The Next Generation of Quilters: Young Creators Shaping the Future of Quilting
When we think of quilting, many envision a traditional craft passed down through generations. Quilting has always been steeped in history, rooted in techniques that our grandmothers perfected. But recently, we’re seeing a dynamic shift in the quilting world: more young people are taking up quilting and adding their own unique flair to this timeless art.
Breaking the Stereotype
Quilting is no longer an activity reserved for an older demographic. Young quilters are making waves in the fabric arts, combining modern technology, fresh designs, and social media to revive and transform the quilting landscape. If you have any doubt as to whether young quilters are making strides, look up twelve-year-old Charlie Yetman of Brantford, Ontario Canada, who won a $3,000 Janome sewing machine for her quilt which won first place win in the J.N. Harper Youth Challenge at a national Quilt Canada competition in Edmonton.
Young people are often showing their creations in local fairs and quilt shows. They (and sometimes their parents or grandparents) are shopping at their local quilt stores and even participating in their local quilt guilds.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become hubs for young quilters to showcase their creations, share techniques, and build communities.
Why the shift?
Creativity Meets Technology: Many younger quilters are drawn to quilting because it blends creativity and craftsmanship with digital tools. Software like Adobe Illustrator and quilt design apps enable users to create bold, graphic patterns that speak to modern tastes while keeping the essence of traditional quilting alive.
Quilting offers young people a way to engage with senior members of their family and community. Instead of chasing the instant gratification of some crafts, they’re drawn to the idea of creating lasting, meaningful pieces from upcycled fabric or vintage finds in new and creative ways. The refreshing, modern twist that young quilters bring to the craft also inspires long time quilters to look at quilting in a different light.
The rise of the maker/DIY movement has fueled an interest in hands-on projects. Whether it’s canning, baking, woodworking, or quilting, millennials and Gen Z are embracing DIY culture as a way to escape from the digital overload and create something tangible with their hands.
Quilting in the Digital Age
Today’s young quilters are also pushing boundaries with how they share their work. From Instagram tutorials to YouTube quilting series, the online quilting community is thriving. Influencers like Suzy Williams of Suzy Quilts and Taylor Krz of Toad and Sew, have amassed large followings by combining education with inspiration, making quilting accessible to a younger, tech-savvy crowd.
At Soul Stitchery, we’ve seen firsthand how young quilters are embracing both tradition and innovation. They’re mixing bold, modern fabrics with classic patterns, experimenting with color schemes, and using quilting as a form of self-expression.
Building Bridges: Quilting Communities for All Ages
One of the most inspiring aspects of this quilting renaissance is how it bridges generations. Younger quilters are learning from experienced mentors, while also teaching the older generation new techniques, such as using social media or trying digital design tools. The quilting community, once seen as niche, is now more inclusive than ever, welcoming quilters of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
How You Can Get Involved:
If you’re a young quilter (or just young at heart!), Soul Stitchery is here to support your creative journey. We offer a wide selection of modern fabrics and tools, perfect for quilters looking to blend tradition with contemporary style.
Join us in celebrating the next generation of quilters by sharing your work with #SoulStitchery on Instagram, or drop by our YouTube channel for tips, tutorials, and inspiration.