Quilting Central Podcast

Angie, Cathy, and Julie

Hosted by three passionate quilters and business owners — Cathy Thayer of Fabric Bash (Omaha, NE), Julie Mercer of Two Chicks Quilting (Ganado, TX), and Angie Dugan of The Quilting Connection (Elkhorn & Appleton, WI) — this podcast is your new go-to quilting companion.
We’re three friends, professional longarm quilters, and dedicated fabric lovers who believe quilting should be fun, inclusive, and inspiring for everyone, whether you're a seasoned stitcher or just threading your first needle.
Our goal? To bring you lively, informative episodes filled with real talk, helpful tips, heartfelt sto

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20 episodes
Avg 48 min
English

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May 13 · 35 min
Touring Arrow Sewing’s Warehouse, Studio & Assembly Areas
Join Angie, Julie, and Cathy as they visit Arrow Sewing headquarters in Elkhorn, Wisconsin for an exciting behind-the-scenes sewing tour! ✂️Led by Dave from Arrow Sewing, this video gives sewing and quilting enthusiasts an exclusive look inside one of the most trusted names in sewing furniture since 1943. From innovative sewing room setups to smart quilting furniture designs, you’ll see how Arrow Sewing creates products that help sewists maximize space, comfort, and creativity.On this tour, you’ll discover:• Popular sewing furniture like the Kangaroo, Joey, and Tasmanian• Functional sewing room setup ideas for quilters and sewists• Behind-the-scenes access to the Arrow Sewing studio, warehouse, and assembly areas• Hydraulic sewing machine lift systems in action• Space-saving sewing cabinets and quilting furniture solutions• Ergonomic sewing chairs and expandable sewing tablesWhether you’re planning your dream sewing room, searching for quality sewing furniture, or looking for quilting room inspiration, this Arrow Sewing tour is packed with creative ideas and practical solutions for every sewing enthusiast.📍 Filmed at Arrow Sewing Headquarters in Elkhorn, Wisconsin#ArrowSewing #SewingFurniture #SewingRoom #QuiltingFurniture #SewingRoomSetup #Sewing #Quilting
#26
April 18 · 54 min
Starting From Scratch: If We Had To Restart Our Quilting Journey's
What would you do differently if you could start your quilting journey over? In this heartfelt and practical quilting discussion, experienced quilters share lessons learned from years of working with fabric, building a stash, and growing in creativity. From quilting organization tips to longarm quilting insights, this conversation is full of real-life advice every quilter can relate to.We dive into topics like managing a fabric stash, choosing between kits vs. yardage, working with pre-cuts like fat quarters and layer cakes, and why having a plan for your fabric matters. You’ll also hear honest reflections on quilting mistakes, cutting challenges, ruler use, and how better organization can transform your sewing space and workflow.Whether you’re a beginner quilter or have been sewing for years, this discussion will inspire you to rethink how you approach your projects, your stash, and your creative time. Plus, the conversation highlights the importance of community, relaxation, and making time for your own quilting joy.✨ Topics covered in this video:* Quilting stash organization tips and strategies* Kits vs. fabric yardage: what works best* Working with pre-cuts (fat quarters, jelly rolls, layer cakes)* Longarm quilting and finishing projects faster* Quilting, cutting tips, and ruler use* Lessons learned from years of quilting experience* Finding balance, creativity, and relaxation in quilting* Why quilting is more than just a hobby—it’s therapy and communityIf you’ve ever looked at your fabric stash and wondered “what now?”, this video is for you!👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting tips, sewing inspiration, and creative discussions.#Quilting #FabricStash #LongarmQuilting #QuiltingTips #SewingRoom #Precuts #FatQuarters #QuiltingCommunity #SewingInspiration #quilttalk 0:00 Introduction – Quilting Central Podcast Welcome7:10 The Difference Quilt Shop Quality Makes (Fabric, Tools & Machines)13:10 Choosing the Right Sewing Machine: What to Look For00:19:58 Sewing Machine vs Boats: A Funny Customer Story About Value00:20:57 Why Quality Thread Matters More Than You Think (Real Shop Story)00:27:32 Starting Over with Fabric Stash: Kits vs Yardage Decisions00:30:59 Kits vs Yardage & Fabric Buying Back Then00:41:00 Cutting Challenges & Using Rulers Properly00:45:00 Longarm Quilting, Confidence & Starting Over00:47:50 What Really Matters in Quilting & Life Lessons
#25
April 6 · 46 min
Trends of the Quilting World
