Quilting with Kindness

One of the best things about the internet is how it connects us with other quilters who share our passion. But it also gives people a place to hide behind a screen and share criticism that can feel unnecessary and hurtful. I recently received some negative feedback about my work. While I’m usually thick-skinned, it reminded me just how important it is to lead with kindness in our quilting community.

You’ve heard it before. If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. We don’t have to love every quilt we see, but we also don’t need to offer criticism unless it’s helpful or invited. Moving along without comment costs nothing.

A kind comment or quick double tap on a social post can brighten someone’s whole day. People like Debbie on Instagram, who always take time to comment kindly, make social media better for everyone. Let’s all aim to lift each other up.

(Love by Annalise Nawrocki from Make Modern Issue 54.)

Not every quilter fits the stereotype. Our community is made up of people of all ages, genders, cultures, and backgrounds. Especially when meeting new quilters, it’s vital to be welcoming and encouraging. Your kindness could be what keeps them quilting.

You don’t need to love a quilt to find something kind to say. Compliment the fabric choice, colour palette, or technique. Positive feedback goes a long way, especially for new or nervous quilters. Scientists say it takes five positive interactions to balance one negative one so let’s make those compliments count.

If you’ve mastered a skill, offer tips in a friendly and respectful way. Show, don’t tell. Sharing knowledge generously strengthens our whole community. Just be sure not to give unsolicited advice if it’s not welcome.

Quilters with an abundance mindset lift others up, knowing there’s room for everyone. Whether you’re a designer, teacher, or hobbyist, there’s space in this industry for your voice and ideas. Sharing your scraps, time, or knowledge doesn’t diminish your own value. It enriches the community.

(Pathways by by Crystal Drummond from Make Modern Issue 54.)

Buying a pattern, joining a class, or shopping at a local quilt shop directly supports the makers and creators who keep this industry alive. Your purchases help them pay bills and continue doing what they love.

Finally, don’t forget to extend kindness to yourself. Allow room for mistakes, take breaks, and silence your inner critic. As HollyAnne of String & Story says, send your Inner Mean Grump packing and focus on the joy of learning.

Photo taken from our Moon Diamond Sew-Along with Anne Boundy.

This is an edited excerpt from Jane Kelly’s original piece Quilting with Kindness. Read the full article in Make Modern Issue #54.

New to Make Modern and want to know more about us?

For over a decade, Make Modern has inspired quilters in 70+ countries around the globe. Independently published by a team of dedicated Australian women, each issue of our magazine is a treasure trove of patterns with step-by-step instructions, tips and techniques to improve your skills, interviews with the most inspiring quilters, and more! With over 600 quilt patterns in our database, you’re sure to find the perfect project for you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, we have something for every skill level, covering every technique. Accessible digitally, read on-the-go, on holidays, and reference patterns while fabric shopping! With no physical storage needed, we won’t take up any precious fabric storage space, you’ll be able to easily find patterns and articles, and we’re environmentally friendly. Win-win-win! Subscribe today and make quilts you and your family will love!