American Quilters Society Week – Apr. 27, 2027

American Quilters Society Week
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Every April 27 through 30
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American Quilters Society Week, from April 27 to 30, celebrates the intricate craft and dedicated artisans behind beautiful quilts. This week recognizes the skill, creativity, and patience required to transform fabric into stunning works of art. Join us in appreciating the rich heritage and vibrant future of quilting by exploring local guilds, sharing your own projects, or learning a new stitch.

Want to sponsor American Quilters Society Week? Learn how

Expected American Quilters Society Week Deals

As American Quilters Society Week approaches, expect specialty fabric stores and craft retailers to offer promotions on quilting supplies and patterns. Brands like Fat Quarter Shop often feature discounts on fabric bundles and notions, while Missouri Star Quilt Company may host special online events and sales. Independent quilt shops, such as Keepsake Quilting, frequently highlight new collections and offer workshops. Look for deals from machine manufacturers like Janome and Brother on sewing and quilting machines. Online platforms like Etsy and Craftsy will likely showcase independent pattern designers and quilting kits. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April 27 approaches.

Platform Guide for American Quilters Society Week

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #AQSWeek. Share photos and videos of your latest quilt projects, works-in-progress, or favorite quilting tools.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #AQSWeek. Join quilting groups, share tips, and post about local guild events or virtual sew-alongs.

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #AQSWeek. Connect with professional quilters, fabric designers, and craft industry leaders to discuss trends and business insights.

Social Media Tips for American Quilters Society Week

Individuals

Dedicate time this week to your quilting projects. Finish a UFO (unfinished object), start a new block, or simply organize your fabric stash. Share your progress with fellow enthusiasts online.

Creators

Film a 'day in the life of a quilter' video, create a tutorial for a specific quilting technique, or host a live Q&A session about pattern design. Showcase your unique style and inspire others.

Brands

Host a virtual quilt show or a pattern design challenge. Partner with a fabric designer for an exclusive kit launch, or offer a special discount on quilting machines and accessories throughout the week.

Partners & Brands for American Quilters Society Week

  1. American Quilter's Society (AQS)

    Founded in 1984, the American Quilter's Society is a leading organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of quilting. AQS hosts major quilt shows, publishes magazines, and offers educational resources for quilters worldwide.

  2. Missouri Star Quilt Company

    Founded in 2008 by the Doan family, Missouri Star Quilt Company revolutionized the quilting industry with its innovative precut fabric tutorials and extensive online presence. Based in Hamilton, Missouri, it's a hub for quilters globally.

  3. Fat Quarter Shop

    Established in 2003, Fat Quarter Shop is a popular online retailer offering a vast selection of quilting fabrics, patterns, and notions. Known for its curated collections and active online community, it serves quilters of all skill levels.

  4. Quilting Daily

    Quilting Daily is a comprehensive online resource for quilters, offering magazines, books, patterns, and video workshops. It provides inspiration and education across various quilting styles, connecting a wide community of crafters.

  5. Spoonflower

    Founded in 2008, Spoonflower is a global marketplace for custom fabric, wallpaper, and home decor. It empowers independent artists to design and sell their unique fabric patterns, offering quilters an endless array of creative options.

  6. Janome

    A Japanese company founded in 1921, Janome is a world-renowned manufacturer of high-quality sewing machines, including models specifically designed for quilting. Their machines are prized by quilters for precision and durability.

  7. Aurifil

    Aurifil is a premium Italian thread manufacturer, highly regarded by quilters for its exceptional quality and extensive color range. Their cotton threads are a favorite for both machine and hand quilting, known for strength and minimal lint.

American Quilters Society Week Hero

Georgia Bonesteel

Georgia Bonesteel is a celebrated American quilter, author, and television personality, widely recognized for her pioneering work in popularizing quilting. Her PBS series 'Lap Quilting with Georgia Bonesteel,' which began in 1979, brought the craft to a national audience. She is known for her innovative 'lap quilting' technique, making quilting accessible to many without large frames. Bonesteel's contributions have significantly influenced modern quilting practices and inspired countless individuals to embrace the art form.

History of American Quilters Society Week

Quilting is a sewing technique in which two layers of fabric, usually with an interior insulating layer, are sewn together with multiple rows of stitching. This technique has been used for clothing across China, the Middle East, North Africa, and the colder areas of Europe. Nowadays, it is primarily associated with making bedcovers and wall hangings.

