Bedbug Protocol 2025

Background

A bedbug was discovered at the Fall 2025 Tulsa Modern Quilt Guild Make it Sew Retreat. Although This Chick Quilts believes this was an isolated case and that quilting supplies and customer quilts were not contaminated, every precaution has been taken to ensure the utmost care.

Preventative Measures

• Upon receiving quilts, tops, or bindings at the retreat, each individual item was enclosed in a brand-new Ziploc bag.

• All Ziploc-bagged items were then placed inside a second nylon zipper bag for storage and transport.

• After notification of a bedbug on the premises, the nylon zipper storage bag was sealed in a third, black construction trash bag to further ensure no cross-contamination.

• All retreat supplies were left in a vehicle for 24 hours before handling.

Inspection and Cleaning

• Personal items were removed from the vehicle first, inspected, and cleaned before entering the home or sewing space, using one or a combination of: heat, bleach, or 91% isopropyl alcohol.

• Items that could not be cleaned were either discarded or stored separately for further inspection and treatment.

Customer Quilts Handling

• Customer quilts, tops, and bindings were individually removed, ironed on high heat, placed in new Ziploc bags, and bundled in fresh nylon zipper containers for storage until quilting prior to entering the home or sewing space.

• During quilting, each quilt is to be handled individually, quilted, and then stored in its own sealed bag.

• All equipment is to be sterilized with bleach and/or 91% isopropyl alcohol after each quilt is completed.

Sanitization and Record Keeping

Strict attention was given to minimizing any exposure or transfer risk. A dedicated workspace was established for handling customer materials, and surfaces and equipment were sanitized regularly. Cleaning methods and inspection results were carefully documented for accountability.

Communication and Assurance

Transparent communication regarding these protocols has been maintained so that customers can trust the safety and care provided for their quilts. There was no evidence of bedbugs in the room where quilts were stored, nor during unpacking and inspection. All precautions are taken to offer peace of mind and ensure quilts are handled in the safest possible manner.