Quilting Myths Busted: What You Should and Shouldn’t Worry About
Whether you’re new to quilting or have been crafting quilts for years, you’ve likely encountered some common myths that can either hold you back or cause unnecessary stress. At Soul Stitchery, we believe quilting should be a joyful and creative experience. That’s why we’re here to bust some of the biggest quilting myths and set the record straight. Let’s dive into what you should—and shouldn’t—worry about as a quilter!
Myth 1: "You Need Expensive Tools and Fabrics to Make a Good Quilt"
Busted: While having high-quality tools and fabrics can enhance your quilting experience, it’s not a requirement for making beautiful quilts. Many successful quilters started with basic tools and affordable fabrics. What matters most is your technique, creativity, and dedication. If you're just starting, feel free to use the tools you have and upgrade as your skills grow.
If you watch some of my YouTube videos, you’ll hear me talk about great inexpensive substitutes for some of the spendier gadgets we love.
Myth 2: "You Must Follow Quilt Patterns Exactly"
Busted: Oh my gosh am I happy to bust this myth! Quilt patterns are a great guide, but they are not set in stone. Quilting is an art, and part of the joy is putting your personal twist on a design. Feel free to play with colors, fabrics, and block sizes. If a pattern calls for specific measurements or colors, think of it as a suggestion rather than a rule. Creativity thrives when you let go of perfection!
If you’re like me and struggle to put your own spin on things just know that I have only recently started to challenge myself to change it up! I was recently challenged by my business partner and best quilty friend, Crysta Beier, to use something other than white for a background on a sample quilt I’m making and the floodgates just opened for me! I don’t think I’ll follow a pattern to the letter ever again!
Myth 3: "You Can Only Hand Quilt for It to Be Authentic” “You can only free motion (not use a computer for digital designs) to be a ‘real’ quilter”
Busted: While hand quilting is a beautiful and traditional technique, machine quilting is just as legitimate and offers a time-saving alternative. Many modern quilters use both methods depending on the project. I absolutely love what I call “slow sewing” like English paper piecing or hand quilting, but I also love being able to finish quilts quickly! Machine quilting whether on your domestic machine or longarm, and longarming with or without a computer all take creativity and time. We use our creativity no matter how we quilt our quilts!
Myth 4: "Mistakes Will Ruin Your Quilt"
Busted: Mistakes are part of the learning process, and they rarely ruin a quilt. What most quilters call mistakes are really more like “this is not perfect.” We all strive to do our very best when piecing or quilting a quilt but really, perfection isn’t what quilting is all about. It’s about expressing yourself through a time honored craft. Those points don’t have to match perfectly, the fabric doesn’t have to be what someone else likes. In my videos I often use the phrase, “There are no quilting police.” No one is going to check every point and seam (unless of course your enter a quilting contest or show). Quilting is about enjoying the process.
I recently heard of an Amish tradition where the quilter intentionally puts a mistake somewhere in their quilt because it’s their way of showing that only God is perfect. Well I don’t have to be intentional about making a mistake, mine just happen organically (I’m giggling out loud at that one!).
Myth 5: "Only Traditional Fabrics Should Be Used for Quilts"
Busted: Who says quilts need to follow tradition? Modern quilting has embraced a wide array of fabrics, from bold prints to unconventional materials like denim. The fabrics you choose should reflect your personality and the style you want to achieve. Use the fabric that makes you happy. Many quilters have taken to repurposing things like sheets, jeans, and t-shirts, just to name a few.
Myth 6: "You Can’t Quilt If You Don’t Have a Lot of Space”
Busted: While having a dedicated quilting space is a dream for many, you don’t need a huge room to create beautiful quilts. Many quilters work in small apartments or shared spaces. You can easily set up a portable quilting station with a small table for your sewing machine and basic supplies. Quilting is about working with what you have—space included! I often run into quilters who piece and quilt right in their RV or even in a small studio apartment. Quilters are nothing if not creative…where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Myth 7: "You Have to Be a Perfectionist to Be a Good Quilter"
Busted: Perfectionism can be the enemy of creativity. No quilter is perfect, and expecting flawless results from every project is unrealistic. Embrace the imperfections in your work—they often become the most cherished aspects of a quilt. Quilting should be about joy, creativity, and expression, not about achieving perfection. Remember, there is no quilting police!
My Final Thoughts
Quilting is a craft full of history, creativity, and expression, and there are no strict rules that quilters must follow. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and make quilts that bring you happiness.
At Soul Stitchery, we’re here to support you every step of the way, whether you’re following a pattern or breaking all the rules. Happy quilting!