Perfectly Imperfect Quilting
I just returned from Paducah—my fifth quilt show this year—and while the quilts were nothing short of breathtaking, they also stirred up a conversation I think we, as quilters, need to have.
Over and over, I heard quilters say things like:
“I could never do that.”
“Mine would never be good enough.”
And that made me sad. Because somewhere along the way, we’ve convinced ourselves that quilting has to be perfect to be worthwhile.
Let me tell you right now: it doesn’t.
✨ Show Quilts Are Stunning—But Not the Only Kind of Beautiful
Yes, the quilts hanging in the show are stunning. They are artistic, technically brilliant, and worthy of every ribbon they’ve won. But here’s the truth—no one starts at that level.
What you’re seeing is the result of hundreds (if not thousands) of hours of practice, mistakes, retries, and yes, even frustration. These quilts were made to be judged. That was the intention. But that doesn’t mean they are somehow “better” than the ones made for a grandchild’s birthday or stitched together during stolen weekend hours.
💗 Quilts Made with Love Matter Just as Much
I often think of one of my clients—an older lady who struggles with poor eyesight and shaky hands. Her quilts aren’t flat or square. Her seams wander. But each one is made with so much heart that her family treasures them beyond words.
They don’t see crooked borders.
They see love.
🪡 Don’t Lose Sight of the Roots of Quilting
Don’t forget that quilting started as a necessity—blankets made from scraps to keep families warm. Those early quilters didn’t worry about perfect points. They were too busy pouring themselves into every stitch. (Explore the stories behind historic quilts at The Quilt Index.)
We need to reclaim that joy—the freedom to make something that is meaningful, not museum-worthy.
🏆 Competition Quilting Isn’t the Only Kind
Now don’t get me wrong, I love show quilting. I thrive on the challenge. I enjoy competing. I even enjoy being judged (well, most of the time). But show quilts are just one slice of this big, beautiful quilting pie.
Not everyone needs to compete.
Not everyone wants to.
And that’s perfectly okay.
🧵 What If Quilt Shows Inspired Us to Try, Not Compare?
So the next time you’re walking the aisles of a quilt show, try not to compare yourself. Instead, ask:
“What can I learn from this quilt?”
“Is there a color combo I love?”
“Is there a technique I’ve been too scared to try?”
Let the quilts inspire, not intimidate.
Make that tricky block.
Experiment with a bold color.
Try drawing your own pattern that doesn’t require perfect points.
You might just surprise yourself.
🧪 Mistakes Are Part of the Process
Mistakes? You’re going to make them. I sure do. I spent seven years trying to replicate a quilt from the 1700s. I’ve made a dozen quilts that are completely not what I intended—and I’ve learned something valuable from every single one.
Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
That’s quilting in a nutshell.
🎉 Make Joy Your Goal, Not Perfection
Strive to do your best. But don’t let the pursuit of perfection steal your joy.
If you’re spending more time ripping than stitching, it’s time to let go.
Celebrate the finish.
Feel the fabric.
Get excited about what you’re making—even if it’s wonky or weird or wonderfully imperfect.
(For more mindset shifts like this, check out my Stress-Free Quilting Series.)
🛋 Quilts Are Meant to Be Enjoyed—Not Judged
So go ahead—make the quilt that makes you happy.
Share it at show-and-tell.
Display it proudly on your couch.
And the next time you find yourself wondering, “Is this good enough?” remember:
Done is better than perfect.
And loved is always better than flawless.
perfectly imperfect quilting
perfectly imperfect quilting
perfectly imperfect quilting
perfectly imperfect quilting
perfectly imperfect quilting
perfectly imperfect quilting
perfectly imperfect quilting
perfectly imperfect quilting
I needed to hear this today. Just finished a block with less than perfect points. I was going to remake but now I’m just going to love it for its color scheme. Thanks
So glad I could help. I would love to see a picture of your quilt. I’m sure it’s beautiful.
I just returned from Paducah also and I have always felt intimidated by the magnificent quilts there. Your article was brilliant! I have always been proud of my work but I do not quilt for competitions, I quilt for family and friends , and for the pure joy of creating something I think is beautiful (most of the time).
Thanks, I’m glad you liked it. I agree. The joy oaxf creating should be what’s important.
This!!!! Yes, absolutely! I love this so much!!!
Thanks. Glad you liked it.
Thank you kindly for these inspiring words. I think the pressure we put on ourselves to strive for perfection overshadows the process and joy of putting the quilt together. I remember when I first started quilting and signed to take a class with drunkards path curves, I struggled a little and kept going and was super proud of my end result. I was too new to quilting to question weather I had enough skills to attempt it. I followed the instructors directions, took my time and I finished it. I strive for accurate 1/4″ seams and star points. Sometimes my stars are shining and others not so much, I’m good with that. I love what I’m creating.
You are most welcome. I agree we are our own worst critics. Enjoying your own creations is all that really matters.
And in olden times they would say, “Hit the nail right on the head!”
Thank you.
What you said is so true. I find myself comparing anything I do to what others are doing or even how they are doing it. I have decided recently enough is enough and I am going to do things my way. I am much happier creating that way.
Good for you. Hope you have lots of fun.