General

What is the oldest quilt block?

What is the oldest quilt block?

The “Four Patch” and the “Nine Patch” are the oldest known block patterns. Both were made entirely of squares, and they early-on featured light and dark divisions. In these early quilts, the scrap tradition was evident. Overall planning with a few basic colors was rarely possible.

What is a Civil War era quilt worth?

The most expensive quilt ever sold at auction is a Civil War-era quilt known as the Reconciliation Quilt. It was bought for $264,000 at Sotheby’s in 1991.

What quilts are valuable?

The most important clue as to whether you’ve got a museum-quality quilt is the fabric and patterns. Something like the Reconciliation Quilt that tells a story is a good find. Star designs or nautical mariner patterns from the 1800s also seem to be highly valuable.

What makes a vintage quilt valuable?

The older they are and the better shape they’re in, the higher price tag you can set. If you’re looking to make serious cash from quilts you’ve inherited, though, you’ll need them to be in “museum-quality.” That means not just a pristine condition, but connected to a specific era of history.

What were old quilts stuffed with?

The wadding used for bedding in the early years of America was almost always wool. It was easily accessible since sheep were often quite plentiful and most families owned sheep. The wool was shorn, cleaned and then layered in chunks between the quilt layers.

What are the oldest quilt patterns?

The Crazy Quilt is probably the oldest of quilt patterns. Early quilters used any scrap or remnant available, regardless of its color, design, or fabric type.

Are old quilts worth any money?

What is the oldest quilt in America?

‘The Martha Howard Quilt,’ oldest known in America, on display this weekend. CANTON, Mass.

Are old quilts worth anything?

A quick scroll through options for sale on eBay shows prices ranging between $68 for a beautiful design from the 1940s to triple digits, like a 1930s pattern that’s soaring up to $675. The older they are and the better shape they’re in, the higher price tag you can set.

How are the quilt block patterns listed?

Our free quilt block patterns are listed in alphabetical order by their most common name. Seam allowances are 1/4″ unless otherwise noted. Blocks are listed in Finished Sizes. Most include multiple sizes. (If you are a beginning quilter and confused by ‘finished vs unfinished size’ check out this article. You’re not alone.

What kind of quilts were made in the 1930s?

We’ve included block patterns popular during the 1930s, including Dresden plates, as well as several scrap quilt projects that are perfect for frugal quilters. If you can’t get enough light and airy quilts, then you’ll love our section of pretty pastel quilts that are reminiscent of typical 30s quilts popular with quilters in the Great Depression.

Where can I find illustrated directions for cutting and piecing quilt blocks?

In our free Quilt Block Patterns library ( skip straight to the blocks) you’ll find step-by-step illustrated directions for cutting and piecing your favorite patchwork block. Not just images, but pictures of the actual block during construction.

Are there any quilts inspired by the Great Depression?

Our collection of quilts inspired by America’s Great Depression is budget-friendly and vintage-inspired, both of which are key to Depression era quilts. We’ve included block patterns popular during the 1930s, including Dresden plates, as well as several scrap quilt projects that are perfect for frugal quilters.