mine went in an old cotton pillowcase

I would have them steamed and blocked(at a cleaners) Then store them away from heat and sunlight in fabric.(not plastic)

Oh, *that* kind of Afghan. Sorry, can't help. :-)

Jodi-

It really depends on what the afghan is made of. If it's wool, just storing it in a plastic bag will do little to preserve it. You'll need to ensure that moths can't damage it. You might include cedar or mothballs in the bag.

If they are made of acrylic, steaming could damage them.

Here is a link on storing afgahns.

We steamed and blocked many afgahns while dry cleaning. The trick is NOT to stretch it. Its best done on a flat surface, not an ironing board or something like that. Its not pressed either.
They actually looked stretched sometimes when people brought them in just from knitting or crocheting and hadn't been used yet.

I found this:

Work in all yarn ends. Block afghan on a large flat surface, such as a well padded table or blocking board. Don't let ends dangle over the side since this will distort the fabric. I actually prefer to block afghans on my carpeted floor (but it IS pretty hard on the back). I put a clean sheet down first, spread the afghan on it and use blocking wires to minimize pin marks. Sometimes I don't even bother with pins or wires. I just start steaming in the middle and work to outer edges all around, checking frequently with my tape measure to be sure sides are straight and width/length remain correct. If you don't own a steamer, use an iron that produces LOTS of steam. Hold the iron just above the fabric and let the steam penetrate well. DON'T PRESS! this will flatten and stretch the fabric, particularly acrylics, and may permanently damage it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Heloise on storeage

Thank you all for your help. Lori, I did a google search using "afghan storage" and didn't find that link for Heloise. Thank you for posting it. Good information as always when one asks at the KT. Thanks!

I don't think the OP actually asked about blocking/steaming. But just in case--I don't ever use steam on my afghans. I lay a plastic tablecloth on the floor, lay out the afghan so it's square and even, and then just spray with warm water in a spray bottle. Re-shape if needed as I work. Then I just let them air dry naturally.

As to storage. DO NOT USE MOTHBALLS--they're extremely dangerously toxic. They shouldn't be used inside or even out of doors (some folks use them to repel animals from their gardens. If moths are a potential problem, I'd go with some cedar chips or blocks. A cedar chest would be ideal, probably--and much better than plastic. One thing she's going to want to do is refold them periodically, to keep them from wearing along the fold lines as they sit.

But why is she planning on storing them at all? Children love to cuddle under afghans--why not just let them use and enjoy them now. So what if htey get worn a bit--they'll be worn with irreplaceable memories that the kids will treasure all their lives.

Personally, I hate it when peeps that receive one of my creations (doesn't matter, if it is afghan or something monogrammed) instead of using it. That kind of peeps never get something made again.

However, over the summer I just store mine in my linen closet. :)

Moni

Personally, I hate it when peeps that receive one of my creations (doesn't matter, if it is afghan or something monogrammed) store them instead of using it. That kind of peeps never get something made again.

However, over the summer I just store mine in my linen closet. :)

Moni

^^^ ditto that!

I make 'em to be used.

The grandaughters already have afghans to cuddle with and may get another between now and the time they are given these in question. These afghans are "special" to be part of their adult life. My SIL fears that she may mot live to see that day so she crocheted them now. Again thanks to all for your help.

LOL at jodi, if i interpreted your answer the way it was meant!

azzalea you said: One thing she's going to want to do is refold them periodically, to keep them from wearing along the fold lines as they sit. Thank you for that useful information. I store in cedar chests but never thought of having to refold items as one of the chests used doesn't see much activity.

and i agree in using things - especially personalized. they make the best gifts.

maryanne

storing afghans

are moths so rampant that they would devour an afghan?? or are they in same category as goats eating tin cans. twelve years is a LONG time to hold onto before giving to someone. how old are the recipients? if afghans are super warm, fuzzy and WASHABLE, i'd give them NOW. imagine the years of snuggling they'll get and the memories that will be established.

For years I've stored all mine in space bags and never had any problems, but given that these are intended to be extra special, maybe she is looking for something more preservative. One thing that comes to mind is in regard to an antique quilt my mother had and wanted to store very carefully. She got a cardboard carpet tube (not sure where though) and layered the quilt under a sheet to be rolled around the tube- no wrinkles, no trapped moisture, etc. Then she had it suspended up high in a slider closet- out of the way, but in good conditions.

Did you notice that this is a very old post! The granddaughters are just about old enough to receive and appreciate their afghans now.