Conservation is the stabilization of existing material. Conservation by stitchery includes the sewing of fabric overlays and underlays to support and infill areas of loss. Various darning and couch stitch techniques are used to secure the support materials to the textiles.

Conservation by adhesive consolidation is often necessary for the stabilization of shattered silk fabrics and other dry rotted materials. A support material is coated with an appropriate conservation approved adhesive. The material is then heat fused to the damaged textile.