The purist would not consider finishing any antique item of this kind, or any kind. Think about what will happen when you no longer are the caretaker of the top. Will it be thrown out by someone who thinks it is of no value because it hasn’t been finished into a bed cover? Or can you leave written instructions about its value, as a teaching accessory for lectures or classes?
My best advice is to consider the final use of the piece. Do you want to “use it up, and throw it out,” or do you want to preserve a piece of history, as is, without superimposing machine quilting (Heaven forbid!), or your work, which may or may not have reached a standard equal to that of the original quilter.
The choice is yours, and heaven knows, you own the quilt top. Do whatever makes you happy. You’ll just want to weigh the pros and cons for yourself. As always, no quilt police will be sent to your home, if you make a poor decision. No matter the outcome, you will have to live with it. Good luck!
When did you say you were starting a new quilt of your own?
Patricia Cummings