Discover the latest quilting trends straight from QuiltCon! 🧵✨ In this episode of the Quilting Central Podcast, we dive into what’s hot in the quilting world—from upcycled denim quilts and quilted clothing to modern patchwork, bag making, and hand stitching techniques making a huge comeback.If you love quilting, sewing, or fabric crafting, this conversation is packed with inspiration, ideas, and real insights from quilt shop owners and industry experts.🔹 In this video, we cover:* QuiltCon trends and modern quilting inspiration* Upcycling jeans into quilted fashion (bell bottoms, jackets & more)* Quilted bags, backpacks, and accessories (including beginner-friendly patterns)* The rise of handwork: EPP (English Paper Piecing), cross-stitch, embroidery & crochet* Using solid fabrics & low volume backgrounds in modern quilts* Creative techniques like thread painting and experimental quilting styles* Popular quilting designers like Tula Pink and emerging pattern trends* How quilting is evolving beyond traditional quilts into wearable artWhether you’re a beginner quilter or experienced maker, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas to try in your next quilting project.🧶 Quilting is no longer just about quilts—it’s about **self-expression, creativity, and community**.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting tips, tutorials, and industry trends!#quilting #quiltcon #modernquilting #quiltingtrends #sewingprojects #quiltideas #quiltingcommunity #englishpaperpiecing #quiltinglife #sewinginspiration #fabriclover #tulapink #quiltedbags #upcycling #handmadefashion
March 5 · 51 min
Talking Pantographs: Longarm Quilting Tips
🧵 Pantographs Explained | Longarm Quilting from the Back | Quilting for Customers 🧵In this episode of the Quilting Central Podcast, Cathy, Angie, and Julie dive into everything you need to know about quilting with pantographs on a longarm quilting machine.We break down what a quilting pantograph is, how to quilt from the back of your longarm, and how to choose the right pantograph design for your specific machine and quilting style. Whether you're new to longarm quilting or looking to improve your pantograph skills, this episode covers the basics and beyond.We also discuss the differences between computerised quilting vs. hand-guided pantograph quilting, and share practical tips for using pantographs when quilting for customers in a home-based quilting business.✨ In This Episode, We Cover:✔️ What is a pantograph in longarm quilting?✔️ How to quilt from the back of a longarm machine✔️ Choosing the right pantograph size and pattern✔️ Computerised quilting vs. freehand pantograph quilting✔️ Tips for edge-to-edge quilting designs✔️ Using pantographs for customer quiltsWhether you’re a longarm quilter, a machine quilter, or thinking about starting a quilting business, this episode is packed with practical advice, quilting tips, and real-life shop talk from experienced quilters.🎧 Perfect for:• Longarm quilting beginners• Quilters considering computerised quilting systems• Home-based longarm business owners• Anyone curious about edge-to-edge quilting designsIf you love quilting tips, longarm quilting education, and honest quilting podcast conversations, be sure to like, subscribe, and join our quilting community!
February 19 · 45 min
Quilting Math Made Easy!
We all struggle with math, and it turns out that quilting involves a lot of math. In this episode of the Quilting Central Podcast, Cathie, Julie, and Angie walk through tips and tricks to make that math a little easier. Whether it's binding, backing, batting, or even longarm quilting space, we cover all the quilting tips you will need. If you would like any of the products featured in this episode, the links are below. All-in-One Quilter's Reference Toolhttps://twochicksquilting.com/products/all-in-one-quilters-reference-tool?_pos=1&_sid=e36c00fdd&_ss=rKnow Your Battinghttps://twochicksquilting.com/products/know-your-battings?_pos=1&_psq=know+your+batting&_ss=e&_v=1.0The Quilting Bookhttps://twochicksquilting.com/products/the-quilting-book?_pos=1&_sid=5f8b5a2df&_ss=rSeam Guide 4 in 1 Toolhttps://twochicksquilting.com/products/seam-guide-4-in-1-tool?_pos=2&_sid=971b3e319&_ss=rSewing Edgehttps://twochicksquilting.com/products/qtools-sewing-edge?_pos=1&_psq=Sewing+Edge&_ss=e&_v=1.0
February 19 · 1 hr 7 min
Stop the Lint Madness! How to Clean & Maintain Your Sewing Machine Like a Pro
Grab your brushes — this episode of the Quilting Central Podcast is a deep-dive into keeping your sewing machine humming like a dream. Julie, Angie, and Cathy explain why regular sewing machine cleaning and machine maintenance isn’t optional (hint: lint is the sneaky enemy), walk through the exact tools you’ll need — think small soft brushes and sewing machine oil (and absolutely no canned air) — and then demo the whole process step-by-step. You’ll hear: Why routine machine maintenance saves frustration, time, and money. A friendly, practical sewing machine cleaning tutorial as each host cleans a different machine: Julie breaks down a side-loading Bernina with a metal hook, Cathy walks through a top-loading Janome, and Angie finishes with longarm cleaning tips. The right tools to use (and what to avoid), plus quick troubleshooting tips after cleaning. Whether you’re new to sewing or a longtime quilter, this episode makes sewing machine care simple, safe, and even a little satisfying. Tune in for clear demos, pro tips, and the confidence to tackle your next sewing machine cleaning like a pro.
