Top 7 Reasons Handmade Quilts Are Expensive/ From a Lifelong Quilter’s Perspective

December 13, 2025
by Prince Kundra

If you have ever wondered why handmade quilts cost much more than regular blankets, you are not alone. Being a quilter myself, I would say that the high price is very much in line with the huge amount of time, effort, and love that is obviously put into each piece. In this post, I disclose the 7 main reasons why handmade quilts cost so much and why they are worth every single cent. If you were to buy a quilt, or simply want to browse through nice bed linen and bedding online, we, at Saheli, have a charming assortment of quilts just for you. Take a look at our collection of homemade quilts for sale online.

Time-Intensive Craftsmanship: Quilting Is Labor of Love

Making a quilt by hand is quite different from purchasing a blanket that is already made. A real quilt is a commitment of hundreds of hours — frequently tens of hours, or even weeks — of very meticulous and careful work. Every step from selecting the fabric, cutting the pieces, sewing the patchwork, layering with batting and backing, to the actual quilting stitches — is done by hand (or with home sewing machines), and with great care. Basically, patchwork + quilting (sewing the three layers together) is one of the two jobs in one that the experienced quilter talks about on her quilting site.

Therefore, even a very simple quilt is a huge time and patience challenge — and that labour cost is reflected in the final price.

High-Quality Materials: Good Fabrics, Good Batting, Long Life

One of the major causes why handcrafted quilts are priced higher is the standard of the fabrics that are utilized. Most good-quality quilts are generally made of pure cotton (100%), natural fiber batting, durable backing, and good threads.

Such materials are more expensive than the cheap synthetic fabrics used in mass-manufactured quilts. They ensure the quilt is soft, breathable, warm, and durable. Using natural fabrics also means the quilt stays comfortable even after many washes. By purchasing a handmade quilt, you are committing to quality that will be durable, not a throw-away blanket.

Design and Artistic Value: Each Quilt Is Unique

The selection of fabrics, the matching of colors and patterns, the design of the quilt top, and the arrangement of pieces all refer to the creative decisions. Each quiltmaker can have different patterns — patchwork, geometric designs, traditional motifs, or custom art.

Since each quilt is made individually — not mass-produced — there are no two quilts that are exactly alike. That uniqueness is worth something. When you purchase a handmade quilt, you are not only buying a bedding item but also a work of art made with the producer's care.

Skilled Workmanship and Stitching: Strength & Longevity

Good quality hand-made quilts are not just appealing; they are designed to be long-lasting. Skillful quilt makers usually go for very close stitching - in some cases as high as 14 stitches per inch, or very closely spaced quilting lines - to make sure the quilt top, the batting, and the backing are firmly united.

This kind of work with the eye and the hand, the workmanship is what gives your quilt the power to cohabit with you for years, to be washed over and over, to be worn every day - even if you have pets or kids. On the other hand, mass-produced quilts often come with loose stitching or thin batting, and so they become old and deteriorate quickly.

The hand-made quilt is constructed to be an heirloom - a thing that you may eventually pass on to subsequent generations.

Customisation and Made-to-Order: You Get What You Need

Handmade quilts are generally considered to be custom or made-to-order products in contrast with blankets that are factory-made. A quilter can help you with the design, fabric selection, size, color, and pattern - thereby making a quilt that matches your home décor or is in line with your personal taste.

This personalization provides you with a unique, intimate item - but also increases the price. As the quilter is spending additional time sourcing the materials, pre-washing the fabric, adjusting for shrinkage, and tailoring to your requirements, the cost has to be the one that reflects that extra work.

Hidden and Overhead Costs: Tools, Supplies, Shipping & More

Besides fabric and labor, there are many hidden costs behind a handmade quilt. To make a quilt, one will need a sewing machine (in some cases, a high-end longarm machine), a complete set of tools, batting, backing fabric, threads, binding, cutting tools, and a suitable workspace. It costs money to keep all of this in good condition.

