Jennifer Worthen uses her analytical skills as a mathematician to design modern traditional quilts, selling her patterns as Slightly Biased Quilts. Her signature? Bright and cheerful colors.
How did you get started designing quilts? Were you always an artist, or was there a defining moment?
I’m actually a mathematician by trade, so for the longest time, I didn’t think of myself as an artist. Quilting has a way of blending creativity with structure, and I found myself drawn to that balance.
In 2012, I put together a maple leaf quilt at a retreat—what would later become my Changing Leaves pattern. Friends encouraged me to turn it into a pattern, but it wasn’t until 2020, during lockdown, that I finally took the leap. That’s when I truly embraced quilt design as part of who I am.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
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Everywhere! A lot of my ideas come from nature—leaves, flowers, the movement of the sky—but I also love taking traditional quilt blocks and giving them my own spin. Sometimes, inspiration strikes from the most unexpected places, like a craft supply I see lying around or an interesting pattern in architecture.
When it comes to creating, are you more of a planner or an improviser?
Oh, I’m definitely a planner! I have so many to-do lists running at all times. I love structure and organization, so I tend to plan things out pretty meticulously before diving in.
Are you a “finisher”? How many UFOs (unfinished objects) do you think you have?
I used to have a ton—upwards of 20! But now that Slightly Biased Quilts is a business, I’ve gotten much better about finishing projects before moving on to the next. Deadlines have a way of keeping UFOs in check!
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? What does it look like?
Yes! I’m lucky to have my entire bottom floor dedicated to sewing. I’ve got space for a large ironing table, a cutting table, and a design wall, which makes it easy to lay things out and see how everything comes together. It’s a space that truly fuels creativity.
What’s your favorite storage tip for fabric and creative supplies?
IKEA! I absolutely love the Kallax storage units. They’re perfect for organizing fabric, tools, and everything else that comes with being a quilter.
Scraps: do you save them, or let them go?
I save anything wider than 2 inches! I have a whole system for storing scraps, which I wrote about on my blog: Storing Scraps Big and Small.
What plays in the background while you work? Silence? Music, audiobooks, podcasts, movies?
Music, for sure! Lately, it’s been a lot of Taylor Swift. Her albums are great for getting into a creative flow.
Do you use a sketchbook, journal, or technology to track ideas?
I use a mix of things. I mock up designs in EQ8, and for organization, I rely heavily on Trello to keep my to-do lists in order. Having a system helps me stay on top of everything!
How often do you start new projects? Do you work on multiple at once?
All the time! I tend to design in creative bursts, mocking up 3–4 quilts at a time, then scheduling them out so I can work on them systematically. I always have a few projects in progress.
Can you tell us about the inspiration and process for one of your quilts? How does a new design come to life?
One of my favorites is Pom Pom. I was sitting in my living room and noticed a big bag of colorful pom-poms meant for crafting. It hit me—this could be a really fun quilt design! I mocked it up that same day, and from there, it was all about refining the pattern, making the sample, and sending it off for tech editing. That’s how a lot of my designs come together—something sparks an idea, and I run with it.
Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is the most challenging?
I love designing the quilt top itself—that’s where the excitement is for me. The most challenging part? Writing up the pattern instructions. Once I’ve visualized the quilt, it feels “done” in my head, so translating that into clear, step-by-step directions can be tedious. But it’s worth it to see others bring the design to life!
Do you prefer complex, attention-to-detail projects or meditative, repetitive ones?
I definitely lean toward meditative projects. I love English Paper Piecing (EPP), cross-stitch, and hand quilting. In fact, I’m working on my first hand-quilting project right now, and I’m really enjoying the slower, rhythmic process.
Is there an overarching theme that connects your work?
Modern traditionalism, for sure! I love playing with scale and incorporating different block sizes into my designs. Bright colors are also a signature part of my style—I can’t resist a bold palette!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
To stay true to myself—both in my designs and in life. Any time I’ve followed my gut, it’s led me in the right direction.
How has your work evolved over the years? Do you see a common thread across your designs?
When I first started, my patterns were very beginner-friendly, but over time, I’ve moved toward more complex designs. I’ve also honed my approach to color, working more intentionally with gradients and rainbow palettes.
Tell us about your blog and website. What do you hope visitors gain from it?
My website is all about learning! Whether it’s a new quilting technique, a free tutorial, or behind-the-scenes insight into my designs, I want it to be a valuable resource for quilters at any level.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Quilting has brought so much joy and connection into my life, and I hope my patterns do the same for others. Whether you’re making something for yourself or a loved one, every stitch is a little piece of creativity and love—and that’s what makes this craft so special.
Interview with Jennifer Worthen posted March 2025
Browse through more modern quilt inspiration on Create Whimsy.