Karen Wade grew up surrounded by fabric, where sewing was part of everyday life. Today, she creates beautiful, useful quilt bindings through Bessie Pearl Binding Co., blending simplicity with comfort. Her work is all about making things that feel good to use and easy to love.
Can you take us back to when you first fell in love with fabric and stitching?
Early in my childhood, I became really interested in interior design. The day the Ikea catalog arrived was always a great day! My mom is also an avid sewist and quilter, so I was surrounded by textiles my whole life. For me, sewing became a way to combine beauty and functionality — and to this day, I love nothing more than something that works well while also adding beauty to my life.
I love minimalist, neutral spaces that still feel warm and inviting, and the best way to achieve that is with soft fabrics and cozy textures. Once I realized I could create those things with my own hands, I was hooked. Bring on all the quilts, curtains, padded headboards, and throw pillows — I’ve made it all! Even now, my favorite sewing projects are functional pieces that I know will be used and loved.
How did your journey lead to creating Bessie Pearl Binding Co.?
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What? You mean everyone doesn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a full-time binding maker? Hah! I definitely didn’t — but I did always dream of owning my own business. The rest came later.
Because of my mom, I was already familiar with the quilting and sewing world. My professional background is actually in retail management, with a photography side hustle mixed in. Add becoming a first-time mom and realizing I was going a little stir-crazy at home, and Bessie Pearl was born!
Where did the name “Bessie Pearl” come from, and what does it mean to you?
Bessie Hammock and Pearl Mosley were my grandmothers. Bessie taught my mom to sew, and my mom taught me, so I love having her name as part of the company. I also just always thought the two names sounded beautiful together.
I actually have Bessie’s Singer Featherweight, and it’s still the machine I use all the time in the shop. I didn’t start the business until after she passed, but my mom always says Bessie would get such a kick out of having her name be part of it.
Describe your creative space.
I run the business out of our home, in our bonus room. I love a clean, bright space, so everything is painted white and kept mostly organized! I always keep my sewing machine set up right next to the window because I love sewing with a beautiful view — who doesn’t?
I wish it were a little more aesthetic, but it also has to function as a real workspace. That usually means boxes of shipping supplies and fabric scraps tucked wherever I can find room, plus rolls of binding stacked across the cutting table. My husband also has a desk in the room, so I try to carve out space for him when he needs it. Lately, though, inventory has started creeping down the hallway, and I’m quickly running out of room. I’m not quite sure what I’m going to do about that yet!
What are your favorite creative projects to make?
I love anything that’s quick and functional! I recently finished zipper pouches for all the women in my family using hand-sewn Grandmother’s Garden blocks that Bessie made years ago and passed down to me. Other favorite projects have been a quilt-top maxi skirt and patchwork bread bowl covers.
How do you stay inspired when you feel stuck?
I love this question because it’s such a real part of the creative process — especially when you work by yourself! When I’m feeling stuck, I usually go back to my Pinterest boards and pick out a quick project I can finish in a day. Sometimes I’ll just start digging through my fabric stash to see what catches my eye.
I’m also trying really hard to sew through my stash and finally make myself cut into the “good fabric” instead of saving it forever.
Are you someone who plans everything out, or do you like to improvise?
I’m soooo Type B. I like planning the big ideas, but the details? Not so much, haha! That said, I wouldn’t say I improvise a lot when sewing. I’m usually pretty happy sticking to the pattern.
What part of the binding process do you enjoy the most?
I love sitting down to hand-stitch the binding onto the back of a quilt. Give me a good TV show, a hot mug of tea, and some binding to sew down, and I’m a happy girl.
What’s the trickiest part of creating a beautiful binding?
Even after all these years, the hardest part for me is still joining the ends! I never seem to leave myself enough space, and then I’m wrestling the fabric trying to make it work — it’s a mess. At this point, I’ve mostly accepted my fate and started tucking one end into the other and calling it “good enough.” Type-B quilting all the way.
How has your work changed over the years?
For the first eight years of Bessie Pearl, I sewed, cut, and ironed every single binding myself. Every one. Eventually, I realized that just wasn’t sustainable, and now — thank goodness — I work with a wonderful manufacturer.
I still choose all the designs and personally package and ship every order, but now I also have time for other parts of the business I really enjoy, like marketing, collaborating with other makers, and doing interviews like this!
What have you learned about yourself through making?
I’ve learned that I’m not actually a very detail-oriented person, hah! I always thought I was, but it turns out I’m perfectly okay if my points don’t line up exactly. And I still love straight-line quilting, even if the lines get a little wonky by the end.
I’ve also learned how deeply making connects us. I don’t do many quilt shows, but when I do, the highlight is always connecting with other makers — seeing what they’ve created and the joy it brings them. And if my bindings help make the creative process a little more joyful for someone else, then I’m thrilled.
What’s one small tip that can make a big difference in binding?
If you’re making bias tape for sewing, cut the end of your binding strip at an angle before feeding it into the bias tape maker — it slides through so much easier!
How do you make time for creativity in a busy life?
I find it however I can! Some weeks that means I get a lot of sewing done, but more often creativity shows up in smaller ways — trying a new recipe for dinner or planting flowers in my backyard.
I still have young kids, so sometimes creativity looks like coloring with them or doing little craft projects together. I need some kind of creative outlet or I start getting a little cranky — but I’ll happily take it in whatever form I can get it.
Where can people see your binding and work?
You can find me on our website at bessiepearlbindingco.com, and if you want to see more of my daily life and behind-the-scenes shop content, you can connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @bessiepearlbindingco.
Rapid-Fire Fun:
Favorite color right now? Navy blue — always.
Hand stitching or machine stitching? Hand stitching!
A tool you can’t live without? My Martelli ergonomic rotary cutters. I’m an ambidextrous cutter, so I actually have one for each hand!
What are you dreaming of making next? Bias tape shoelaces and a playmat for a friend who just had a baby!
Biggest joy of being a maker? Seeing my products help other people find more joy in making.
Interview posted May 2025
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