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Trends from Quilt Market

Trend

Everyone knows that one of the best benefits from attending Quilt Market is finding out what’s trending this season in the craft industry. Check out this list to stay up to date on what consumers want.

What’s trending this season

  1. Ombré. Ombré is back, only this time in prints. The design is the same as the solid color gradient, just with polka dots or other shapes thrown on top.
  2. Butterflies. Just in time for summer, everyone’s favorite insect is adding it’s beauty to inspire quilts and fabrics.
  3. Nontraditional bom. Quilts featuring a variety of bom (or bill of materials) are everywhere in quilt design. Think Scandinavian design, or lines that form one overall pattern (instead of the traditional repeated block). The techniques used to create these quilts also differ, with regular piecing and applique used in the same project.
  4. Wool. Wool doesn’t have to be drab, this material offers an abundance of colors differing from the usual reds and browns. The texture wool provides continues to be a fan favorite, for both crafts and quilts.
  5. DIY Softies. Thought to attract a new generation of crafters, softies prove to be great gifts for babies and little ones. Think beanie babies or small pillows, it doesn’t get any cuter than this.
  6. Farmhouse style. Nostalgia for the farm doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, with curly script and farm animals, country icons are sprinkled through all sorts of craft and fabric design.
  7. Fantasy. Even though the most-watched TV show, Game of Thrones,  is over, the love for all-things medieval isn’t. Designs range from pretty pink unicorns to fire breathing dragons.
  8. Deep blue sea. Continuing with the summer theme, ocean animals are this season’s trend.
  9. Old becoming new. Staying true to it’s beginning, reusing old material and making the most of what you have was trending at Quilt Market. Rugs made of old rags and flannel shirts recycled into quilts were just some of the projects on display.
  10. Soft color palette. Even though Easter is over, soft color palettes can still be found everywhere. The lighter the better it seems this season.

Find out more

Don’t worry if you couldn’t attend this year’s Quilt Market, check out our digital issue to catch up on what you missed!


If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you.

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Fall into Autumn

Labor Day weekend has come and gone which means it’s time to start transitioning your store into the season of warm colors.

Check out these latest trends to help you update your layout, products, and events.

  1. Plaid is this season’s biggest trend and we couldn’t be happier about it! Think 80’s plaid — or houndstooth, herringbone, and glen’s plaid to be specific.
  2. Bigger is better this fall so grab your baggiest coat and encourage your customers to go for the quilt that’s one size bigger than planned. (And don’t forget to stock up on extra bolts of fabric too!)
  3. Hint of sparkle. This can be especially fun for your layout around the store, think about what decorations you already have for other seasons to save you some time.
  4. It’s game time! Football season is just beginning and your customers will for sure fall for the cutest way to rep their team. Don’t limit your inventory to just fabric, try to include ribbon, buttons, and even a craft day for an easy event.
  5. Speaking of events, scarves are in season again (as if they ever went out of style). Throw an event to make scarves for those in need when the holidays get closer.
  6. Muted flowers are going to be everywhere. Take a look at the next wedding you go to and you’ll see we really mean it. Pastels are going to be the colors to choose from. Muted flowers

Fall doesn’t have to be all bad, have your store reflect the season that so many people look forward to. Yes, the weather starts to cool off but pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and leaves changing colors are definitely something to look forward to.


If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you.