10 Years of Knot + Thread

Ten years.

Somehow, Knot + Thread has been around for an entire decade, and honestly, it’s hard to wrap my head around that.

When I think back to where this all started, I don’t think I ever could have imagined everything that would fit into those ten years. What began with long-arm quilting and a love of sewing, quilting, and bag making has evolved into so much more.

There have been patterns and products, employees, babies, multiple moves, lots of late nights, sew-alongs, quilt shows, and so much goodness.

Knot + Thread has kept growing right along with me and my family.

First came the Quilting:

Long-arm quilting was the beginning of Knot + Thread.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of quilting thousands of quilts.

That is a lot of quilts, a lot of thread, and a lot of hours spent at the long arm. It is such a privilege to work with so many amazing quilters and add the finishing touches to their beautiful quilts. Seeing so many quilts come through my home is always an inspiration, and sometimes I can't believe that this is actually my job.

Quilting is what allowed me space and time to start my dream of designing patterns and entering into the pattern world. I had the opportunity to work for Annie of ByAnnie.com for a few years. I learned so much from Annie and the work I got to do for her. She continues to be my role model. She has been an incredible cheerleader, boss, business mentor, and friend through it all.

Then came the Patterns:

Pattern design has become a huge part of Knot + Thread, and over the last ten years, I’ve released 29 patterns. (30th coming soon!)

I remember when I purchased my first 10 barcodes and thought, "I’ll never need to purchase more than this" I love that we have needed to purchase more! I am so happy with the patterns and designs I’ve produced over the years. Some have been major hits and some are flops, and both kinds have been a joy for me to create. I only want to release patterns of quilts and bags I would use and love. So even if they feel like projects just meant for me, I've loved the opportunity to create and share my creations. 

And the Sew-alongs:

Some of my favorite memories have come from our sew-alongs. We’ve made All The Things Tote together. We tackled backpacks like The Violet Backpack + The Archie Backpack together. And of course, there was the Patchwork Duffle sew-along. 

There’s something really special about seeing hundreds of people working through the same project at the same time—choosing fabrics, asking questions, cheering each other on, and sharing finished bags at the end. When we did our second Duffle Sew-along we added in an element of service by doing a Duffle Donation. These bags went to foster kids all over! Whenever we can use our creativity for others it feels like the biggest win in my book. Sharing what we love with others in such a meaningful way is the most fulfilling thing to me. These are some of the Duffle's donated to the Utah Foster care office. If you want to find other places around the country to donate to you can find them in this blog post. 

Sewing can be such a solitary hobby, but those sew-alongs made it feel like we were all sitting around one giant sewing table together. The most recent sew-along was the Stitch and Stash Tote. You can find replays of the Sew-Along Videos on my YouTube Channel!

And then the shop started growing:

Over the years, Knot + Thread slowly became more than patterns.

We added sew-in labels, giving you a little finishing touch to add to your handmade projects. These labels felt like a perfect addition to the bindings in all these quilted bags! I have loved working with different designers and friends over the years to create so many fun labels! 

Then came our zipper collections—because if you’re going to make a great bag, you obviously need the perfect zipper. I wanted to add neon bright colored zippers to the world because I had a hard time finding them. They have been such a fun addition. 

Eventually, we started adding fabric to the shop too, including our quilted panels, making it even easier to gather what you need and get straight to sewing.

Each new thing has usually started the same way: with me thinking, Wouldn’t it be fun if we…?  My employees always worry when those are the words out of my mouth! And then, somehow, that idea turns into another whole section of the business. 

Knot + Thread was never a one-person show

One of the biggest things I see when I look back over ten years is how many people have helped make this business what it is.

There have been some incredible employees along the way:

Tonya, Mindy, Grace, Mitch, Taylor, Amy, Kenra, and Chloe.

Each one has been part of a different chapter of Knot + Thread and has helped keep things moving and growing. Shipping, organizing, sewing, creating, and surviving the craziness behind the scenes—even caring for me and my babies as well!

Nannies who helped make it possible for me to work. Who have loved and cared for my babies. 

Pattern stuffers who sat through stacks and stacks of paper.

Family who have absolutely been my biggest fans and supports. I am so grateful for their encouragement and support over this last decade. 

It has taken a village. A very patient village.

Ten years later

When you own a small business, it can be easy to spend all your time looking ahead. The next pattern. The next launch. The next problem to solve. But hitting ten years feels like a good reason to stop and look backward for a minute. To remember the quilts, the patterns, the sew-alongs, the shows, the move, the babies, the late nights.

Mostly, though, I think about the people.

Every person who bought a pattern, trusted me with a quilt, joined a sew-along, placed an order, stopped by a booth, told a friend about Knot + Thread, shared a finished project, sent an encouraging message, or simply followed along.

You are the reason there are ten years to celebrate.

I’m incredibly grateful for what Knot + Thread has been, and I’m even more excited to see what it becomes next.

Here’s to ten years of making.

And to whatever we decide to sew next.

Thank you for being part of Knot + Thread.