How to Care for Your Quilted Bags, Sleeves & Accessories
oYour handmade favorites are meant to be used and enjoyed. A little thoughtful care can help keep your quilted bags, book sleeves, and small accessories looking their best through everyday outings, reading breaks, and weekend adventures.
At Leia’s, care instructions can vary by piece. Always follow the instructions on your product’s listing or care label first. This guide is a starting point, not a replacement for those specific directions.
When ironing is permitted, iron the fabric only. Never iron directly over zippers or the Leia’s label or zippers.
Start with spot cleaning
For many of our quilted cotton pieces, spot cleaning is the preferred first step. If only a small area needs attention, there’s no need to wash the whole item.
Empty your bag or sleeve completely before cleaning. Gently clean the affected area using cold water and a small amount of mild detergent or soap, then remove any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.
Let the fabric dry completely before putting your belongings back inside.
Quilted boxy bags and pouches
Check the care instructions for your particular print and product before choosing a washing method.
Many Leia’s boxy bags and pouches call for spot cleaning or gentle hand washing in cold water, followed by air drying. Some listings allow machine washing on a cold delicate cycle, with no spin. Use a color catcher whenever machine washing these items, following the color catcher’s package directions.
Only machine wash a piece when its own instructions specifically allow it. A similar-looking bag may have different care directions.
After cleaning, gently reshape the item and leave it to air dry. Avoid tumble drying pieces marked “air dry only.”
Pencil cases, kindle and book sleeves
Pencil cases and book sleeves are machine washable on a delicate cycle. Use a color catcher with every machine wash, following the color catcher’s package directions. Tumble dry on low or air dry, whichever suits your routine. Iron the fabric as needed, but never iron directly over zippers or the Leia’s label.
Allow the lining and padding to dry completely before returning your book or stationery. Check inside rather than relying only on how dry the outside feels.
Laptop sleeves
Our reviewed laptop-sleeve listings generally recommend spot cleaning or cold hand washing, followed by air drying flat.
Follow the instructions for your specific sleeve, and don’t assume that a machine-washable book sleeve means your device sleeve is machine washable too.
Quilted tote bags
Tote care also varies. Reviewed listings include spot cleaning or gentle hand washing, with air drying recommended.
Empty every pocket and remove detachable charms before cleaning.
Gentle steaming
Some Leia’s listings allow gentle steaming to freshen the fabric or ease wrinkles. Use this only where your product’s care instructions permit it, and remove any device or other contents first.
Cup cozies and other accessories
Cup cozies, scrunchies, stockings and corner book marks are machine washable. Use delicate cycle (cold water), a color catcher is strongly recommended.
Christmas Stockings & Corner Book Marks are iron friendly. Do not iron Cup Cozies or scrunchies, air dry only.
A little care, ready for everyday life
You don’t need an elaborate routine to look after your handmade pieces. Start with the gentlest cleaning method recommended for your item, follow its washing directions, and give it time to dry fully.
If you’re unsure how to care for something from Leia’s, send me its name or a photo. I’m happy to help you find the right instructions.
With gratitude,
Sami
Founder, Leia’s
Handcrafted in Colorado