Quilt Alongs
A Quilt Along is for the whole community. Whether you quilt as a hobby or it’s your profession, the best part about a Quilt Along (QAL) is community... and community is what you get. Easily join a QAL, made up of quilters from around the world that can offer an exciting opportunity to create the same quilt top and celebrate each other's progress and creativity!
I participated in my first QAL, Nova Star hosted by Then Came June, this past fall and was equal parts in-love with, and intimidated by the pattern. Maybe you’ve had similar thoughts or feelings? This is where a QAL can help you and hopefully by sharing my experience will motivate you to join one. I’ve included a list of who’s hosting QALs in 2021 at the end of this post, be sure to check it out.
Then Came June newsletters for Nova Star guided us on how to best select fabrics, sew with directional fabrics, and provided quick videos on how to make flying geese for the beginner quilters. I have noticed most QALs happen shortly after a designer releases a new pattern, so be on the lookout this may be a clue an opportunity is coming up! Each designer’s approach is unique and there’s no wrong answer here - pick some fabrics, try a new technique, this is a perfect place to branch out and grow as a quilter. Most offer a weekly newsletter with tips, tricks and videos documenting step by step instructions. Some QALs offer ‘live’ sessions via Facebook or Instagram each week providing answers and clarification to your questions. Either way, you will join the group feeling supported and empowered to finish that quilt that once felt out of reach.
Another bonus to joining a QAL is most hosts offer fun giveaways engaging participants. Again, every designer has their own style but for the most part these giveaways motivated me to stay on track and hopeful I might win. Cheers to getting lucky!
The perks and giveaways may be what drives you to join, but the amount of love you get from the community will keep you wanting to join QALs twice over again.
Ready to join a Quilt Along now? There isn’t a single way to join but a good start is to follow the designer on Instagram and sign-up for their newsletter to stay informed on upcoming events. I’ve put together a list of quilters I follow that are hosting QALs this season and next. Hope to see you there!
2021 Quilt Alongs
Winter
Jan 7 - Feb 11, @sliceofpiquilts, hosting Exploding Heart Quilt Along
Jan 11 - Feb 28, @theblanketstatement, hosting for her new release Landmark Quilt.
Jan 11 - Feb 22, @lifeandpeacequiltco, hosting Square Peg Quilt.
Jan 15 - Feb 22, @kileysquiltroom, hosing Evolve QAL. Get your pre cut fabric from Quilt101.
Jan 18, @this.moutain.life, hosting Harriet Quilt, releasing on January 14th. I am testing this pattern currently and it’s as adorable as the name!
Jan 20, @suzyquilts, hosting Gather Quilt. She will be releasing one quilt per quarter followed by a QAL. Suzy also shared with me all four patterns are designed with beginners in mind and fat quarter friendly!
Feb 1, @alderwoodstudios, hosting New Direction Quilt, releasing on January 3rd. Another one I am currently testing & super excited about. Follow me (@zahmco) you don’t want to miss out!
Feb 1, @mrsporfiria, @meeshquilts, @collectivequilts hosting Color of Connection Quilt. Follow @colorofconnectionquilt to stay informed.
Feb 15, @thencamejune, Spring 2021 Campfire Glow SAL will last 6 weeks.
Feb 15 - April 12, @rachelle_handmade, Matrikin QAL, pattern releasing on February 4th.
TBD, @quiltylove, hosting her annual heart quilt.
Spring
March or April, @loandbeholdstitchery, hosting Nightingale Quilt.
April, @quilterscandy, hosting beginner friendly Better Together Quilt. Fun Fact share shared is one of the prizes for this Quilt Along will be a BRAND NEW Baby Lock Sashiko sewing machine. So excited!
Spring 2021, @cottonandjoy, confirmed she will host one in the spring and even one in the fall, watch for details to come as these are not concrete
Spring or Summer
2021, @penelopehandmade, confirmed she will be hosting for Agnes Quilt, make sure you watch for details
2021, @thequiltinglife, thinking about doing a quilt along for Spectrum Quilt, I think if we give her a little push this will happen
xo,
