Buying and Caring for Handmade Quilts

A handmade quilt is one of the most enduring craft objects you can own. Made thoughtfully, they pass through families across generations. Here's how to buy well and care for what you buy.

Evaluating Fabric Quality

Cotton Is King

Most heirloom-quality quilts use 100% quilting cotton — a tightly woven fabric specifically designed for the purpose. It doesn't stretch, holds color well, and wears gracefully. Look for brands like Robert Kaufman, Moda, or Hoffman, which makers often cite as markers of quality.

Mixed Fabric Warnings

Quilts mixing cotton with polyester or other synthetics behave differently when washed — different shrink rates, different dye behavior — and are more likely to distort over time. Ask about fabric content.

Pre-Washed vs. Not

Many quilters pre-wash their fabrics before cutting to account for shrinkage. If fabrics weren't pre-washed, the quilt may shrink and pucker slightly on first washing — which some people love for the "antique" crinkle effect and some don't. Ask the maker.

Batting: What's Inside

The batting is the middle layer that provides warmth and body.

• Cotton batting — breathable, softens with washing, slight shrinkage gives that beloved vintage pucker
• Polyester batting — holds loft without shrinking, typically warmer, often cheaper
• Wool batting — premium option; naturally temperature-regulating, durable
• Bamboo and blended battings — eco-friendly options with good drape

Higher-loft batting makes a thicker, warmer quilt; low-loft makes a drapier, lighter one.

Stitching Density

More stitching = more durable, better-looking aging.

Machine Quilted

Most contemporary quilts are machine quilted — either straight lines, custom patterns, or free-motion designs. This is not a shortcut; modern long-arm machine quilting is a highly skilled art. The quality shows in even stitch tension and intentional design.

Hand Quilted

The most time-intensive option. Look for even stitch length and spacing — a traditional goal is 10–12 stitches per inch. Irregular stitching doesn't necessarily mean poor quality; it may simply reflect the maker's style.

Washing a Handmade Quilt

• Use cold water, gentle cycle
• Mild detergent — avoid bleach and fabric softeners
• A front-loading washer is gentler than top-loading agitators, which can stress seams
• Dry on low heat or air dry flat
• Don't wring or twist

For antique or very fragile quilts, consider hand-washing in a bathtub with quilt wash (like Orvus Paste) or dry cleaning by a textile specialist.

Displaying Quilts

• Hang quilts using a sleeve sewn to the back rather than clips or pins, which cause stress damage over time
• Avoid direct sunlight — UV fades fabric significantly
• Rotate displayed quilts seasonally to allow fibers to rest
• For decorative wall quilts, consider UV-filtering glass if framing small pieces

Heirloom Storage

• Clean quilts before storing — oils and stains attract insects and oxidize fibers
• Store in a cotton pillowcase or unbleached muslin — never plastic, which traps moisture
• Roll rather than fold if possible to avoid permanent crease lines; if folding, refold in different places periodically
• Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths — avoid mothballs (naphthalene), which damage fibers and smell for years
• Store in a cool, dry, dark location