Motivated and Focused when Quilting
Let’s be honest — staying motivated and focused as a quilter (or in any creative endeavor) can be tough, especially when projects drag on or creativity hits a wall. And for those of us who struggle to stick with just one project at a time? It gets even trickier. Quilting should be a joy, not a chore!
Below is a collection of ideas and gentle reminders to help you stay focused, motivated, and, most importantly, enjoy the process.
Set Small, Achievable Goals for Quilting
Instead of focusing solely on finishing an entire quilt, try breaking your work into bite-sized goals that feel doable.
Here are a few examples:
- Cut all the fabric for your blocks today
- Sew three blocks by the end of the week
- Quilt one section by the weekend
Why this works: Every mini-milestone gives you a sense of accomplishment. If you’re like me, there’s nothing more satisfying than crossing something off a list! Do what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to tweak these ideas to fit your own pace.
Create a Vision Board or Inspiration Wall
Pin up fabric swatches, color palettes, blocks that inspire you, or even sketches of your own designs. A visual reminder of what excites you can be surprisingly motivating.
That said, your “vision board” doesn’t have to be fancy. It’s often just a written list of what I’d like to get done this week, weekend, or day. And yes — I do love crossing things off that list. It’s incredibly gratifying.
To the left is a list that I used in 2024.
Schedule Quilting Time
Carve out time just for quilting — even 20 or 30 minutes can make a big difference. Treat it like self-care or an appointment with yourself. My sewing room is my personal escape from daily stress. I especially cherish Friday afternoons there, even if it’s only a short session.
As I write this, I realize I shouldn’t feel guilty about that. None of us should. Recharging through creativity is healthy. It is enough. You deserve it.
Switch It Up
Sometimes, when I’m stuck on one project, switching to a fun, low-pressure mini project helps spark inspiration again. Of course, this does mean I have multiple projects going at once, but that’s okay!
Right now, I’m easing back into things after a vacation by working on a couple of simple crafts. It’s helping me reconnect with my rhythm without overwhelming myself.
Connect with the Quilting Community
Join online quilting groups, follow fellow makers on Instagram, or check out a local guild or virtual meetup. Seeing others’ progress and sharing your own is incredibly motivating.
This is my favorite tip. I may not always have the time for in-person meetups, but I love connecting with quilters online. Your projects, your colors, your enthusiasm — it’s all so inspiring to see!
Document Your Progress
Whether it’s taking photos, posting updates, or keeping a journal, tracking your progress helps you appreciate how far you’ve come. That’s why I keep a yearly list of projects I want to finish.
Some years are more productive than others — and that’s okay. I’m learning to celebrate what I did finish instead of fixating on what I didn’t.
As a lifelong perfectionist (something that’s 100% self-imposed, by the way), I’ve found that breaking projects into smaller steps and tracking progress lowers my stress — and keeps the joy in quilting.
Remind Yourself of the “Why” for Quilting
Why did you start this project? Is it a gift for someone you love? A memory quilt? A creative escape?
Even something as simple as wanting to clear out unfinished projects and reclaim your space is a valid reason. For me, reducing that clutter helps lower my stress levels and makes me feel more focused and free.
Stay Organized
A cluttered space can be draining. Keeping your sewing area tidy and your current projects easy to access makes it easier to dive in when inspiration strikes.
I find that organization directly impacts my motivation. As I finish more projects and clear out space, I feel lighter — both physically and mentally.
Celebrate Every Finish in Quilting
Finished a block? Sewed the binding? Chose a layout? Celebrate it! Every step forward is a win.
Honestly, this might be my favorite part of the process. Don’t wait until the final stitch to pat yourself on the back. Every finished step deserves a little joy!
Whether you’re stuck in a creative lull, feeling overwhelmed by unfinished projects, or just need a little nudge to keep going, I see you. You’re not alone in this. If you ever want help choosing your next project or want to brainstorm a fun challenge, I’m all in!
And hey — what kinds of quilts do you like making?
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Until next time.
