Selling Quilts on Etsy:Complete Guide
Yes, you can absolutely sell quilts on Etsy—and skilled quilters are earning $2,000-$10,000+ monthly. From baby quilts and lap quilts to custom wedding quilts and modern wall hangings, handmade quilts command premium prices from buyers who appreciate true craftsmanship.
🧵Quick Answer: Can You Sell Quilts on Etsy?
Absolutely yes! Etsy is the #1 marketplace for handmade quilts, and buyers actively search for unique, quality-crafted pieces they can't find in big-box stores. Here's what you need to know:
- 1. Quilts are premium products — Handmade quilts typically sell for $150-$1,500+ depending on size, complexity, and customization
- 2. Baby quilts are the entry point — Start with smaller projects ($75-$200) to build reviews and reputation
- 3. Custom orders drive profits — Many successful quilt sellers generate 50%+ of revenue from custom/commission work
- 4. Photography is critical — Quilts are highly visual; professional-quality photos dramatically impact sales
- 5. Shipping requires planning — Quilts are bulky; flat-rate boxes and calculated shipping protect your margins
- 6. Build a signature style — Top sellers are known for distinctive patterns, fabrics, or techniques
Success Reality: Most quilt sellers start slowly (1-3 sales/month) while building reviews, then scale to 10-30+ orders monthly once established. The key is pricing for profit from day one—don't undervalue your time.
What Quilt Types Sell Best on Etsy
6 categories that consistently generate sales
Baby & Nursery Quilts
Examples: Personalized name quilts, gender-neutral designs, modern baby quilts, heirloom christening quilts, nursery theme quilts
Pro Tip: Baby quilts sell year-round with spikes before baby shower seasons. Personalization (name, birthdate) commands $25-$50 premium.
Lap & Throw Quilts
Examples: Modern throw quilts, traditional patterns, seasonal/holiday themes, TV-watching size, reading nook quilts
Pro Tip: 50x60" is the most popular size. Modern minimalist designs in neutral colors sell fastest to home decor buyers.
Bed Quilts (Twin to King)
Examples: Queen size quilts, king bed quilts, twin quilts for kids, heirloom bed quilts, wedding gift quilts
Pro Tip: Higher price point but fewer sales. Focus on custom orders and heirloom quality. Buyers expect 6-12 week lead times.
Wall Hangings & Art Quilts
Examples: Mini quilts, modern art quilts, seasonal wall hangings, quilted wall art, textile art pieces
Pro Tip: Art quilts attract collectors willing to pay premium prices. Smaller pieces mean faster completion and easier shipping.
T-Shirt & Memory Quilts
Examples: T-shirt quilts from customer shirts, memorial quilts, baby clothes quilts, sports jersey quilts, graduation quilts
Pro Tip: Customers provide materials—your profit margin is almost pure labor. Charge per block/shirt ($15-$30 each) plus base price.
Quilt Patterns & Tutorials
Examples: PDF quilt patterns, beginner tutorials, modern quilt patterns, foundation paper piecing patterns, quilt-as-you-go patterns
Pro Tip: Create once, sell forever. Patterns generate passive income while you work on commissioned quilts. Bundle patterns for higher AOV.
Quilt Type Comparison
Compare price points, margins, and time investment across categories
| Product Type | Avg Price | Margin | Time Investment | Shipping Ease | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Quilts | $75-$250 | 40-60% | 8-20 hours | Easy | Beginners, steady sales |
| Lap Quilts | $150-$400 | 45-65% | 15-30 hours | Medium | Home decor market |
| Bed Quilts | $350-$1,500+ | 50-70% | 40-100+ hours | Challenging | Premium buyers, custom |
| Wall Hangings | $50-$500+ | 55-75% | 4-20 hours | Very Easy | Art collectors, quick turnaround |
| T-Shirt Quilts | $200-$600 | 50-65% | 15-40 hours | Medium | Steady custom work |
| PDF Patterns | $8-$25 | 95%+ | 10-40 hours (once) | Instant download | Passive income |
Pricing Your Quilts
Never undervalue your work—use the quilter's pricing formula
The Quilter's Pricing Formula
Price = (Materials × 2) + (Hours × Rate) + Etsy Fees (15%) + Shipping CushionThe biggest mistake new quilt sellers make is pricing too low to "be competitive." This leads to burnout and resentment.
Labor Rate Guidelines
- Beginner: $15-$20/hour minimum
- Experienced: $25-$40/hour
- Master quilter: $50-$100/hour
Include ALL time: cutting, piecing, quilting, binding, finishing, photography, listing, packing
Real Pricing Examples
| Quilt Type | Materials | Hours | Rate | Subtotal | +Fees | Final Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Quilt (40x40") | $35 × 2 = $70 | 12 hrs | $20 | $310 | +$47 | $350 |
| Lap Quilt (50x60") | $60 × 2 = $120 | 25 hrs | $25 | $745 | +$112 | $850 |
| Queen Quilt (90x100") | $150 × 2 = $300 | 60 hrs | $30 | $2,100 | +$315 | $2,400 |
Important: If these prices seem high compared to "quilts" on Amazon, that's because mass-produced quilts aren't handmade. Your buyers are different—they value craftsmanship and will pay for it.
