12 Smart Reasons to Buy an Unfinished Quilt Top
12 Smart Reasons to Buy an Unfinished Quilt Top
Do people actually buy unfinished quilt tops?
Yes—absolutely!
If you’ve ever wondered why someone would choose a quilt top instead of a finished quilt, you’re in the right place. Whether you're a quilter, a longarm professional, or simply love handmade items, there are many great reasons to purchase a “ready to quilt” top.
Here are 12 helpful reasons why an unfinished quilt top might be the perfect choice for your next project.
1. Save a Ton of Time
Piecing takes hours—sometimes hundreds. Buying a finished top lets you jump ahead to the fun part: quilting or finishing.
2. Save Money on Fabric
You don’t need to buy dozens of fabrics for one quilt. If your stash doesn’t include the right colors or styles, a pre-pieced top can actually be more economical.
3. Skip the Piecing Stage
Some quilters love quilting but find piecing stressful. An unfinished quilt top eliminates that step entirely.
4. Focus on the Part You Enjoy Most
If quilting is your happy place, buying an already-pieced top means you get to dive straight into your favorite part.
5. No More Fabric-Matching Stress
Coordinating prints, colors, and patterns isn’t everyone’s strength. A finished quilt top removes the guesswork.
6. Practice Hand Quilting
If you're developing hand quilting skills, an unfinished quilt top gives you the perfect practice piece—without having to sew the top yourself.
7. Ensure Perfect Piecing
If mistakes bother you or you want flawless seams, purchasing a professionally pieced quilt top can be a great solution.
8. Fall in Love With a Design
Sometimes a quilt top just speaks to you. Buying it ensures you get that exact combination of fabrics and pattern—no recreating required.
9. Enjoy Advanced Patterns Without the Struggle
Love a complex pattern like a Mariner’s Compass? Buying the top allows you to enjoy the beauty without needing advanced piecing skills.
10. Great for Longarm Quilting Practice
Longarm quilters always need tops to practice on. If you're building a portfolio or starting a business, ready-to-quilt tops save hours of preparation.
11. Enjoy Handmade Without Sewing
Even if you’re not a quilter, you can still enjoy a handmade quilt by purchasing a top and hiring a quilter to finish it.
12. Create a Personalized Gift
Buying an unfinished quilt top lets you add your own backing, label, quilting design, or dedication—making the finished quilt extra meaningful.
Click here to see the current quilt tops I have for sale and ready to ship.
Confused about what an unfinished quilt top includes? Here’s a clear explanation of quilt tops, how they differ from finished quilts, and what you receive when you buy one.