A Word from Your Local Craft and Sewing Shop

The crafting world has felt a seismic shift over the past year, especially with the closure of JoAnn Fabric stores across the country. For many of us, JoAnn’s was a go-to destination for fabric, notions, and inspiration. Its absence has left a void, but it’s also reminded us of the importance of independent fabric stores like Quilting Mayhem. While we may not be a big-box retailer, we’re committed to stepping up and expanding our offerings to support our crafting, quilting, and fiber communities—not just in Snohomish, but across the country.     Expanding for our crafting community For almost

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Add Raw Edge Applique to Your Quilt

We think every quilt is beautiful, but sometimes you can finish a quilt top and think ‘that’s missing something.’ Raw edge appliqué might be just the technique you’re looking for!   What is raw edge appliqué? Raw edge appliqué is a technique where fabric shapes are cut out and adhered to a quilt top without turning under the edges. Instead, the edges are left raw, and the shapes are secured with fusible web and stitching. The stitching can be a zig zag, buttonhole, or a straight stitch close to the edge. Raw edge appliqué is quick, easy, and

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Best Tips for Quilts if You Sew Clothes

If you’ve spent years sewing clothes, you already have a solid foundation in fabric selection, cutting, and stitching. But quilting is a whole different beast. Each of those steps is just a little different, so choosing the right pattern for your first quilt can make all the difference. What’s the difference between sewing clothes and sewing quilts?   Fabric Requirements This is one thing that is easier in quilting versus garment sewing; quilting fabrics are usually 100% cotton, so you don’t have to think about things about stretch or drape for the end use. The only thing that you

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Kona Color of the Year 2025: Nocturne

Kona’s Color of the Year for 2025 has been revealed, and it’s Nocturne – a rich, velvety purple that feels like a midnight sky. This deep, versatile shade is perfect for adding drama and rich color to your quilts. We’ve rounded up seven stunning quilt patterns, including two free quilt patterns, that really show off what Nocturne can do. Cosmic Glow FREE Pattern By Elise Lea for Robert Kaufman 70” x 92.5” A subtle gradient of blues against a navy background makes this quilt pop. Nocturne is the accent color in each block that ties everything together.   Expanding Stars By Quilty

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Take Care of Your Sewing and Quilting Tools

There’s something about the start of a New Year to make you think ‘new sewing room, new me.’ We all start tidying and cleaning and organizing our sewing space, taking care of the fabric stash, and planning to make this year of quilting even better than the last. But do you have a plan to take care of your tools? It’s time to give your sewing tools and notions a little TLC. We’ll go through our guide to help you tidy up, repair, and clean your sewing tools and start the year off right. Give Your

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Everything You Need To Know About Backing Fabrics

You’ve finished your quilt top and now you need to put together your quilt back. The right backing fabric not only complements your quilt but also makes quilting your project easy and enjoyable. If you’ve ever wondered which fabrics make the best quilt backs or how to choose, you’re in the right place. This is your guide to the world of quilt backs, including wide backs and specialty options, to help you make the best decision for your next project. The Basics of Backing Fabrics For many quilters, regular cotton fabric is a common go-to. Standard quilting

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Different Types of Quilt Finishes

Good news! Your quilt is all pieced and you’ve even quilted it. Now the only thing left to do is finish the edge. But which method of quilt finish is best? Like with so many things in quilting, there’s no one right answer but the technique you choose impacts not only the finished look but also how well it holds up over time. Let’s walk through some popular options so you can pick the best one for your quilt. Double Fold Binding First up is traditional double-fold binding, sometimes called French binding. This is a favorite for

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All About Sewing Machine Needles

When was the last time you changed your needle? Do it now! Ok, now that there’s a fresh needle in your sewing machine, is it the right kind of needle for your project? With so many different packs of needles on the shelves at Quilting Mayhem, it can be confusing to know which one to use and when. Never fear, we’ll walk you through it so you can make the right choice for your fabric and technique. Sewing Machine Needle Sizing Sewing machine needles are labeled with two number, for example 80/12 or 90/14. The first number

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Tips for Tiny Piecing

It’s no secret that we love everything Giucy Giuce designs. We even just had him here teaching for a fun retreat and more on the schedule! And since he’s known for his fun tiny piecing patterns, we wanted to give you our best tips for making your tiny pieced projects have a big visual impact. Pay attention to your fabric quality. Since you’re already shopping at Quilting Mayhem and bringing home Giucy Giuce fabrics, among others, you know that using quilt shop quality cottons for intense piecing is key. They hold their shape better and are less

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Refresh Your Quilting Stash

Back to school season isn’t just for the kids, it’s for the quilters, too! Forget sharpening pencils and packing a lunch, ok quilters also like snacks so snacks are allowed, but now is the perfect time to take a look at your stash and restock your sewing and quilting essentials. Having a well-stocked supply of your go-to notions and fabrics makes it easy to sew whenever the mood strikes. Let’s go over the key items you’ll want to make sure are in your sewing room. Refresh your fabric stash. First things first, let’s talk fabric! If you’re

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