Quilting: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What quilting is

A quilter makes or finishes quilts by piecing fabric, layering the top, batting and backing, and stitching the layers together. A quilter may also finish a quilt someone else pieced, or repair an older quilt that has worn thin or torn.

Signs you need it

  • You have a quilt top that is pieced but not yet layered and finished
  • You want a custom quilt made from your family's clothing, photos or fabric
  • You need a quilt for a baby, a wedding or a memorial that will be used and washed
  • You have an older quilt that is torn, worn or fragile and needs repair
  • You want a quilt with a specific pattern, color scheme or stitch design

What the pro does

  • Asks about the size, the pattern, the fabric and how the quilt will be used
  • Checks the quilt top or the fabric you bring for straight seams and clean edges
  • Chooses the batting and backing that suit the quilt's use and weight
  • Layers the quilt and pins or bastes it so the layers stay flat
  • Stitches the quilt by hand or machine, with the quilting design you agreed on
  • Binds the edges and finishes the quilt with a label or care note

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The size of the quilt and how many layers need stitching
  • The quilting design, such as an all-over pattern or a custom stitch
  • Whether the quilt is hand-quilted or machine-quilted
  • The fabric and batting, and whether you supply them
  • Whether the top needs piecing, repair or a new backing
  • The binding and label details

What a written quote should spell out

  • The quilt size, the quilting design and the method used
  • Whether the top is pieced by the quilter or supplied by you
  • The batting and backing used, and whether they are supplied
  • The binding, label and care note included in the service
  • The completion date and the pick-up or shipping terms

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can I see quilts you have finished in the size and style I want?
  • What batting and backing do you recommend for a quilt that will be washed often?
  • Will you check my quilt top for square seams before you layer it?
  • How will you quilt the design, and can I see a sample of the stitching?
  • How will the quilt be finished at the edges and the binding?
  • Can you repair an older quilt without changing its look?
  • How should I wash and store the finished quilt?

Red flags

  • Starts layering or stitching without checking the top for square seams and flat fabric
  • Uses batting or backing that does not suit the quilt's use, with no explanation
  • Cannot show finished quilts in the size or style you want
  • Will not give you a care note for the finished quilt
  • Promises a repair that changes the look of an antique quilt with no discussion

What you can do yourself

You can piece a simple quilt top from squares or strips, and press the seams well before you layer it. Keep the layers flat when you baste them. Hire a quilter for the quilting stitch, the layering of a large quilt, repair of an antique or worn quilt, or a custom design, because the quilting takes many hours and the layers must stay even.

Licenses and permits

A license is often not required for quilting, but rules differ by state and city. Ask for a portfolio of finished quilts and proof of training or guild membership.

Quilting questions

How long does a quilt take to finish?

It depends on the size, the quilting design and whether the quilter is hand or machine stitching. Ask the quilter for a timeline that includes layering, quilting and binding.

Can you quilt a quilt I have already pieced?

Yes, this is common. Ask the quilter to check the top for seam accuracy and flat fabric before they layer it, and ask what they need from you.

Should I use batting that is cotton or polyester?

It depends on the feel and the use of the quilt. Ask the quilter to explain the batting options, the loft, the washing needs and the look you want.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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