FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?

 1. Do you actually hang fabric quilts on barns?  No, that wouldn’t work for a lot of reasons including the deterioration of the fabric due to weather.

 2. What is a Barn Quilt?  A barn quilt is really a short name for a quilt block pattern painted on a composite material and mounted with screws on a barn. The squares may also be mounted on public or private buildings or mounted on posts.

 3. What does it cost to have a barn quilt?  The average cost is $350 which is for an 8’ X 8’ block. Depending on the size of the barn and distance from a public road, the block may be smaller or larger. The locations committee will make a site visit and determine the appropriate size for the barn.

 4. How long will the block last?  We use both a high quality outdoor sign material and outdoor paint that should last up to 10 years.

 5. How can I have a barn quilt if I don’t have a barn?  You can sponsor (pay) for a block and we will try to match the block pattern you choose to the block pattern desired by the barn owner in the county.

 6. Why would someone want to sponsor a quilt block if they don’t have a barn?  People sponsor blocks for many reasons, including in memory of someone, as a gift, or just because they love and want to support this project.

 7. What if I have a barn but don’t want to pay for a block, can I still have one?  Your barn may be a candidate for a sponsored block that needs a home. We’ll make every effort to match you up with a sponsor of a block.

 8. How do I know if my barn will qualify for a quilt block?  We have the criteria for you to see prior to filling out an application. If our locations committee sees any possible problem during their site visit, you will receive a phone call to try to work that out.

 9. Does the block have to be placed on a barn?  No, the square may be mounted on public or private buildings with permission. The square could also be mounted on posts in front of a business, attraction or in a field. The location needs to be safe enough that someone could see the block from the road and stop to take photos.

10. Do I have to put the block up myself?  No. If you would like to help that would be great but we have experience putting them on barns and want to make sure it is mounted safely and securely.

11. Who owns the blocks?  The Arts Council of Calvert County owns the blocks.

12. What happens to the block if I sell my farm or the barn?  The new owner must agree with our criteria and want to keep the block. We will write a new agreement with the new owner. Otherwise, the block will be removed and stored until a new home can be found.

13. Who chooses the block pattern?  Most barn owners or other location sponsors use a pattern that is a favorite quilt pattern of the family or one that has a theme that fits the farm or location.

14. What if I don’t know what pattern I should have?  We have a block committee who will gladly help you find a pattern. They have access to thousands of quilt blocks and can search by color, theme, or type of pattern such as pieced or appliqued. Just tell us you want help and we’ll make some suggestions for you to choose from.

15. Who paints the blocks?  A group of volunteers paint the blocks based on an approved sample called a mini.

16. What if I don’t like it after it is painted?  We certainly don’t want that to happen, so you will first see a paper sample of the pattern and paint chips for the colors. Once that’s done, it will then be painted by the volunteers.

17. How long does it take to get a block?  There is not a quick answer to that question. We have a process to go through which all takes a little time.

18. Can any pattern by used?  Yes, as long as it is not copyrighted. That’s part of our process – to make sure the pattern is copyright free.

For a printable version of the above list of questions, click here .


Have a question that was not answered here?
Contact us at the CalvART Gallery, info@calvertbarnquilttrail.org , 410-257-2466.