Things You'll Need:
- Tape measure
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Step 1
Decide how the quilt will be used. Quilts come in varying sizes. The most common quilt size is the miniature, which is used as a decoration, baby quilt, or lap quilt. Larger quilts are often made for beds (twin, double, queen, king). Baby quilts are washed frequently,so you will probably want an inexpensive quilt. Bed quilts that will be gently worn and handed down from generation to generation need to be heirloom quality.
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Step 2
Determine the price range you can afford. Quilt prices vary from as little as $10 for a baby or wall quilt to thousands of dollars for top of the line bed quilts. Check online sites to get an idea of average quilt prices. (See the Resources section below.)
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Step 3
Research typical quilt dimensions. For example, if you are looking for a quilt for a queen-size bed, it should be 90" --- 95". Bring a tape measure with you to compare the actual size of the quilts.
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Step 4
Select a quilt that is aesthetically pleasing to you. Color scheme and design will not affect how it wears, but they matter nonetheless if you want to ensure the quilt is used and enjoyed for many years.
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Step 5
Examine the materials. Threads in cheap fabric are thick and loosely woven. Quality fabrics have finer threads and are tightly woven. Polyester and poly blend fabrics will pill with use, whereas 100% cotton fabrics won't. Quilts made with a cotton or wool batting tend to lay flatter than quilts with polyester batting. Polyester batting fibers tend to migrate through the fabrics, while cotton and wool won't.
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Step 6
Detail of "Monarch Migration" by Lucy A. Fazely showing quality machine appliqué and machine quilting.Determine the construction techniques. Quilts made with hand-piecing or hand-appliqué techniques bring a higher price because they take more time to complete than the same techniques completed by machine. Yet, a quality machine-stitched quilt will last longer and is worth more than a poorly made hand-stitched quilt.
