How to Make a Living Selling Quilts: A Unique Business Model with Sarah LoCascio of Caravan Quilts

Have you ever wondered if it’s actually possible to make a living selling quilts?

In this episode of the Craft to Career Podcast, I sit down with Sarah Locascio, the creative entrepreneur behind Caravan Quilts, and her answer is a confident, resounding yes.

Sarah has built a quilting business that looks completely different from the traditional paths many quilters are familiar with. Instead of mass production or constant custom orders, she releases weekly quilt drops that routinely sell out—proving that quilts can be both deeply meaningful and financially sustainable.

Her success comes from a thoughtful blend of three powerful elements:

• Genuine product scarcity
• Education and storytelling
• A deep focus on history and craftsmanship

Together, these create a business model that delights her audience, builds trust, and generates real income.

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How Caravan Quilts Started

Sarah shares how Caravan Quilts began, why she felt drawn to a different approach, and how her business evolved over time.

What started as a passion for quilts and history slowly transformed into a carefully curated brand—one that values intention over volume and meaning over mass production. Rather than trying to sell everything to everyone, Sarah focused on serving a specific audience who truly values craftsmanship and story.

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The Power of Scarcity in Handmade Goods

One of the most fascinating parts of Sarah’s business is her use of true scarcity.

Each week, she releases a limited number of quilts—and once they’re gone, they’re gone. This isn’t artificial urgency. It’s an honest reflection of the time, labor, and care that goes into each piece.

Scarcity:

• Increases demand
• Keeps customers engaged and excited
• Protects the maker from burnout

It’s a powerful reminder that you don’t have to scale endlessly to be successful.

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Why Education Sets Her Business Apart

Sarah doesn’t just sell quilts—she educates her audience.

She teaches about:

• Quilt history and provenance
• Construction methods
• How to care for and preserve quilts
• The stories behind each piece

This educational layer builds trust and connection, helping customers understand why these quilts are valuable. Storytelling turns a product into an experience—and that experience is what people are willing to invest in.

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A Day in the Life of a Quilt Seller

Curious what it actually looks like to run a quilt-selling business?

Sarah gives a behind-the-scenes look at:

• Her daily schedule and workflow
• How she sources quilts and materials
• Production timelines
• Preparing for weekly drops

It’s an honest look at the rhythm of her business—and a refreshing reminder that success often looks quieter and more intentional than we expect.

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What Makes Her Business Different from Other Quilting Careers

Sarah’s workday doesn’t look like a traditional pattern designer, longarmer, or commission quilter.

Her business focuses on:

• Sourcing and curating vintage quilts
• Creating cohesive collections
• Writing and sharing thoughtful stories
• Managing inventory for limited releases

This model shows that there’s no single “right” way to build a quilting career—only the way that aligns with your strengths and values.

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Tips for Anyone Who Wants to Earn Money Selling Quilts

Sarah shares practical advice for quilters who want to turn their skills into income, including:

• What to focus on first when starting out
• How to differentiate yourself in a crowded market
• Common pitfalls to avoid
• Why clarity and consistency matter more than perfection

Her advice is grounded, encouraging, and realistic—especially for creatives who want sustainability, not hustle-driven burnout.

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Episode Highlights

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Sarah discovered a market willing to pay premium prices for quilts
• Why storytelling can dramatically transform product sales
• The systems she uses to manage inventory and weekly drops
• How she built a loyal, engaged customer base
• The role social media plays in showcasing her work
• What success really looks like behind the scenes

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Is Selling Quilts Actually Profitable?

According to Sarah—yes.

With intention, a strong brand voice, consistent storytelling, and a thoughtful business model, quilting can absolutely be a sustainable career. This episode challenges the assumption that quilts can’t be profitable and offers a refreshing, real-world example of what is possible.

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This Episode Is Perfect for You If:

• You dream of selling quilts online or at markets
• You want to understand real-world business models in the quilting industry
• You’re curious how other quilters make a living
• You love creative, entrepreneurial stories
• You want to learn from someone successfully doing what many assume isn’t possible

🎧 Listen to the full episode of the Craft to Career Podcast to hear Sarah’s story in her own words—and walk away inspired by what a quilting business can look like.

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Check out these other episodes you’ll love:

• Meet Kimberly Jolly of Fat Quarter Shop
• From Fashion To Freedom, How To Build A Creative Sewing Business
• The Quilters: Netflix Editor Will Rogers on Purpose, Prison, and Creativity