How Can You Tell If a Quilt Is Valuable?

Factors Influencing Quilt Value

• Age: The older the quilt, the more valuable.
• Condition: An excellent condition quilt is worth more than a damaged one.
• Materials: Quilts made from quality fabrics like silk or velvet are more valuable than cheaper materials.
• Rarity: Unusual quilt patterns are more collectible than common patterns.

Assessing Handmade Quilts

• Handmade Quilts Identification: Most antique and vintage quilts were made by hand with no help from a sewing machine.
• Stitching Examination: Look closely at the stitching throughout the whole quilt. If the stitches appear a bit unevenly spaced or different in size, the quilt was likely handmade.

Cleaning Antique Quilts

• Cleaning Instructions: Wash it with quilt wash on a gentle cycle in a front-loading machine, if possible.
• Drying: Lay the quilt flat on a sheet outdoors or on a bed for drying.

Identifying Valuable Quilts

• Signs of Handmade Work: Features like unevenly spaced or sized stitches and uncommon patterns can indicate valuable handmade quilts.
• Professional Appraisals: Appraisals from quilt appraisers, antique dealers, or auction houses can determine the value of a quilt.

Amish Quilt Identification

• Amish Quilts: Legitimate Amish quilts often come with high price tags and are seldom initialed by the quilter.
• Authenticity Check: A signed quilt with a low asking price may indicate a mass-produced counterfeit.

Care Tips and Preservation

• Air-Drying: After washing, gently air-dry the quilt on a flat surface to avoid distortion or stretching.
• Professional Assistance: Consult a professional textile conservator for expert guidance and care.

Quilts and Their Stories

• Historical Insights: Quilts hold clues to stories through style, fabric, pattern, quilt stitches, and sometimes stitched or inked details.

Value Determination

• Handmade Value: Handmade quilts are far more valuable than store-bought quilts due to craftsmanship and materials.
• Pricing Factors: Factors influencing pricing include materials, time spent on piecing and quilting, and complexity.