How to Quilt>Shipping a Quilt

Shipping Your Quilt

Have you ever needed to ship a quilt?  Whether you are shipping your quilt as a gift, or to a quilt show, there is always a chance something bad might happen.  Here are a few tips that might help reduce the risk – or at least get your quilt back to you, if it gets lost.

• Put your quilt in a clear plastic bag – if people can see what is inside, it is less likely to get thrown out with the trash, and if the shipment gets wet, your quilt may be saved
• Mark the bag with a waterproof marker – put shipping instructions, and your name, address, and phone number
• Include a label with your name and address – inside the plastic bag in case it needs to come back to you.
• Use a strong, new box – while we all like to save money, a used box might have damage you can’t see.  A box used for a previous shipment could also have markings that will be confusing to the shipper, and your box will be delivered to the wrong address.  You could also use a box in a box for extra security.
• Make your box stand out – by decorating your box or making it distinctive in some way, a shipper may remember handling it, if it gets misplaced.
• Put a piece of cardboard on the top and bottom of the box – these tiny additions will protect your quilt in case someone uses a knife to open the box
• Mark the addresses (both “To” and “From”) on the box – don’t rely on labels, whether they are sticky or paper with tape, they can be ripped off or come loose
• Insure your quilt – it’s not only the risk and potential recovery of the value of the quilt, but when something is insured, it is more likely that the handlers will be careful.  An appraisal will help determine the value of the insurance you need.
• Label the contents “bedding” or “textiles” – no reason to list it as a quilt and call attention to your package
• Send it with a request for receipt – whether it is delivery confirmation or a signed receipt, ask for some ability to prove that it was delivered.  A “signature required” package is best.
• Before you put it in the box – take a picture of the quilt.  Of course, you should be doing this anyway.  It’s fun to look back at the quilts you have made.  Keep a book with the pictures as well as a description of the quilt, who it was made for, any stories around the quilt, the fabrics used, and the date made.

Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren

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www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
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©2009, Penny Halgren
Penny is a quilter of more than 27 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful quilts.

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