Quilting Compass

Navigate Your Quilting Journey with Confidence

Trailhead

embarking on the journey

Explorer

discovering new territory

Pioneer

reaching new heights

Soar

leaving your mark

Welcome.

I’m so excited you’re here and ready to dive into this journey with me. Quilting is such a beautiful blend of creativity and craftsmanship, and this space is designed to guide and support you every step of the way. Whether you’re starting your first quilt or perfecting your skills, I’m here to share tips, techniques, and inspiration to help you grow.

Where are you on your Quilting Journey?

To help you navigate your journey, we’ve created four paths: Trailhead, Explorer, Pioneer, and Soar. Each represents a stage in a quilter’s growth, offering tailored resources to help you overcome challenges and reach your goals.

Through blogs and PDFs, you’ll find practical, stage-specific guidance designed to help you start at your current level and make steady progress. Each resource is tailored to ensure your quilting journey is intentional, organized, and rewarding. Use this guide to identify your path and make the most of the Quilting Compass membership.

Path 1 - Trailhead

embarking on the journey

Description: You’re at the starting point, gathering essential skills and tools to set out on your quilting adventure.

Focus: Basics of quilting, understanding materials, simple block patterns, and foundational techniques.

Path II - Explorer

discovering new territory

Description: With some experience, you’re venturing into new techniques and expanding your quilting knowledge.

Focus: Experimenting with diverse block styles, improving precision, and building confidence in piecing and color selection.

Path III - Pioneer

reaching new heights

Description: You’re carving your own path in quilting, developing a personal style and taking on more challenging projects.

Focus: Intermediate techniques, custom patterns, exploring layout options, and honing your unique quilting style.

Path IV - Soar

leaving your mark

Description: As a master quilter, your work and knowledge become a guiding force for others on their quilting journeys.

Focus: Mentoring others, creating signature pieces, designing original patterns, and contributing to the quilting world.

Trailhead Katie Zahm Trailhead Katie Zahm

Quilt Size Guide

Choosing the right quilt size is essential for creating a piece that fits your needs and looks just right. Whether you’re making a cozy lap quilt, a bedspread, or something in between, understanding standard quilt dimensions can save you time and ensure your finished project is the perfect fit. This guide builds on our article about resizing quilt patterns, giving you the tools to adapt patterns while keeping size in mind. Remember, these dimensions are just a guide—you can always create a custom size that works perfectly for you!

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Trailhead Katie Zahm Trailhead Katie Zahm

Decoding Quilt Patterns

Quilt patterns are filled with important details, from fabric requirements to assembly instructions, but deciphering them can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially if you're new to quilting or working with a new designer’s style. This guide will break down the key sections of a quilt pattern, helping you understand terminology, cutting strategies, and construction techniques so you can confidently bring your quilt to life. To make this article most helpful, let me know what specific questions you have about quilt patterns by placing them in the comments!

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Explorer Katie Zahm Explorer Katie Zahm

Color Theory for Quilters

This guide is unique because it connects color theory directly to well-known fabric collections, such as Kona Solids and Pure Solids. By understanding how each hue can be tinted, toned, or shaded, you can easily apply these principles to actual fabrics. This makes it a practical tool for quilters, allowing you to visualize how colors will interact with one another in real projects. Use it to explore fabric choices and create dynamic, visually pleasing designs with confidence.

If you've ever stood in a fabric store, overwhelmed by choices, or struggled to make a color palette come together, this guide is for you. Let’s explore how quilters can use the principles of color theory to make fabric decisions easier and more impactful.

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Trailhead Katie Zahm Trailhead Katie Zahm

Quilting Tools & Notions

Navigating the world of quilting tools and notions can be overwhelming, but our comprehensive guide makes it simple! From rotary cutters and seam rippers to specialty rulers and marking tools, we break down everything you need to know about essential quilting supplies. Whether you're setting up your first sewing space or upgrading your toolkit, this resource helps you understand what each tool does and why it’s important. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to confident quilting!

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Trailhead Katie Zahm Trailhead Katie Zahm

Quilting Vocabulary

Ever feel lost in quilting jargon? Our Quilting Vocabulary guide is here to help! With over 150 terms and definitions, this resource breaks down everything from “layer cake” to “quilt sandwich,” making patterns and techniques easier to follow. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned quilter, this glossary is your go-to reference for building confidence and mastering the language of quilting. Bookmark it and never feel unsure again!

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