Antique Quilt Value: How to Date and Appraise Old Quilts
Date and value antique quilts by fabric, pattern, stitching and batting. Learn hand vs. machine quilting, condition issues and how to care for old quilts.
By Ayoub Farid · · 1 min read
Quilts combine textile history, craft and family stories. Old quilts are increasingly appreciated for their design, and some are valuable.
Hand vs. machine work
- Hand quilting: small, slightly irregular running stitches through all layers
- Machine piecing became common after sewing machines spread in the later 19th century; many hand-quilted quilts have machine-pieced tops
- Machine quilting on older quilts exists but more often indicates later work
Date by fabric
Fabrics are the best dating clue:
- Printed cottons, colors and dye types changed by era
- Feed sack fabrics are associated with the 1920s–1950s
- Synthetic fabrics indicate later quilts
Quilt historians date quilts by their newest fabric.
Patterns and styles
Classic patterns (Log Cabin, Double Wedding Ring, Grandmother's Flower Garden, Crazy quilts, Amish designs) are associated with particular periods and communities. Crazy quilts with silks and embroidery were especially popular in the late 19th century.
What affects value
- Age and documentation
- Design impact and color
- Quality and density of quilting
- Condition: fading, stains, tears, fabric loss, repairs
- Provenance: maker's name, family history, signatures and dates stitched in
Care
- Don't wash old quilts in a machine.
- Store folded loosely in acid-free tissue, refolding periodically.
- Keep away from sunlight, damp and pests.
Value it
Photograph the whole quilt and close-ups of fabrics and stitching, then scan with AntiqueIQ for an identification, era and estimated value range. Related: antique rugs and catalog your collection.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell how old a quilt is?
Look at the fabrics, piecing and quilting methods. The newest fabric dates the quilt.
Are hand-made quilts valuable?
Some are; age, design, workmanship and condition determine value.
Should I wash an antique quilt?
Not in a machine. Consult a textile conservator for cleaning.