Caring for handmade textiles at home

Keep light low

Daylight fades natural dyes and weakens silk. Rotate pieces on display and keep them away from direct sun.

Watch for moths

Wool and silk attract clothes moths and carpet beetles. Check folds and backs every few months, and vacuum gently through a screen.

Store rolled, not folded

Roll textiles around a tube wrapped in acid-free tissue, face out. If you must fold, pad the folds and refold in a new place from time to time.

Cleaning

Do not wash printed qalamkar, metal-thread work or old dyed pieces without testing. When in doubt, ask a textile conservator.

• No ironing on metal thread
• No home washing of antique pieces
• Test dyes with a damp white cloth first