The Value of Handmade Quilts

Fine, even stitching is important is assessing the value of a handmade quilt.

American quilts remain a sought-after textile art form for decorating the home. Collectors especially value fully hand-stitched quilts, but in patchwork parlance, both old, hand-stitched, and recently-made, machine-finished quilts count as "handmade."

Mint Condition

Collectors see never-washed or unused quilts as ideal, as the fabrics aren't weakened by exposure or wear.

Wear

Avoid quilts with split fabric on the binding edges; fraying or worn fabric; areas where the batting peeks through; and loose seams. Examine for holes and stains, and check that the color hasn't faded or run. A worn quilt won't hold up to use or display.

Stitch Count

Hold a ruler next to the quilt and count the number of stitches to the inch.

Look for neat and even stitching, writes Ellen Pahl in "The Quilter's Ultimate Visual Guide." With a ruler, count the number of quilting stitches in one inch--between 7 and 10 stitches to the inch is best.

Quilting Density

Hand-stitched quilts have traditionally sold for more money than machine-quilted work. Regardless, they should have even and neat stitches, without hanging threads. Look for a high density of quilting, with no space larger than a child's clenched fist unquilted.

Color and Contrast

Quilts of high value have pleasing and contrasting colors and hues.

Spreading the quilt out to its full size, look for lively and engaging color combinations, and areas of contrast between light and dark fabrics.

Authenticity

While lovely to look at, recent reproductions of old quilts and those trying to replicate a long ago style don't attain or keep lasting market value unless masterpieces.

References

• The National Quilt Museum
• American Quilter's Society: Registered Appraisers
• Historic American Antique Quilts: Venerable Old Quilts

Resources

• "The Quilt Detective: Clues in the Needlework"; Barbara Brackman; 2005
• "The Quilter's Ultimate Visual Guide"; Ellen Pahl; 1997