Jen Wagner’s quilting journey started with a little determination and a whole lot of curiosity—sneaking onto her mom’s sewing machine at age 7 and never looking back. Today, she’s the creative force behind Snapdragon Quilting, blending bold designs with a love for teaching and community.
Was there someone who introduced you to sewing or quilting?
I was lucky to have my mom teach me how to sew when I was just 7 years old.
What she remembers is that I wouldn’t stop bugging her to teach me. What I remember is that after our first lesson, she said, “I have to go to work tomorrow and you are not allowed to touch my sewing machine unless I’m home.” Naturally, I didn’t listen. I was back at it the next day while she was at work, completely smitten with the process.
Years later, I took a college course in clothing construction to see if my mom really knew what she was talking about—turns out, she was right about everything.
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When did you first fall in love with quilting?
I grew up sewing clothing, costumes, and endless doll wardrobes, but I thought quilting was just tying a fabric panel with yarn.
In my early 20s, while up at dawn with my second baby, I discovered Simply Quilts with Alex Anderson on PBS. She introduced me to a whole new world—quilting as art, as design, as self-expression—and I was hooked. That tiny baby? He’s now a 19-year-old young man with a beautiful quilt on his bed that we designed together.
Quilting has been part of my life ever since those early mornings, and it’s the ability to play that keeps me here. One of my favorite things about quilting is how much a design can change just by shifting the contrast, choosing a different color palette, or using different fabric scales — from solids, to subtle textures, to eye-catching large-scale prints.
How did Snapdragon Quilting come to life?
I was thrilled to discover that quilters got together in guilds. I went to my first guild meeting at just 24 years old, even though I was unable to find a babysitter. I nervously brought my two little kids along, so nervous that I wouldn’t fit in. But instead, I was warmly welcomed.
One gal, in full desert camo, had come straight from work at Nellis Air Force Base. She walked right up and said in the sweetest southern drawl, “Hi! I’m Ashley!” We became instant friends. She noticed that even though I loved to read patterns, I didn’t make them, instead designing my own quilts.
Ashley had experience in publishing and pitched the idea of writing a quilt pattern book together. We got started, but not long after, she was transferred out of state all while I was swamped working as an RN, raising babies, and longarming for others. Needless to say, the project got put on hold but the seed was planted. In the spring of 2022, that seed bloomed and Ashley is still one of my dearest friends today!
Where do you do most of your creative work—do you have a dedicated studio or favorite nook?
My sewing studio is the largest bedroom in my home that isn’t the master. It doubles as my office and YouTube filming studio. It’s where all the magic (and mess) happens.
Do you consider yourself more of a planner or a play-it-by-ear kind of quilter?
I used to dive right in and let the fabric lead the way. But as I’ve written more patterns, I’ve trained myself to have a final sketch and to write the whole pattern before even cutting a single strip. That way, I can see how everything fits together and make sure the instructions are clear, accurate, and user-friendly as I make the quilt. It’s a little more methodical but still leaves room for creativity to shine through.
Have you ever had a project completely surprise you in the best way?
Yes! My Pamela Mae quilt stretched me in all the best ways. When I first started sketching it, I thought, “What am I even doing? How will this ever come together as a quilt?” But I kept going.
The design that emerged was bold, modern, and different—and surprisingly doable. I named it after my mom, and it’s now one of my most meaningful and unique patterns.
It reminds me that amazing things can happen when we push past the doubt.
Do you ever hit creative blocks? How do you move through them?
Absolutely. For me, fatigue is the biggest creativity killer. I’ve learned that rest isn’t optional—it’s essential. When I’m not “feeling it,” I sit down and sketch anyway and that gets the ideas to start flowing again.
What do you love most about the quilting community?
I’m endlessly grateful for the quilting community—every kind comment, every quilt shared in the Snapdragon Stitchers group, every moment spent at a retreat, quilt show, or guild event. It’s incredible to be surrounded by so much talent, generosity, and heart.
One of my greatest joys is teaching, and this community has welcomed me with open arms. I’ve had a cheering squad here in Las Vegas from the very beginning — they came to my very first classes when I was just beginning to transfer my teaching skills from health care to quilting, and they’ve shown up ever since, including when I stepped on stage at QuiltCon this year!
Whether it’s through in-person workshops, online courses, or sharing tips in my videos, I love helping quilters discover new techniques and gain confidence in their creativity. There’s nothing better than hearing someone say, “I didn’t think I could do that… but I did!”
What’s Next for Snapdragon Quilting?
I’m currently working on a brand new pattern called Midnight Hex, perfect for quilters who are new to (or in love with) Foundation Paper Piecing! It features two simple hexagon blocks that come together to create a bold, striking design.
This year as a Benartex Ambassador, I’ve been published, released new patterns, and was featured in their Virtual Fabric Show and Swatch & Learn series. I have one more pattern collaboration with them coming soon, plus a fun project — a Mini Moons pillow — that will be featured in their upcoming Fall issue of Fat Quarterly Magazine!
I’m teaching at Schoolhouse for Quilt Market this October, teaching three classes at Road to California (click the link then type in Wagner in the search) in January, and teaching at retreats at Tennessee Quilt Retreats (September 29-October 2, 2025) and Stitchin’ Heaven (March 18-22, 2026)!
I’ve got new YouTube tutorials and online classes in the works too! If you’re curious, hop over to SnapdragonQuilting.com to join the newsletter to see what’s blooming next!
Where can people see your work?
My blog is the best place to explore the stories behind my patterns, find countless inspiration photos, and print out free coloring pages. My YouTube channel is where I share tutorials, tips, and the techniques I use in my designs — including a brand-new tutorial featuring a fun twist on appliqué!
But if you really want a behind-the-scenes look and to connect with other quilters making my patterns—come join the Snapdragon Stitchers! It’s my Facebook community full of warm, creative, supportive quilters from all over the world.
They share works in progress, finished quilts, and helpful tips. Watching this group grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. It turns out quilting might look like a solo hobby, but it’s so much better when we do it together.
You can also follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok — I’m @SnapdragonQuilting everywhere!
And if you’re ready to dive in, you can shop my patterns and the notions I recommend (the ones that make the process easier and more fun!) at SnapdragonQuilting.com.
Interview posted August 2025
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