Balderdash the old quilts weren't washable! I've washed many cotton quilts. The difference between the old cotton and the new fiber fill is that the new stuff is bonded among the fibers so you can get away with a lot less actual quilting.

The old cotton was NOT bonded, had to be spread and evened out by hand and HAD to be quilted every inch. I do hand quilting and have used both. You can get away with quilting lines 12" apart with the fiber fill.

JiK, the only time I've ever seen/heard of what you describe is with a thick tied quilt with a (usually) wool batt. Often a child was 'underfoot' and needed something to do, so they put the child under the frame to turn the needle. I use a curved needle on a hard surface to tie a quilt/comforter.

Hand quilting is basically just a tiny running stitch, and a good quilter can get 10 stitches to the inch or more. My best is 8 and I'm not consistent with that. Mr can get 10 quite often.

You wear a thimble on the pushing finger, usually the middle one, put the off hand under the quilt, using a finger tip to turn the needle back up, catch it with the top hand thumb, push back down, etc. Most quilters can get at least 6 stitches on the needle before pulling the thread thru.

One reason people think old quilts are not washable is that the old thread was not the super strong quilting thread used today, and they are most vulnerable when wet and heavy. Take care when pulling them out of the washer. Another is that the colours will often run in even warm water. If it is a valuable quilt for some reason then DON'T wash it, put it in sunlight, or hang it on a wall. Smoke, gas heat residue, animal hair and the quilts own weight will ruin it.

If you just have to mend an old one, use invisible thread (like fish line) and the tiniest, most invisible stitches possible. Best usually if you just leave them alone, or send to a restorer.

We have a quilt that was made in the 1870's by Mr's great great (forget how many greats) grandmother and it is in MINT condition. It has a note from the maker with it saying who it was made for, etc. Pencil marks for the quilting are still on it. It's an unbleached muslin ground, hand applique roses and pineapples with wreaths. Colours are goldenrod, hunter green and turkey red. All are as bright as the day they were purchased. It will never be washed.

If you don't have a 'safe' bed to spread them out on (in layers if necessary) store them in a white cotton pillow case and re fold once in a while.

I only quilt now when my carpal will let me. Damn wrist anyway.