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How to Preserve a Needlepoint Tapestry

The American Needle Point Guild, Inc. cites moisture, light, heat and impurities, both chemical and physical, as the main causes of degradation in needlework. They suggest storing rather than displaying the needlepoint tapestries you wish to preserve. Proper storage protects your treasured needlepoint from all of the elements that might cause it damage.

Things You'll Need

Fine nylon net
Embroidery hoop
Vacuum
Acid-free tissue paper
Flat archival boxes

Instructions

- 1
  Make a vacuum screen by stretching a piece of fine nylon net over an embroidery hoop. Lay the screen on the tapestry, and vacuum the area inside the hoop with your vacuum set on "low." Pick up the hoop, and move it to another area of the tapestry. Vacuum that area. Clean the entire front and back of the tapestry in this manner to remove moth eggs and grit.
- 2
  Wrap the tapestry in acid-free tissue paper, and store it in a flat archival box. This will protect it from light. If the tapestry is too large to be stored flat in a box, roll it loosely around an acid-free tube, and then wrap the rolled tapestry in cotton fabric to protect it from dust.
- 3
  Store your tapestry in an air-conditioned location to prevent exposing it to extreme temperatures or excess humidity. If an air-conditioned location is not available, use a dehumidifier to control the humidity. A good option is to store your textiles in an inside closet with a chemical dehumidifier.
- 4
  Check your stored textiles frequently for signs of insect damage.

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