How Do You Buy An Antique American Quilt?
When it comes to craftsmanship, handmade quilts can rival the best examples of antique furniture you’ll find. Expect to pay hundreds, even thousands of dollars for quilts in very good condition. A quilt writes a history with every stitch. Here’s how to read it. Look at authentic antique quilts at living history museums, local quilt guilds or antique shops to train your eye. For example, old fabrics tend to have a tighter weave (more threads per inch) than new ones. Ask to touch the quilts so you can learn how vintage material feels. Watch for old quilt tops that have been given new cotton-polyester backs. To spot new batting (material sandwiched between the quilt top and back), gently rub the batting between your fingers. Polyester batting feels slippery. Turn the quilt over and look for a label attached by the quilter. These list occasions, such as birthdays, weddings or national events, or names and dates. Inspect the entire quilt. If the composition looks wrong, it may have been alt