Then there are other costs — pre-washing fabric, extra fabric for shrinkage, packaging, and shipping. Quilts are bulky and heavy, so shipping is often expensive. Also, if the quilts are being sold online, there may be taxes or commercial-sale fees depending on the region. All these overheads add up. A handmade quilt may appear as a mere trifling, but the production cost that lies behind it is substantial — and hence the sale price.

Durability, Longevity, and Emotional Value: An Investment for Life

Firstly, a handmade quilt is a representation of reliability, a long life, and emotional value. Because of the good materials and the strong workmanship used, such quilts can be kept for a very long time, and even be handed down from one generation to another. As one quilting blog puts it, a handmade quilt is not just a blanket; it is a lifestyle item that can keep memories, warmth, and stories over the years.

Moreover, a handmade quilt is most likely to be sentimental because, perhaps, it was made by a loving person, or it matches a loving home décor, or just because it is beautiful and unique. That emotional or heritage value is what is added to its price.

If you purchase a handmade quilt, you are not only buying a bedcover — you are buying the comfort, the quality, the memories, and an heirloom that may last a lifetime.

Why Handmade Quilts Are Worth the Cost

Indeed , a hand-stitched quilt is generally costly in comparison with a mass-produced blanket. However, if you count the labor hours, good materials, artisan work, one-of-a-kind, longevity, customization, and sentimental value, the price becomes logical.

By shopping wisely, you are not simply purchasing a quilt; rather, you are acquiring a piece of comfort, a work of art, and a commodity that may be retained for quite a long time — possibly even for generations.

At Saheli, we acknowledge the significance of handmade quilts and quality bedding. We are committed to providing you not merely the products, but the items that add warmth, comfort, and loveliness to your living space.

If you are looking to refresh your bedroom, consider also our range of bed linen and bedding sets, such as bed sheets with duvet cover Christchurch, and more options for bedsheets online shopping Christchurch. For simpler bedsheet-only sets, check out buy bedsheets online NZ.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Why are handmade quilts more expensive than regular comforters?

Ans . Handmade quilts use high-quality natural fabrics (like cotton), premium batting, and careful stitching made by hand. The labour, time, and craftsmanship involved make them far superior in quality, which adds to the cost.

Q. Does a handmade quilt last longer than a mass-produced blanket?

Ans . Yes — because of dense stitching, quality fabrics, and good workmanship, a handmade quilt can last for many years, even decades. With proper care, it can become an heirloom.

Q. Can handmade quilts be customised for my bed size or colour preference?

Ans . Yes. Many quilters offer custom orders where you can choose size, colours, patterns, and fabric type, so the quilt matches your home décor and personal taste.

Q. Is it worth paying extra for handmade quilts?

Ans . Definitely — you get more comfort, durability, uniqueness, and emotional value. A handmade quilt is more than just bedding; it becomes part of your home and memories.

Q. What contributes the most to the cost of a handmade quilt?

Ans . The biggest factors are quality materials (cotton, batting) and labour/time involved in cutting, piecing, stitching, and quilting. Also, overhead costs (tools, shipping, packaging) add up.

Q. Where can I find high-quality quilts or bedding online?

Ans . If you are looking online, you can explore trusted stores with handmade-quality bedding. At Saheli, we offer a curated collection of quilts and bed linen sets — check our quilt collection and bed sheets collection to find beautifully made bedding for your home.

Conclusion

Making a handcrafted quilt is an artist's work — it is a work that requires patience, skills, and love. Literally every stitch, every piece of fabric, and every layer symbolizes the time of the creator's commitment. Although the cost might look steep at the very beginning, the handmade quilts' comfort, lifespan, singularity, and value for money in the long run make them a lovely and sensible investment.

In case you are looking for premium bedding or contemplating the purchase of a handmade quilt, please check out our range at Saheli. A proper quilt is more than just a blanket — it's a warm experience that you invite into your home.