Quilt Weight & Shipping Estimator

Understanding Quilt Weight

Why Quilt Weight Matters

Knowing your quilt's weight is essential for shipping, whether you're selling quilts, sending gifts, or entering competitions. Weight determines shipping costs, carrier options, and packaging requirements. Heavier quilts may require special handling or insurance for valuable items.

Factors Affecting Quilt Weight

• Quilt Size: Larger quilts naturally weigh more due to increased fabric area
• Batting Type: Different battings have vastly different weights per square yard:
  • Polyester: Lightest option (~1.5 oz/sq yd), warm and affordable
  • Cotton: Medium weight (~2.5 oz/sq yd), breathable and traditional
  • Bamboo: Medium weight (~2.5 oz/sq yd), eco-friendly and soft
  • Wool: Heaviest option (~3.5 oz/sq yd), very warm and luxurious
• Fabric Layers: Pieced tops with more fabric pieces may weigh slightly more than whole cloth
• Quilting Density: Heavily quilted pieces have more thread weight (usually minimal impact)
• Embellishments: Beading, appliqué, or other decorations add weight

How to Weigh a Quilt Without a Scale

If you don't have a scale, you can estimate using our calculator or:

• Visit a post office or shipping center for free weighing service
• Use a bathroom scale: Weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding the quilt, and calculate the difference
• Check with local quilt shops - many have scales for customer use
• Use a kitchen scale for small baby quilts or wall hangings

Shipping Your Quilt

Choosing a Shipping Carrier

Packaging Tips to Reduce Costs

• Fold Tightly: Compact folding reduces package size and can lower dimensional weight charges
• Vacuum Seal: For valuable quilts, vacuum sealing reduces size significantly (remove air before shipping, never for long-term storage)
• Use Poly Mailers: Lightweight plastic mailers weigh less than boxes (4-6 oz vs 8-16 oz)
• Right-Size Your Package: Oversized boxes cost more - use the smallest package that protects your quilt
• Consider Flat-Rate Options: USPS flat-rate boxes can be cost-effective if the quilt fits and is relatively heavy
• Protect the Quilt: Place in a sealed plastic bag inside the package to protect from moisture

International Shipping Considerations

• Customs Forms: Required for all international shipments - declare as "handmade textile quilt" with accurate value
• Import Duties: Recipient may owe customs fees/VAT depending on destination country and quilt value
• Shipping Time: International shipments take 1-4 weeks; factor this into deadlines
• Insurance: Especially important for international packages which have higher loss/damage rates
• Prohibited Items: Check destination country restrictions (some countries restrict used textiles)
• Tracking: Always use trackable shipping for international packages

Insurance Recommendations

Always insure valuable quilts. Insurance costs are minimal compared to replacement value:

• Under $100: Basic carrier insurance usually sufficient (often included free)
• $100-$500: Purchase additional insurance through carrier ($1-2 per $100 value)
• $500-$1000: Consider signature confirmation plus insurance
• Over $1000: Use specialized shipping services or third-party insurance; require signature confirmation
• Heirloom/Art Quilts: Consider fine art shipping services with climate control and specialized handling

Using This Calculator

1. Select a quilt size preset (Baby, Lap, Twin, Full, Queen, King) or choose Custom to enter your own dimensions
2. Enter your quilt dimensions in inches (length and width)
3. Choose your batting type - this significantly impacts weight:
   • Polyester for lightweight quilts
   • Cotton for traditional weight
   • Wool for warm, heavier quilts
   • Bamboo for eco-friendly medium weight
4. Check "Include binding" if your quilt has binding attached (adds ~0.75 oz)
5. Click "Calculate Weight & Shipping" to see your results

The calculator shows weight breakdown by component (top, batting, backing, binding), total weight with packaging, and shipping cost estimates for major carriers to domestic, Canadian, and international destinations.

Tips for Success

• Weigh your packaged quilt before buying postage to avoid underestimating shipping costs
• Save money by shipping during off-peak times (avoid December holidays)
• Compare carrier rates online before choosing - prices vary by destination and weight
• Keep shipping receipts and tracking numbers until delivery is confirmed
• Photograph your quilt before shipping as documentation for insurance claims
• For valuable quilts, require signature confirmation to prevent porch theft
• Consider shipping to a business address when possible - residential delivery often costs more
• Join quilting groups or forums to find bulk shipping discounts or group shipping opportunities