How to Buy a Quilt

Quilts, both antique and new, engender thoughts of tradition and a simpler, more old-fashioned way of life. A wide range of both hand and machine-sewn quilts is readily available in almost any price range.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• New Quilts
• Quilt Tops
• Internet Access

1. Become familiar with the range of quilts available. The Internet is a wonderful place to start your search. Also investigate local craft malls and fairs as well as antique stores.
2. Buy a quilt to decorate your own home or give a quilt to commemorate a special occasion. Quilts that incorporate patterns such as the Bridal Wreath or Double Wedding Ring remain immensely popular wedding and anniversary gifts.
3. Choose an antique quilt if you plan to start a collection or if you merely want to own a piece of American history. Antique quilts from the 19th and early 20th centuries display traditional patterns like the Log Cabin and Tree of Life and can be wholly or partially hand-stitched.
4. Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to over $3000 for an antique quilt. The price will depend upon the method of construction (machine-stitched rather than hand-stitched), size, condition and complexity of design.
5. Choose a new quilt that is made entirely by hand. Quilts such as those made by the Amish and Mennonites or in the Appalachian region of the United States are highly sought after and are still constructed using traditional methods and patterns. The workmanship is impeccable!
6. Expect to pay $300 and up for a new quilt that is stitched entirely or predominantly by hand. Again, the price will depend upon the quilt's size and design complexity.
7. Choose a new quilt that is made entirely or predominantly by machine. These quilts can look just like their hand-pieced and sewn counterparts, but the price is considerably less. These quilts are often mass-produced for the retail market.
8. Expect to pay $150 and up for a machine-sewn quilt. This may be your best option if traditional construction methods in a quilt are less important to you than the look.

Tips & Warnings

• Inquire as to the quilt's construction method if you have any doubts. Labels such as "hand-made" or "hand-crafted" do not necessarily mean that the item has been constructed without the use of a sewing machine.
• Investigate quilt tops as an alternative to a whole quilt. Quilt tops, both antique and new, come without batting or backing and are available for $100-$200 and up. You will need to finish the quilt yourself or find a quilter to complete it for you.