How To Tell If Your Thrifted Quilt Could Actually Be Worth A Lot Of Money

It's very likely that when you're scouting for vintage finds, you are usually on the hunt for those valuable glass items at thrift stores or estate sales. But did you know there could be an expensive treasure waiting to be found in that pile of old quilts? It's true that the thrifted quilt you found might not only be the perfect vintage home accent piece you'll want to snatch up at the thrift store, but it could also be extremely valuable. Vintage quilts, especially those handmade, are highly collectible and often considered to be valuable folk art. And it all comes down to a couple simple factors, but stitching is one of the most important.

The key is to know what to look for before tossing that quilt in your cart. Handmade quilts, especially those from the early 19th century, tend to hold the most value. However, those from later eras can also hold some serious value. You want to look for quilts with rare patterns or vibrant, natural dye fabrics. With a little knowledge and a keen eye, your thrift habit might just turn into a treasure hunt.

One of the most significant indicators of value in a vintage quilt is the type of stitching. Handmade quilts will often feature a high stitch count. If you place your fingers an inch apart over the stitching and count nine perfect stitches in that small space, you've likely discovered a remarkable piece of craftsmanship. Such fine, dense stitching often indicates a quilt of exceptional quality and potential value. These small stitches are evidence that the quilt was made by hand, not mass-produced in a factory. You will also want to take a close look at stitch consistency. Machine-produced quilts will have uniform lines, while hand-stitched quilts will show irregularities that are evidence of a human touch. Also, look for natural fading of the materials, rather than fabric that has been printed to appear aged.

Lastly, there are colors and specific patterns you should be on the lookout for. Certain patterns like, "Double Wedding Ring", "Log Cabin", or star patterns like the "Ohio Star" are particularly prized. And bold, vibrant colors made with natural dyes can increase the quilt's worth. Whether you're looking to upcycle a thrifted vintage quilt to add some beautiful decor to your home or just want to earn some extra cash, remember to trust your instincts and learn to spot the signs of handcrafted materials.