Conservation Resources

Quilts aren’t just fabric and thread, they’re stories stitched together. And if you want those stories to last, how you store and care for them matters more than you might think. This guide rounds up trusted conservation resources, archival storage supplies, and textile care tools to help you protect your quilts without guesswork or crossed fingers.

Whether you’re storing a family heirloom, working with vintage fabrics, or just trying not to “love it to death,” these sources will point you to safe, proven materials used by museums and serious quilters alike. If you find a supplier that we don’t have listed, please send me a note.

Archival Storage & Textile Care Supplies

These are your go-to sources for acid-free, museum-quality storage materials.

• Conservation Resources International
  https://www.conservationresources.com/
  Archival boxes, tissue, and textile-safe storage materials.
• Gaylord Archival
  https://www.gaylord.com/
  A one-stop shop for museum and quilt storage supplies.
• Conservation Support Systems
  https://www.conservationsupportsystems.com/
  Professional-grade conservation and restoration materials.
• Foster-Stephens
  https://www.foster-stephens.com/
  Excellent for acid-free boxes and textile preservation supplies.
• DEMCO
  https://www.demco.com/
  Library-quality storage and display materials.

Art & Craft Materials (Acid-Free Options)

Helpful for conservation-friendly mounting, labeling, and storage.

• Dick Blick Art Materials
  https://www.dickblick.com/
  Acid-free boards, storage materials, and tools.
• Daniel Smith
  https://www.danielsmith.com/
  High-quality artist materials with archival options.
• Earth Guild
  https://www.earthguild.com/
  Textile and craft supplies, including natural fibers and tools.

Environmental Monitoring & Lab Supplies

For those who want to go full museum-mode with their quilts.

• Cole-Parmer
  https://www.coleparmer.com/
  Tools for measuring humidity, temperature, and environmental conditions.
• Fisher Scientific
  https://www.fishersci.com/
  Lab-grade equipment and supplies used in conservation settings.

Fabric & Restoration Sources

When you need materials that match older quilts.

• Country Creation Antiques
  http://www.countrycreationantiques.com/
  Vintage and reproduction fabrics for restoration projects.

Professional Conservation Help

When a quilt is too valuable or fragile for DIY fixes.

• American Institute for Conservation
  https://www.culturalheritage.org/
  Includes a “Find a Conservator” tool to locate trained professionals.