Create Whimsy
Inspring makers and sharing their stories
Art quilts are where fabric becomes a canvas. These quilts go beyond traditional patterns, blending color, texture, and design to tell stories, explore ideas, and create something truly one-of-a-kind.
On Create Whimsy, you’ll find art quilt inspiration, techniques, and interviews with artists who are pushing the boundaries of quilting. Whether you’re just beginning or exploring new directions in your work, there’s something here to spark your creativity.
Browse the articles below to discover contemporary art quilts, learn new techniques, and meet artists who are redefining what a quilt can be.
An art quilt is created as a form of personal or artistic expression rather than following a traditional quilt pattern. While it may still use layers of fabric and stitching, the focus shifts to design, storytelling, and visual impact.
Art quilts often explore:
– Abstract or modern designs
– Personal stories or themes
– Bold use of color and texture
– Innovative techniques and materials
Each piece reflects the maker’s unique voice, turning fabric into a form of creative storytelling.
Meet award-winning appliqué quilt artist Kathy McNeil! She began her creative journey as a young child, then later discovered the possibilities of making pictures from fabric. Her most challenging piece...
Her brave use of color when combining fabric, stitch and paint sets Lucy Levenson apart from the crowd. With intricate details, her fanciful work invites an up close and personal...
Robyn Gold creates colorful and whimsical quilts with commercial fabrics and a lot of embellishment. The individual elements on her pieces are all applied with needle-turn appliqué. And, she keeps...
A paint flinger. Sherri Lipman McCauley's description of her process does more than hint at her improvisational style. Sherri's art cloth begins with plain white fabric that she transforms into...
David Owen Hastings is a textile artist whose work appeals to those who love organic processes and the beauty of nature, color and texture. David combines his monotype-printed paper with...
Niraja Lorenz has always loved creating. She began piecing bits of fabric together in 1994. A workshop with Nancy Crow in 2007 exposed her to new ways of working. She...
Janine Judge creates intricate textile art inspired by her travels around the world. She begins with a sun dyed background and finishes with thread painting. How did you find yourself...
Inspired by her humanitarian work in Africa, Hollis Chatelain creates art quilts that raise awareness of the human condition in the third world. Back in the States, she wanted to...
As Lea McComas travels the world and immerses herself in rich and vibrant cultures, her art reflects the human experience. With fabric and thread, she captures moments that highlight the...
Artist Eileen McNulty creates beautiful landscapes using fabric and thread instead of paint. Inspired by the rolling countryside of Ireland and stories from her childhood, she stitches peaceful scenes filled...
Ree Nancarrow has been interested in art from a young age. She was introduced to quilting, and fiber arts became her medium of choice. A summer job in Alaska changed...
Sandra Mollon spent over 25 years making traditional quilts and was ready to try something new. She already drew inspiration for her appliqué quilts from photographs, so it was natural...
Initially trained as a painter, textile artist Irene Roderick came to quilting when she was looking for ideas for a bed quilt (her first), and discovered the work of Denyse...
Candi Lennox didn’t grow up around quilting and first discovered it almost by accident when she signed up for a beginner class. What began as a simple winter hobby slowly...
Émilie Trahan creates award-winning fiber art inspired by nature and the world around her. Working improvisationally, she starts by selecting a color palette and setting minimal boundaries for the finished...
One of the best ways to learn is by seeing how other artists work. In this collection, you’ll find interviews and features that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.
Discover how artists:
Each interview offers insight and encouragement for your own creative journey.
Art quilts can start with the simplest idea—a color palette, a memory, or a shape that catches your eye.
You might explore:
There are no rules, only possibilities.
If you’re interested in expanding your skills, explore more on Create Whimsy:
Each article is designed to help you learn, experiment, and grow as a maker.
What is an art quilt?
An art quilt is a quilt made primarily for creative expression. It often focuses on design, texture, and storytelling rather than traditional quilt patterns.
What is the difference between an art quilt and a traditional quilt?
Traditional quilts usually follow established patterns and are often made for practical use. Art quilts are more experimental and are typically created as visual art pieces.
What techniques are used in art quilts?
Art quilts can include piecing, appliqué, free-motion quilting, fabric painting, dyeing, and mixed media techniques.
Can beginners make art quilts?
Yes. Art quilting is open to all skill levels. Beginners can start with simple ideas and gradually explore new techniques.
What materials are used in art quilts?
Most art quilts use fabric and thread, but many also incorporate paint, inks, and other nontraditional materials.
Are art quilts meant to be used or displayed?
Most art quilts are created for display, similar to wall art, though some can also be functional.
Where can I find inspiration for art quilts?
Inspiration can come from nature, personal experiences, abstract design, color studies, and other forms of art.
