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Appraisal FAQ’s


Why do I want to have a quilt appraisal?

A quilt appraisal can protect against loss. A professional appraisal can used as a legal document to confirm the value of your quilt. This document may be necessary for your insurance company, the IRS, and while settling estates. It can be used as a guide when selling a quilted item or giving it as a gift.

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What is a quilt appraisal?

A quilt appraisal is a legal document that is written by qualified appraiser. It describes your quilt, documents the quality of workmanship and condition and references provenance that both affects value and can be proven. The final portion of the appraisal establishes a value for the quilt with additional information that describes how the value was determined and the current market conditions.

The appraisal takes about 45 minutes to complete. There is a written questionnaire, an inspection of the quilt and an interview with the appraiser while notes about the quilt are taken. At the end of the interview, you may take your quilt with you. The notes are used to write the finished appraisal which is mailed to you within 4 weeks.

Who is a qualified appraiser?

Any one who appraises personal property may appraise a quilt. This does not necessarily mean that they are the best person for a job. The American Quilter’s Society (AQS) has a program to train, test and certify individuals who specialize in appraising quilted items. The Professional Association of Appraisers – Quilted Textiles (PAAQT) is a second organization that helps establish the rigorous standards associated with appraising quilts. Most, but not all, PAAQT members are also AQS certified. Both organization list their members in a directory. Members of these organizations have permission to use these logos:

I am both AQS certified and a PAAQT member.

The advantage of working with members of these organizations is that government agencies and insurance agencies recognize these groups as experts in their field.

Can you appraise other types of textiles?

While I most frequently appraise bed quilts, I can also appraise any quilted item such as garments.

In additional to quilted items, I appraise woven coverlets and yo-yo (quilts) coverlets.

What other things should I know?

  • You do not need to know anything about your quilt.
    Just say that you know and we can start from there. You may know more than you think!
  • The appraisal is confidential.
    The appraisal is only shared with the owner of the quilt.
  • Exact values are not provided at the time of the appointment.
    An accurate value requires research which will be done after the appointment. A value range may be provided at the time of the appointment.
  • I can decline to appraise any item.
    This is usually done if the item does not fall within my area of expertise.
  • If your item is valued at less than $200, you will have a choice:
    • You may take a full refund of the appraisal fee. This option provides no information beyond that the value is less than $200.
    • You may request a verbal consultation at half the price of a written appraisal. A verbal consultation does not provide information about the item’s value in either a written or spoken manner. During the consultation, the appraiser will tell you what the recognize in your quilt from direct observation with no additional research.
    • You may choose to proceed with a written appraisal despite the item’s low value.
  • Pictures will be taken.
    These are kept for the appraiser’s records.
  • Other appraisers may be consulted.
    If necessary, I will work with other quilt appraisers to complete your written appraisal. This may delay the completion of your appraisal.