Hand or Machine Quilting?

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People often ask for my advice about the best kind of quilting - "Should I go with hand quilting or is machine quilting just as good?" The truth is that there are real advantages and disadvantages to both.

Hand quilting is the traditional style of quilting and I prefer it for my own quilts. I love the way it looks on both sides of the quilt and it reminds me of my grandma, who taught me to sew. Hand quilting will make your quilt durable and soft. It can also make the pattern pop out or add contrasting shapes for more visual interest. Here is a picture of a baby quilt I recently hand quilted.


The biggest challenge with hand quilting is that it takes a lot of time, which means that custom quilts with hand quilting are more expensive than those with machine quilting. For example, in my shop, baby quilts with hand quilting typically range from $135-$165, while baby quilts with machine quilting typically range $95-$125. The price difference is even more pronounced when looking at queen-sized or larger quilts. In my shop, a queen traditional quilt with hand quilting typically ranges $435-$550, while the same quilt with machine quilting typically ranges $335-$450.

Although it doesn't have the same family and historical significance for me, machine quilting can be just as beautiful and functional as hand quilting. In fact, machine quilting can get quite intricate and add unique texture to your quilt. Here is a picture of a quilt I recently machine quilted.


At the end of the day, I want you to have the quilt that most moves you, so think about which quilting option would best complement your quilt design and aesthetic sensibilities!



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