I’m thrilled to share a special interview with Heather Valentine, a talented quilt pattern designer and the creative force behind The Sewing Loft. Known for her fresh, modern designs and passion for teaching, Heather’s work has inspired countless quilters to explore new techniques and embrace their creativity. In this interview, we dive into her design process, where she finds inspiration, and her journey in the world of quilting. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting out, Heather’s insights are sure to spark your creative spirit! Let’s get to know Heather and her quilting journey.
What inspired you to start writing quilt patterns, and how did you first get into quilting?
I’ve always been drawn to the technical side of sewing—there’s just something so special about turning a sketch into a design that others can recreate. As a young girl, I’d spend hours studying patterns while whipping up new outfits, and that’s really how I taught myself to sew. It’s like solving a puzzle, and that’s what I love most about quilting. Plus, seeing what fabrics others mix and match with my designs, that’s the cherry on top!
Can you walk us through your creative process when designing a new quilt pattern? Do you start with a specific concept, fabric, or technique?
I usually start with a general theme in mind, but from there, it’s all about play! My process is super fluid, and I love exploring different ideas with the help of EQ8—it lets me whip up tons of variations quickly. One thing I always stick to is keeping things simple. None of my patterns require any special rulers, tools, or templates because I want them to be accessible for everyone. Quilting should be fun and doable, no matter your skill level!
Did you know Heather has an EQ8 block add-on with 40 blocks and 24 quilt designs? Check out the Four Seasons add-on here!
How do you choose the colors and fabrics for your patterns? Do you have any favorite fabric designers or collections that you often turn to?
I’m not really loyal to any one designer or collection—I love to mix and match! I usually dive into my fabric stash, which is full of bits and pieces from past projects, and just start pulling out colors that catch my eye. Once I find a color that speaks to me, I build the rest from there. It’s all about experimenting and seeing where the fabrics take me!
What is your favorite quilt pattern that you've designed, and what makes it special to you?
While I absolutely love designing samplers—Heartland Heritage is one of my faves — my all-time favorite quilt has to be Poppy Seed. It’s a simple one-block design that is set on repeat, but what makes it special is how versatile it is. Whether you’re using scraps or a full fabric collection, it just works! My favorite version was made with leftover orange scraps, and I love how the simple structure lets the fabrics shine.
How do you stay inspired and keep your designs fresh?
I keep a little notebook with me for quick sketches whenever inspiration strikes—it’s my way of capturing ideas on the fly so I don’t lose them! When I have some downtime, I flip through those sketches and see which one speaks to me. It’s a totally no-pressure approach that keeps things fun and helps me stay inspired.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start writing their own quilt patterns?
My biggest piece of advice? Don’t skip hiring a Technical Editor! As designers, we get so close to our work that it’s easy to miss little details. A good editor can catch everything from math errors to confusing sketches, and that all adds up to creating a better experience for the Maker. For me, there’s nothing more satisfying than knowing my pattern helped someone succeed at their machine—that’s the real win for me!
How do you balance creating patterns that are both unique and accessible to quilters of all skill levels?
I like to focus on traditional techniques that are super beginner-friendly. I always remind quilters that there’s no ‘Quilt Police’ inspecting their work—it’s all about enjoying the process and letting your skills grow over time. My main goal is for everyone to have fun at their machine, whether they’re just starting out or have been quilting for years!
Have you ever had a pattern that didn’t turn out the way you expected? How did you handle that, and what did you learn from the experience?
Funny you ask, because yes, I think every designer has been there! I’m actually in the middle of reimagining a pattern I created for a fabric company a few years ago. While I liked the design, I felt rushed and wasn’t totally in love with the color story or even the name. It’s been a great reminder to always stay true to your style, no matter the deadline. That way, you’ll love the end result every time!
What trends do you see emerging in the quilting world, and how do you think they’ll influence your future designs?
I’m not sure if it’s a full-blown trend, but I’ve definitely noticed more quilters getting playful and relaxed with their fabric pairings—and I love it! Mixing patterns and colors adds so much character and personality to each quilt. It’s definitely inspiring me to keep encouraging that creativity in my own designs.
How do you approach testing your patterns? Do you work with a team of testers, and what role do they play in the process?
Pattern testing can be a bit of a pain point for me. I’m lucky to have a few people who are always willing to review my patterns, which is great! But since most of my designs are samplers—and those take longer to complete—I usually just ask testers to stitch out a block from each design. That gives me the feedback I need without putting too much pressure on them. If I need a full quilt or extra samples made, I’ll hire a sample maker. It’s a balance between getting quick feedback and ensuring the whole pattern is tested.
What are you currently working on, and can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming patterns or projects?
It’s been such a pleasure learning from Heather Valentine and getting a glimpse into her creative world. Her passion for quilting, teaching, and empowering others shines through in every design she creates. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, new techniques, or just some quilting motivation, Heather’s work offers it all. I hope this interview has inspired you to take your own quilting journey to the next level. Be sure to check out her latest patterns and follow her quilting adventures—she’s running a mini quilt swap and a fabric flip challenge right now! Happy quilting!