Vintage textiles, whether a faded coverlet folded in an attic or a boldly stitched Civil War-era quilt, are more than just beautiful objects. They are tangible pieces of history, rich with craftsmanship and personal stories. Estate sale professionals and collectors alike often overlook these textiles, mispricing them or storing them in damaging ways. But with the right knowledge and care, these items can be honored for what they truly are: cultural artifacts worthy of preservation and, in some cases, high market value.

At EstateSales.NET, we regularly see vintage quilts and linens featured in sales across the country. Unfortunately, many of these pieces go undervalued or overlooked entirely. We interviewed with Dana Balsamo, an AQS Certified Quilt Appraiser, licensed auctioneer, and Antiques Roadshow expert, to learn how to properly identify, preserve, and present vintage quilts and textiles. Her insights reveal common pitfalls and professional tips that can make all the difference when handling these delicate heirlooms.

Identifying True Vintage or Antique Textiles

Not every old-looking quilt is vintage, and not every vintage textile is valuable. Balsamo defines ‘antique’ as 100 years old or more, while ‘vintage’ typically refers to items over 50 years old. But she cautions that the term vintage is often misused. Quilts from the 1990s, for instance, are frequently mislabeled as such.

So, what sets a genuine vintage or antique piece apart?

“True vintage or antique quilts show signs of age, including natural wear, patina, and textile degradation consistent with their era,” Balsamo explains. “Hand-stitching, period-appropriate fabrics, and dyes like madder or indigo are all good indicators.”

Reproductions, on the other hand, tend to feature synthetic fabrics, modern machine stitching, or patterns that don’t align with historical techniques. Estate professionals should also learn to recognize regional styles, like Pennsylvania’s bold bars quilts or Southern quilts with Baptist Fan stitching and thicker batting.

Valuing Quilts: Craftsmanship, Condition, and Provenance

Valuation is where most estate sales go astray. Too often, rare quilts are sold as just another household item, and historic or high-craftsmanship pieces are underpriced due to lack of expertise.

According to Balsamo, age, condition, and craftsmanship are all essential in determining value:

“Quilts from the 19th century with intricate hand stitching and historical fabrics are more valuable, especially in excellent condition. Even a beautiful quilt can be devalued if it has stains, fading, or structural damage.”

Some features that increase value include:

• Hand-quilting with fine, even stitches
• Natural fiber materials like cotton, linen, or wool
• Early dye technologies (e.g., indigo, turkey red)
• Unique or pictorial designs
• Clear provenance or inscriptions

One standout example from Balsamo’s experience involved a 1913 quilt with hundreds of embroidered signatures from a Pennsylvania church group. Tied to local families and a historic restoration fundraiser, it sold at auction for $5,000, giving proof that provenance can be as valuable as the quilt itself.

When listing similar items on EstateSales.NET, detailed descriptions and photos showcasing these attributes can help buyers appreciate their true value.

Common Mistakes That Damage Value

Even well-intentioned sellers and collectors can unintentionally harm textiles. Folding quilts for long-term storage, for instance, can cause permanent creasing and fiber breakage.

“Storing in plastic bins, folding too tightly, or exposing quilts to direct sunlight are the most common mistakes,” Balsamo warns.

Instead, use acid-free tissue, roll rather than fold when possible, and store in climate-controlled spaces - “anywhere you’d be comfortable keeping your grandmother,” as Balsamo puts it!

Don’t rush to wash a quilt. Water can cause dyes to bleed and fabrics to deteriorate. Always consult a textile conservator before any cleaning or repairs. When marketing a piece through EstateSales.NET, include notes about how it has been stored or preserved as this can increase buyer confidence.

How to Sell Responsibly and Profitably

Many high-value quilts should bypass the typical estate sale setting altogether. For rare or historically significant pieces, auctions, especially online auctions offer the best exposure and value.

“Estate sales often underprice rare items due to lack of subject matter expertise,” says Balsamo. “Online auctions reach a global audience and bring competitive bidding that better reflects true market value.”

When marketing quilts:

• Use clear, detailed descriptions
• Include high-resolution photos
• Share the maker information, inscriptions, and family history (with permission)
• Highlight regional styles or historical context

Know your audience, too. Museums, textile scholars, and collectors of niche items such as African American story quilts or Amish patchwork,) are often willing to pay premium prices if they can find the listing.

On EstateSales.NET, sellers can reach a targeted audience of antique lovers, textile enthusiasts, and serious collectors. The platform’s advanced search filters also help ensure the quilt appears in front of those most likely to recognize its value.

Displaying with Care and Impact

Whether preparing for sale or public viewing, how you present vintage textiles matters. Avoid pins, tape, or hanging by loops. Instead, lay quilts flat on a clean surface like a bed, away from sunlight and high-traffic areas. Balsamo also recommends providing signage - :

“Include brief descriptions and provenance if known. It helps catch the attention of informed buyers.”

This small touch not only elevates the perceived value but also respects the textile’s story. Sellers on EstateSales.NET often include these details in their listings, turning simple photos into compelling narratives that connect buyers to the item’s past.

Preserving the Stories

Perhaps the most compelling reason to handle vintage quilts with care is the story each piece holds. These are not merely decorative bedcovers - they are the handiwork of generations, often women, who stitched love, grief, pride, and perseverance into their work.

“Quilts are tangible records of women’s lives, communities, and cultural identity,” Balsamo reflects. “Treating them merely as ‘pretty blankets’ overlooks their storytelling power.”

For estate professionals, auctioneers, and collectors, the responsibility is clear: recognize these pieces as part of America’s cultural heritage and help ensure their stories live on.

Whether you’re liquidating an estate or curating a private collection, vintage textiles deserve a second look, and a lot more respect. With expert guidance, careful handling, and informed pricing, these heirlooms can transition from forgotten chests to cherished artifacts.

At EstateSales.NET, we’re proud to support sellers and collectors who value these pieces not just for what they are, but for what they represent. Balsamo puts it best -

“We are gatekeepers of cultural heritage. By identifying, protecting, and placing textiles in the right hands, we ensure these stories endure.”

More About Dana Balsamo

Dana Balsamo is an AQS Certified Quilt Appraiser, a licensed auctioneer, and an Antiques Roadshow appraiser for Seasons 29 and 30. She is the owner of Dana Auctions (www.danaauctions.com), which specializes in antique and vintage quilts, textiles, and related historic materials. With decades of hands-on experience in textile history, appraisal, and auctioneering, Dana is a respected expert in the field and a passionate advocate for preserving and accurately representing America’s quilt heritage.