How much is an old handmade quilt worth?

Quilt value depends on age, workmanship, design, condition and whether it is hand quilted. Many quilts from the 1930s through the 1970s, including common patterns like Grandmother's Flower Garden and Double Wedding Ring, are plentiful and usually sell for modest amounts, even though they took months to make.

The quilts that bring strong prices tend to be older, roughly before 1900, with excellent condition, striking graphic designs and fine, tiny hand stitches. Amish quilts in bold solid colors, early appliqué quilts, signed and dated quilts, and quilts with documented history are especially wanted. Victorian crazy quilts made of silks and velvets can be attractive but often have shattered or split fabric that lowers value.

Condition is critical. Stains, fading, holes, worn edges and fabric rot cut value sharply. Don't wash an old quilt before selling; cleaning can cause damage that can't be undone.

Note any names, dates or family history, and take photos of the whole quilt and close-ups of the stitching. An appraiser who specializes in textiles or an auction company that sells quilts can give a realistic opinion.