The first step involves creating a quilt top, which commonly consists of blocks made by cutting patches and then stitching them together or by appliquĂ©ing cut-out shapes onto a backing. Quilts are often made by layering in sandwich-style cotton, wool, polyester (in appropriate cases), linen, or flannel between the quilt top and backing. The three layers are basted or pinned together. The quilting design is marked on the top and sewn in fine, even stitches by hand, sewing machine, or commercial quilting machine. Quilting designs vary and may be geometric or figural, and the quality of the quilt depends in large part on the fineness of the stitching and the matching of appropriate designs to the piercing. Quilt layers can be stabilized by tieing the fabric at intervals with thread or a narrow ribbon. The quilt’s outer raw edges are usually turned together or covered with a binding.

The International Quilt Festival was founded in 1974 by Karey Bresenhan. The festival hosts an annual conference in Houston, Texas. Many states and local guilds promote quilting for educational and charitable purposes. The Smithsonian Institution, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and American Folk Art Museum display quilts from their collections.

American Quilters Society Week timeline

1830
The Sewing Machine is Invented

The invention of the sewing machine radically changes household sewing.

1960s and 70s
The Making of Quilts is Revived

These decades mark a quilt revival, in part thanks to the nostalgic interest in crafts generated by the American Bicentennial.

1969
The First Quilt-Dominated Magazine

Bonnie & George Leman’s Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine is founded.

1974
The International Quilt Festival is Founded

The International Quilt Festival is founded by Karey Bresenhan and holds an annual conference in Houston, Texas.

How Businesses Can Celebrate American Quilters Society Week

Local craft stores, fabric shops, and sewing machine retailers can celebrate American Quilters Society Week by hosting special workshops, offering discounts on quilting supplies, or organizing a community ‘quilt-along.’ Restaurants could feature a ‘quilter’s special’ for local guild members, while coffee shops might display quilts made by local artists. Businesses can also partner with local quilting guilds to sponsor events or donate materials, fostering community engagement and supporting the craft. Encourage customers to share their projects using #AQSWeek and tag your business.

American Quilters Society Week FAQs

When is American Quilters Society Week?

In 2027, American Quilters Society Week will be observed from Tuesday, April 27, through Friday, April 30. This annual event provides a dedicated time to appreciate the creativity and skill of quilters.

How many people are involved in quilting?

The quilting community remains robust, with estimates suggesting over 20 million active quilters in North America alone. This vibrant group contributes significantly to the craft industry through their passion and dedication.

What is the economic impact of quilting?

The economic footprint of quilting extends beyond direct sales, encompassing tourism for quilt shows and conventions, as well as the growth of small businesses. The market continues to show steady growth, reflecting sustained interest in the craft.

What is the difference between a quilt and a blanket?

While both provide warmth, a quilt is distinguished by its construction, featuring a pieced or appliquéd top design, a batting layer, and a backing, bound by decorative stitching. A blanket, however, generally refers to a simpler, single-layer textile, often woven or knitted, without the characteristic layered structure of a quilt.

American Quilters Society Week Activities

  1. Buy a new quilt

    You have plenty of options where you can buy a quilt. You can buy it online or even go to a shop and buy it personally.

  2. Attend a quilt festival

    Many cities in the U.S, hold quilt festivals. Search festivals that are nearby and do not miss one.

  3. Make your own quilt

    The perfect way to celebrate this week is by making your own quilt. There are a lot of tutorials on the internet that can guide you step by step on how to make your first quilt.

5 Facts In Making Your Own Quilt

  1. Start by laying out backing fabric

    After you sew together your backing fabric, lay it down on a flat surface.

  2. The edges need to be taped down

    Tape down all the edges of the backing fabric using the lines on your tile or hardwood floors.

  3. There is a layering process

    Spread out the batting onto the backing.

  4. There’s a need to baste your layers

    At this point, you can also baste the layers together or use pins.

  5. Quilt edges need finishing

    Once you remove the pins, ensure you neatly finish the edges.

Why We Love American Quilters Society Week

  1. Quilts keep people warm

    Quilts keep people warm. They not only keep warm the body, but they also warm the heart.

  2. Quilt making is an art form

    The Art Quilt Association in the U.S. defines quilt art as an original exploration of a concept or idea rather than handing down a “pattern”. It experiments with textile manipulation, color, texture, and/or a diversity of mixed media.

  3. Quilts offer an explosion of aesthetics

    Two-dimensional effects such as optical illusions can be achieved through aesthetic choices regarding color, texture, and print. This is mainly because different types of fabrics are used.

American Quilters Society Week dates

Year Date Day
2027 April 27–30 Tuesday–Friday
2028 April 27–30 Thursday–Sunday
2029 April 27–30 Friday–Monday
2030 April 27–30 Saturday–Tuesday
2031 April 27–30 Sunday–Wednesday