Photography Tips for Quilts
Essential shots and best practices for quilt listings
Essential Shots for Every Listing
- 1. Full Quilt Flat Lay — Show entire design from directly above
- 2. On a Bed/In Use — Help buyers visualize in their home
- 3. Detail Shots — Close-ups of stitching, pattern intersections, binding
- 4. Corner/Edge Details — Show quality of binding and finishing
- 5. Back of Quilt — Buyers want to see quilting pattern and backing
- 6. Texture/Dimension — Side angle showing loft and drape
- 7. Scale Reference — Quilt next to furniture or person for size
Photography Best Practices
- ✓ Natural Light Only — Shoot near large windows, never direct sunlight
- ✓ Neutral Backgrounds — White sheets, wood floors, simple bedding
- ✓ Iron/Steam First — Wrinkled quilts look unprofessional
- ✓ Show True Colors — Edit for accuracy, not fantasy
- ✓ Consistent Style — All listings should have cohesive aesthetic
- ✓ Include Process Photos — Buyers love seeing handmade journey
Shipping Quilts Successfully
Protect your margins with smart shipping strategies
| Method | Best For | Cost Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Flat Rate Medium | Baby quilts | $15.50 | Predictable pricing | Size limits |
| USPS Flat Rate Large | Lap quilts | $21.90 | Includes insurance | Can be tight |
| USPS Priority Cubic | Variable sizes | $8-$25 | Best value for heavy items | Requires scale |
| UPS Ground | Bed quilts | $20-$50 | Reliable, good tracking | Can be pricey |
| Regional Rate Boxes | Regional buyers | $10-$35 | Zone-based savings | More complex |
Packaging Best Practices
- 1. Fold Neatly — Roll for large quilts to minimize creasing
- 2. Tissue Paper Layer — Prevents color transfer and adds presentation
- 3. Plastic Bag Protection — Ziplock or poly bag for moisture protection
- 4. Branded Touch — Include care instructions, thank you card, small gift
- 5. Secure Outer Box — Use quality boxes; quilts can be heavy
Shipping Pricing Strategy
Free Shipping (Built In)
Etsy algorithm favors this; add $15-$25 to item price
Calculated Shipping
Most accurate for larger quilts; buyers understand
Flat Rate
Simple but risky if costs increase
6 Steps to Start Selling Quilts on Etsy
Your roadmap to building a successful quilt shop
Define Your Niche (Week 1)
Choose your focus and research the competition.
- • Choose 1-2 quilt categories to start
- • Develop signature style or pattern collection
- • Research competitors and pricing in your niche
- • Baby quilts, lap quilts, or patterns are best for beginners
Create Quality Listings (Week 2-3)
Build your shop with professional listings.
- • Start with 10-20 listings minimum
- • Write detailed descriptions with keywords
- • Professional photography for every item
- • Clear sizing, care instructions, and policies
Price for Profit (Ongoing)
Use the pricing formula—no exceptions.
- • Use formula: (Materials × 2) + (Hours × Rate) + Fees (15%)
- • Track actual time spent on each project
- • Adjust rates up as demand increases
- • Never race to the bottom on price
Build Reviews (Month 1-3)
Focus on quality and customer service.
- • Deliver exceptional quality and service
- • Follow up with buyers politely for reviews
- • Respond professionally to any issues
- • Consider offering a small discount for repeat buyers
Expand Strategically (Month 3+)
Add offerings and diversify income.
- • Add custom order options
- • Create pattern income stream
- • Develop signature collections
- • Consider teaching or YouTube income
Scale Your Business (Month 6+)
Grow your quilting business systematically.
- • Raise prices as reviews build (every 25-50 reviews)
- • Develop VIP/repeat customer relationships
- • Consider hiring help for cutting, binding
- • Expand to craft shows, wholesale, or website
Selling Quilts on Etsy: The Numbers
Quilt Selling Best Practices
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌Don't Do This
- •Compete on price — with mass-produced imports
- •Skip the photography — it's half the sale
- •Accept rush orders — that stress you out (charge premium if you do)
- •Use copyrighted fabric patterns — without checking commercial rights
- •Forget Etsy fees — in your pricing calculations
- •Ignore custom requests — they're often your highest margin sales
- •Neglect the back of the quilt — buyers notice quality everywhere
- •Burn out making $10/hour quilts — know your worth
✅Do This Instead
- •Price quilts to value your time — minimum $15-20/hour
- •Photograph on a made bed — or neutral background
- •Offer custom options — for colors, sizes, personalization
- •Clearly state lead times — 2-6 weeks is normal
- •Include care instructions — with every quilt
- •Build an email list — of past buyers for new releases
- •Create PDF patterns — for passive income between orders
- •Specialize in a niche — modern, traditional, baby, memory
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about selling quilts on Etsy.
Related Guides
Things to Make and Sell on Etsy
Discover what handmade products sell best.
What Percentage Does Etsy Take
Understand all Etsy fees and pricing.
Selling Digital Templates
How to sell quilt patterns and tutorials.
What to Know About Selling on Etsy
Master product photography for listings.
Ship Internationally on Etsy
International shipping guide for sellers.
This guide provides general information about selling quilts on Etsy. Individual results vary based on skill level, pricing, marketing effort, and market conditions. Pricing recommendations are guidelines—research your specific market. Consult a tax professional for business structure and tax obligations. Etsy policies and fees may change; verify current terms on Etsy.com.
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