How to Choose the Right Keepsake Quilt Maker: Red Flags and What to Look For

When you’ve saved precious clothes from your baby’s first years, or garments that hold special memories, turning them into a keepsake quilt is a wonderful way to treasure them forever. After recently fixing a keepsake quilt that hadn’t quite turned out as the customer hoped, I felt inspired to share some advice. I don’t want to name and shame, but I do want to highlight what to look out for when choosing a keepsake quilt maker.

In this post, I’ll share what to look for in a keepsake quilt maker, some red flags to avoid, and the little details that make all the difference in the finished quilt. Whether you choose me or another talented quilter, I want you to feel confident that your memories are in safe hands.

Red Flags When Choosing a Keepsake Quilt Maker

Not every quilt is made the same way. Here are some warning signs that might suggest a maker isn’t offering the quality or service you’d expect:

🚩 No close-up photos of finished quilts - Close-ups show the quality of stitching, neatness of edges, and how the fabrics are handled. If you can’t see details, you can’t judge the workmanship.

🚩 AI-generated or stock images - If a maker is using digital or AI images of quilts rather than real photos, it may mean they don’t have genuine examples of their work or aren't 100% confident in the work they have created themselves.

🚩 No photos of the back - The back of a quilt reveals how it’s finished. A quilted back shows care and durability, while a “bagged-out” quilt (fabric sewn around like a duvet cover) can look uneven, stretch out of shape, and won’t last as long.

🚩 Details that distract from the overall design - There’s a big difference between a cute branded patch that adds to the design and a big “Made in Bangladesh” label you’d rather not have on display.

🚩 Unbalanced design - Details matter. For example, several poppers all in one column can look odd and distract from the overall look.

🚩 Only accepting payment by bank transfer - Reputable businesses usually offer secure payment options such as PayPal or card payments. Bank transfer only or PayPal Friends and Family can be a red flag as there is less protection for the buyer.

What to Look For in a Keepsake Quilt Maker

✅ Real photos and videos - Look for genuine examples of completed quilts in a portfolio, social media, reviews or blog.

✅ Clear communication - The best makers will share layout photos before sewing so you can have your say. You should feel part of the process.

✅ Clear policies - A trustworthy keepsake maker will have clear descriptions on their website or Etsy shop. Things like what size quilt you’ll receive, how long it will take, and what happens to any unused clothes should be easy to find. For example, some makers return all unused items, while others keep them for a set period in case of re-orders — as long as it’s explained upfront, you’ll know what to expect.

✅ Attention to detail - Colours, textures, and special features should be spread out evenly for a balanced finish.

✅ Quilted finish - Quilting makes the fabric layers secure, flat, and durable. It also gives a beautiful texture and prevents that “duvet cover” effect.

✅ Final approval - You should see a finished photo before the quilt is posted, so you know you’ll love the result.

Why These Details Matter

A keepsake quilt isn’t just another blanket. It holds your most important memories — first baby grows, favourite T-shirts, or items linked to a loved one. You only get one chance to turn those fabrics into something lasting. Choosing the right keepsake maker means you’ll end up with a quilt that is neat, durable, and something you’ll want to treasure for years to come.

Final Thoughts

There are lots of talented keepsake quilt makers out there, and you don’t have to choose me. But I do want you to feel informed and confident in your decision. Look out for the red flags, ask the right questions, and make sure the maker you choose is someone you trust with your memories.

If you’d like to see how I work, I share real examples of keepsake quilts on my website and social media, and I’m always happy to answer questions before you place an order.