Quilting Mayhem Turns 10!

From Mindy: Wow, 10 years of Quilting Mayhem! I'm overwhelmed as I look back on how far we've come since opening our doors May 1, 2015. What started as a small dream has grown into something beyond what I ever imagined, and it’s all thanks to you, our amazing community of Mayhem Makers. When we first opened on 1st Street, we were a cozy 3,000-square-foot shop with a modest fabric selection, one classroom, and a longarm rental station. Fast forward to today, and oh, how things have changed! Through challenges (yes, that global event), we kept stitching

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No Heat Pressing Tools

Who says you need an iron to create beautifully pressed quilt seams? There are plenty of surprisingly effective ways to press your seams without ever plugging in an iron. We’ve put together a guide of no-heat pressing methods for your quilt seams that will have you reaching for these no-heat pressing tools even when traditional irons are available.    When do you use no-heat pressing methods? You might be in a place where you can quilt, but an iron just isn’t possible or using heat for your fabrics isn’t ideal. Think about traveling and attending a retreat where

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Why Every Quilter Needs a Serger

If you've ever wondered ‘does a quilter need a serger’, the answer is a resounding YES! While sergers are famous for clothing construction, these powerhouse machines offer quilters professional finishes, time-saving tricks, and creative possibilities you won’t get from a domestic sewing machine. Think perfectly piecing quilt blocks without bulky seams and joining batting scraps, when used for quilting a serger can revolutionize your workflow. If you're looking for tips for quilters to streamline projects or curious about what a serger can do beyond basic seams, this guide will show you exactly why a quilter

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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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