Quilts are an Investment: The True Cost of Creating an Heirloom
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Quilts are more than just blankets (and p.s., don’t ever say blanket to a quilter). Quilts are investments, even the simple or easy ones. Every handmade quilt represents not only fabric and thread but also the artist’s time, skill, and creativity. So when your friend or relative—who has no idea what goes into it—asks you to make one and offers to pay you a few dollars, it can be uncomfortable when you decline. When you add up the fabric, the tools, and especially the hours of artistry, the true cost of a quilt becomes clear—and it’s far higher than most people imagine. Let’s take a look.
The Material Reality
Fabric is the foundation of any quilt, and quality comes at a price. A lap-size quilt often requires 8–15 yards of fabric, averaging $12–$15 per yard. Add in batting ($20–$40), backing (another 4–6 yards), and binding, and you’re already looking at $200–$300 in materials. High-quality quilting thread adds another $30–$40.
Unlike mass-produced textiles, quilts demand premium-grade cotton and strong, smooth threads to ensure durability and beauty that lasts for generations.
Don’t forget—those prices will be going up because of tariffs. And yes, quilters will have to pay the cost of the tariffs. Karlee Porter has an excellent series of reels on her Instagram about tariffs—look for it in her highlights section.
Don’t Forget About the Investment in Tools
Behind every quilt are the tools that make precision possible: rotary cutters, rulers, sewing machines, and a whole lot more. These aren’t one-time expenses per quilt, but they’re essential investments that allow quilters to create with accuracy and artistry. And those prices will be going up as a result of tariffs as well.
Just like when you rent or borrow a tool you won’t use very often or only need for a limited time, you are “renting” the quilter’s tools. And some of it is disposable—needles and rotary blades all need to be replaced frequently, so you’ll use up those tools, too.
Time is the Priceless Ingredient
The largest “hidden” cost of any quilt is time. Designing, cutting, piecing, pressing, basting, quilting, and binding takes anywhere from 40 to over 100 hours for an experienced quilter. Even at a modest rate of $20/hour (many entry-level jobs pay this), that translates to $800–$2,000 in labor alone. For intricate custom quilts, the value climbs even higher.
Why Quilts Are Worth the Price
When you see a handmade quilt priced at over $1,000, it’s not expensive—it’s accurate. And often, it’s still undervalued. Quilts are heirlooms that carry memory, creativity, and craftsmanship, making them far more than just the fabric stitched together. They’re investments in art, heritage, and the maker’s skill.
A Call to Value Your Work
If you’re a quilter, remember this: your quilts aren’t just cozy blankets. They’re handmade works of art, and your time is as valuable as your materials. The next time someone offers you “a little something” to make a quilt, remind yourself—and them—that quilts are an investment. And “no” is a perfectly acceptable answer.
And if you’re someone lucky enough to purchase or receive one? Treasure it. You’re holding a handmade investment that can bring warmth and memories for generations.
Hey there, I’m Theresa, The AI Quilter. I’m here to help you connect technology and creativity in ways that feel human, creative, and completely your own.
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