Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I purchase a quilted burial wrap from Bluff Country Quilting?
From the extravagance of upscale funerals to the stark austerity of a pauper’s grave, society has long measured death with unequal scales. There is a more fitting alternative that is neither the gilded excess of marble mausoleums nor the bleak anonymity of a pine box or burial shroud, but a final personal covering that adds honest beauty to a final farewell—Quilted Burial Wraps.
Although a simple linen or canvas burial shroud is functional, a well-appointed quilted burial wrap, with its soft drape and thin tri-ply work of art, transforms a final act of care into something profoundly more meaningful. With understated sophistication, our quilted burial wraps provide a sense of peace that burial shrouds cannot replicate.
The financial and emotional burden of making final arrangements—for ourselves or for those who have gone before us—should not become a source of unnecessary grief. After all, no earthly possession accompanies us into eternity.
Our quilted burial wraps offer a quiet and dignified alternative to the excess that so often accompanies ostentatious funerals. Thoughtfully crafted, each quilted burial wrap is a beautiful and meaningful tribute, honoring a life with warmth, dignity, and care; an expression of love, reverence, and compassion.
Every quilted burial wrap and accompanying accessory we create begins with intention. Our work becomes part of one of the most significant moments in honoring the values, traditions, and cherished memories that define life’s final chapter. It is a privilege to serve during such a sacred time, and we approach every project with care and a deep sense of responsibility—one we never take for granted.
Families that choose one of our quilted burial wraps make a final gesture of grace—where serenity, beauty, and enduring love come together in lasting remembrance of the unique life it embraces.
What is the difference between a Quilted Burial Wrap and a Burial Shroud?
Burial shrouds are often chosen for their simplicity and environmental values. For some families, a traditional burial shroud is a simple and meaningful option for green burials. For others, a quilted burial wrap provides the same natural burial values, with added warmth, artistry, and ceremony, while avoiding the cost, weight, and formality of a casket.
Bluff Country Quilting offers families a natural burial option that combines the environmental benefits of a burial shroud with the beauty and emotional well-being of our quilted burial wraps.
Our quilted burial wraps give families a dignified final covering while honoring the life, personality, and memory of the person being laid to rest.
When compared to a basic shroud, our quilted burial wraps are:
• Natural
• Gentle
• Less industrial
• More personal and beautiful
What does Green Burial Certification mean?
“Green Burial Certification” refers to certification by the Green Burial Council (GBC). This independent nonprofit sets standards for environmentally responsible burial practices in North America.
A cemetery, funeral home, or burial product that is GBC-certified has been reviewed against specific sustainability standards rather than simply marketing itself as “green.” Certification will help you distinguish genuine green burial practices from vague environmental claims by providing independent verification that specific standards have been met.
- Certified providers typically meet standards such as:
- Minimizing or avoiding toxic embalming chemicals
- Allowing biodegradable caskets, shrouds, or burial containers
- Eliminating or restricting concrete burial vaults and liners
- Supporting natural decomposition
- Following environmental stewardship and land-management practices
- Maintaining transparency about their policies and procedures
For cemeteries, the GBC recognizes different certification levels, including:
- Hybrid burial grounds – conventional cemeteries that offer green burial sections
- Natural burial grounds – cemeteries dedicated entirely to natural burial practices
- Conservation burial grounds – natural burial grounds that also contribute to long-term land conservation
How quickly will my order ship?
Orders are usually processed and shipped within 5-7 business days. If you require expedited shipping, please get in touch with us, and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Is UPS Shipping Insurance available?
All UPS-shipped items are insured for the amount actually paid as a courtesy to our customers.
Can I ask questions before purchasing?
Of course! You can ask questions before making a purchase. We are here to help. Feel free to contact us with any inquiries about materials, usage, or whether our wrap suits your needs.
Where are your burial quilts manufactured?
All of our burial quilts are designed and handmade in Chatfield, Minnesota, USA. As a boutique manufacturer, we give our full attention to each quilt we create.
Are your quilted burial wraps suitable for traditional funerals?
Yes, elegance and heartfelt sentiment are always suitable.
Is a burial wrap legal to use in North America?
Quilted burial wraps are permitted in many parts of North America. Taking time to understand applicable cemetery policies and state or provincial regulations can help you avoid unnecessary complications.
