Rashida Coleman-Hale has been surrounded by fabric, thread, and creativity her whole life, and it shows in everything she makes. She has built a career filled with color, storytelling, and community. And, now releasing her third book, Zakka Sewn.
Do you remember the very first thing you ever sewed?
I do! When I was 12, my Mom decided that I needed to learn how to sew. I reluctantly complied and she taught me to sew an outfit. She took me to our local fabrics store, Mae’s Fabric. She showed me the pattern catalogs and how to find the pattern I wanted in the drawers of endless patterns. I chose a vest and pants combo. I picked out my fabric and notions and we went back home and got to work. She taught me EVERYTHING I needed to know.
My grandfather was a tailor, and he would jump in and show me things as well. I was equally proud and embarrassed. My fabric choice wasn’t the best, as it was some weird orange print with tons of colors mashed together, and the pants literally screamed HAMMER TIME!
What drew you to sewing and fabric design in the first place?
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Sewing is in my DNA. My mom and grandmother sewed, and my grandfather was actually a tailor, so I grew up surrounded by fabric, thread, and the hum of a sewing machine.
They each encouraged me in different ways, but it wasn’t until I had kids of my own that I really started to see sewing as a creative outlet and a way to express myself. The pride of making something with my hands stayed with me. Over time, sewing turned into blogging, blogging turned into books, and books led me into fabric design.
How did you get into fabric design, in addition to sewing?
After writing my first book, I Love Patchwork, fabric design just felt like the natural next step.
I had studied fashion design and worked as a freelance graphic designer, so I had this mix of skills that I thought fit perfectly with surface design.
At first, I sent my work out and got a lot of “no thank yous,” but I kept going. One day I emailed Timeless Treasures, and their art director got back to me the very same day! She had just bought my book!
That moment was the spark that started my career in fabric design. From there, I went on to work with Cloud 9 Fabrics, co-founded Cotton + Steel, and now I’m designing for Ruby Star Society with Moda Fabrics.
Where do your design ideas usually begin? In your head, in a sketchbook, or with the fabric in your hands?
They almost always begin with a mood board. I looooove moodboards and secretly wish I could have a job doing that. It’s my most favorite thing ever and an important part of my process.
I collect images, objects, colors, and shapes that catch my eye, then pull them into Photoshop where I can see everything together. Sometimes I’ll doodle in Procreate right away, sometimes I’ll play with color palettes first. It really depends on what’s inspiring me in the moment.
I also have a long list of ideas that I’ve kept in the Notes app on my phone. Whenever an idea pops into my head, I add it to the list so I don’t forget it. Whenever I’m stuck or need some inspiration, I go back to that list!
Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?
My favorite part is that moment when all the pieces come together. When a sketch suddenly turns into a repeat pattern or when a color palette clicks in a way that was exactly how you envisioned it. It feels like magic every time!
I love working with color, but it can also be tricky to get it just right. What looks beautiful on a mood board doesn’t always translate once I apply it to the art, so there’s a lot of trial and error.
Do you have a signature style? Or do you like to experiment with different looks?
I’d say I definitely have a style that leans toward clean, modern, and simplified shapes.
I find so much joy in trying to create simple shapes that still translate to the viewer. I also like to incorporate a sort of geometric sensibility to my work.
I’m really drawn to storytelling through my designs, so even the simplest motifs usually have a little narrative tucked inside. At the same time, I love to experiment, whether that’s stepping outside my comfort zone with color, trying a new tool, or exploring a different theme.
My work has evolved over the years, but I think people can usually spot my work right away.
How do color and pattern play into your process?
Color is everything. It sets the tone for a collection and really guides the direction of the designs.
I usually start with a palette, then play with scale and pattern to make sure there’s a nice balance.
Blenders, bold prints, something playful, something grounding. I want people to be able to pull a few prints from a collection and have them work beautifully together, whether they’re making a quilt, a bag, or a garment.
Do you work in bursts of creativity, or a steady, daily rhythm?
I wish I could say I had a steady rhythm! Honestly, my creativity comes in waves.
Sometimes I’ll have weeks where the ideas won’t stop, and I’m up drawing away on Procreate. Other times I need to step away, recharge, and let inspiration simmer. I’ve learned to trust those natural ebbs and flows instead of forcing it.
What inspired you to write Zakka Sewn? For readers who might not be familiar, how would you describe “zakka” style?
I decided to write Zakka Sewn on the heels of my divorce a few years back. I was in a place where I felt like I had lost a little bit of myself and needed to find my way back. While drawing is my most favorite thing to do, I’m a maker through and through. I needed to get busy with my hands again! Instead of allowing my sorrow to take over me, I thought I would pour that energy into my creativity and use that as a pathway to healing, and it turned into a book.
Zakka Sewn was born out of my love for small, everyday projects that bring beauty into daily life. “Zakka” is a Japanese word that loosely translates to “household goods,” but in the design world it means taking simple, practical objects and elevating them with handmade charm. It’s about making ordinary things special. I’ve always loved that idea, and I wanted to create a book that celebrated sewing in that spirit.
What do you hope makers will take away from Zakka Sewn?
I hope people feel encouraged to make the projects their own. Add some patchwork, switch up the colors, throw on some pom-poms! The book is a starting point, but the real magic happens when makers infuse their personality into the projects. My goal is always to inspire creativity, not dictate it. ^_^
What advice would you give someone who’s new to sewing but wants to jump right in?
Start small, be patient, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Pick a project that excites you even if it’s just a simple pouch or pillow and let yourself learn as you go. Every single sewist has seam-ripped their way through a project at some point, so you’re in good company. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and celebrate the wins, even the little ones.
How do you handle projects that just aren’t working out?
Oh, I’ve definitely had those! Sometimes I’ll put it aside for a while and come back with fresh eyes. Other times, I’ll just let it go and move on.
I think it’s important to know that not every idea has to become something finished. The act of trying is valuable in itself, and sometimes those “failed” projects end up sparking something new down the road.
What’s your workspace like? Tidy? Chaotic? Somewhere in between?
I’m usually pretty tidy but more chaos adjacent when I’m in the middle of a collection or making!
I love having my tools and inspiration close by, so there are always piles of fabric, doodles, and notes around. But I do go through phases where I stop and reset.
Clean space, clean mind.
How do you balance personal projects with professional deadlines?
It’s not always easy, especially when deadlines take priority, but I’ve learned that I need personal projects to keep me going.
Sometimes that means squeezing in some embroidery, yet another cutie pouch, a few rows of weaving, some punch needle! I think those personal side quests refill your creative well so you can show up fully for your professional work.
How has the sewing and quilting community shaped your journey?
Oh my, I wouldn’t still be doing this without the sewing and quilting community. From my early days of blogging to Quilt Market and QuiltCon, the support and friendships I’ve built have truly carried me through. Some of my closest relationships both personal and professional came from this community. It’s such a generous, welcoming space, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it!
Where can people see your work?
You can find my fabric collections with Ruby Star Society in your favorite quilt shop. I also share updates, projects, and behind-the-scenes peeks on Instagram (@iamrashidacolemanhale), The Charm Pack newsletter and my website www.rashidacolemanhale.com and And of course, my books I Love Patchwork, Zakka Style, and Zakka Sewn are available too if you’re looking for some project inspiration. ^_~
Interview posted August 2025
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