Do I need a coffin if I use a burial wrap?
In a green burial setting, a coffin is typically not required. That said, our quilted burial wraps are intended to be used with a simple support board or a wicker basket to carry a loved one to their final resting place. Avoid using the burial wrap ties for lifting or transport. Always check with the cemetery to confirm their specific requirements and procedures.
What makes your burial wraps different from others?
Our burial wraps are easy to use due to their geometric pattern. Aesthetically pleasing, their quilted design provides gentle structure, making them easier to handle than a single layer of fabric. It balances practicality with simplicity and beauty. Additionally, they are fully biodegradable and made from organic, natural materials. Slight variations in tone, texture, and size are part of the character and charm of handmade quilted burial wraps.
Can your quilted burial wraps be used for a home funeral?
Yes, many families choose quilted burial wraps for home funerals.
What is a memorial pocket?
A memorial pocket is a special place for final letters, blessings, and personal sentiments. It can be gently attached to any of the quilt’s ties.
What is included with each quilted burial wrap?
Each set includes the quilted burial wrap, keepsake cloth, burial wrap instructions, cotton ties, and a design-matched memorial pocket.
We want a quilt for a traditional funeral. Can you provide us with a pieced quilt like my grandmother used to make?
We have many years of quilting experience and would like to accommodate your wishes. Contact us, and we can discuss.
Can a quilted burial wrap be used for viewing or visitation?
Yes. A burial or cremation wrap can be used for the viewing, visitation, and ceremonial presentation of the deceased, much as traditional clothing or a casket lining. A quilted burial wrap serves both a practical and symbolic role, providing a dignified, respectful covering for the body during a wake with family and friends.
Depending on the family's wishes and the funeral home's requirements, during viewing or visitation, a quilted burial wrap may be arranged to fully enclose the deceased or partially folded back to allow loved ones to see the face and upper body. Some families choose wraps specifically for their softness, natural materials, simplicity, or spiritual significance. Others prefer them as part of environmentally conscious or green burial practices.
Typically, funeral directors assist in arranging the wrap for public or private viewing to ensure a neat, dignified, and appropriate service.
Whether used alone or in combination with a casket, a wrap can provide a meaningful, gentle, and respectful way to honor the deceased during visitation and memorial services.
Can a quilted burial wrap be used with a wicker carrier or board?
Yes. You may wish to use a biodegradable carrier in conjunction with a quilted burial wrap. Using a quilted burial wrap with a natural, biodegradable carrier—such as a wicker basket, bamboo board, or wooden tray—is a common and highly practical choice for green burials and home funerals. A quilted burial wrap is designed to hold the body securely, but it lacks the structural integrity necessary for transport. By pairing it with a carrier, you gain the benefits of both aesthetics and utility:
- Ease of Transport: A quilted burial wrap or a shroud alone can be difficult to carry safely. A wicker carrier, board, or tray provides handles and a rigid base, allowing pallbearers to move the deceased with dignity and physical stability.
- Structural Support: Whether using a rigid board or a full-bodied wicker casket/basket, the carrier is helpful for safe transport.
- Biodegradability: Because both the quilted burial wrap and the carrier (wicker, rattan, seagrass, or untreated wood) are organic, they are ideal for natural burial grounds that require materials to decompose without leaving behind synthetic pollutants.
- Check Cemetery Requirements: If you are using a public cemetery, confirm their rules regarding “shroud-only” burials versus requirements for a rigid container. Most green cemeteries welcome this combination, but some traditional cemeteries may require a rigid outer container (a burial vault or liner).
Are the ties intended for carrying?
No. The ties are for securing the quilted burial wrap, not for lifting or transport.
Things to verify before purchasing:
- cemetery or crematory requirements
What if I need a quilted burial wrap quickly?
If you need a quilted burial wrap quickly, we will do our best to have handcrafted wraps available immediately. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. Telephone us for details at: (507) 867-3617.
What is a keepsake cloth?
The wrapping that surrounds our quilted burial wraps can either be kept as a keepsake as is or integrated into a memory quilt.
Bluff Country Quillting reflects several aesthetic and cultural values:
- Avoiding waste
- Simplicity
- Mindfulness
- Respect for presentation
- Appreciation of craftsmanship