#20
January 22 · 36 min
How to Find Quilting Inspiration When You're Stuck
Do you ever feel like you have run out of quilting ideas? Sometimes the well of inspiration has dried up, or you get "quilter's block". We have just the episode to fix it. Join Cathy, Angie, and Julie as they talk about their sources of quilting inspiration. It could be anything from hotel floor designs to someone's sweater to even a manhole cover. Quilting ideas are everywhere. They even bring up a book of quilting design ideas and quilting dice. Plus, they talk about what to do when you are just plain stuck in the creative process and give examples of how they would draw inspiration from a quilt. We hope you enjoy, and be sure to like, comment,t and subscribe
#19
January 7 · 37 min
New Year, New Quilts! Quilting Resolutions That ACTUALLY Wo
New year… new quilting goals! 🎉In this episode of The Quilting Central Podcast, Angie, Cathy, and Julie sit down to talk all about New Year’s resolutions for quilters — the realistic kind that actually help you enjoy quilting more (and finish more quilts!). From tackling UFOs to organising sewing rooms, improving skills, and giving yourself permission to quilt your way, this episode is packed with encouragement, laughs, and practical advice to start the year inspired instead of overwhelmed. ✔️ Setting realistic quilting goals for the new year ✔️ How to finally finish those UFO (unfinished object) quilts ✔️ Sewing room organization resolutions that stick ✔️ Skill-building goals without burnout ✔️ Letting go of quilting guilt and comparison ✔️ Making time for creativity — even during busy seasons Whether you’re a beginner quilter or a seasoned stitcher, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and start the year excited to sew. • Quilters planning their creative goals for the year • Anyone overwhelmed by unfinished projects • Makers who want to quilt with more joy and less pressure • Quilters looking for motivation and community What’s YOUR quilting resolution this year? Finish a UFO? Try a new technique? Organize your stash? Tell us in the comments — we’d love to cheer you on! 👇 👍 Like this video if you’re ready to quilt with intention 🔔 Subscribe for weekly quilting tips, shop talk & podcast episodes 🔁 Share with a quilty friend who needs a fresh start ✨ In This Episode, We Talk About:🧶 Perfect For:💬 Join the Conversation:
#18
Dec 24, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
From Quilt Shop Owner to Designer | Karen Montgomery Interview
In this episode of the Quilting Central Podcast, Julie, Cathy, and Angie welcome special guest Karen Montgomery, an influential designer, educator, and industry leader in the quilting world. 🧵✨ Karen shares her quilting journey, starting with how she first learned to quilt and eventually opened her own quilt shop. She talks about the evolution of her career, including her transition into designing quilting patterns and rulers, and the inspiration behind her work. Karen is the publisher of The Quilt Company line of books and patterns, and her designs have been featured in Quilts and More magazine, along with numerous quilting books and catalogs. Known for her practical and popular techniques, Karen travels across the country teaching quilt shops and quilters alike. The conversation wraps up with an inside look at Sewposium, a unique quilting retreat and networking event for quilt shop owners, focused on education, collaboration, and growing successful quilting businesses. 🧵 In this episode, you’ll hear about: How Karen Montgomery got started quilting Opening and running a quilt shop Designing quilting patterns and rulers Teaching and traveling as a quilt educator What Sewposium is and why it matters for quilt shop owners Whether you’re a quilter, quilt shop owner, or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories from the quilting industry, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight. 👉 Be sure to like, subscribe, and listen to more episodes of the Quilting Central Podcast for quilting conversations, tips, and industry interviews.
#17
Dec 10, 2025 · 1 hr
Stop the Tension Struggle! How to Dial In Your Longarm for ANY Thread Weight
Struggling with longarm quilting tension? Loops, eyelashes, breaking thread, messy backs? We’ve ALL been there! 😅 In this in-person episode of The Quilting Central Podcast, Cathy, Julie, and Angie are together in Texas to give a full, step-by-step lesson on how to adjust longarm tension for ANY thread, ANY quilt, and ANY situation. Whether you’re brand-new to longarm quilting or you’ve been quilting for years, this tension tutorial will help you get smooth stitches, balanced tension, perfect “hills and valleys,” and beautiful stitch lines on every quilt. ✔️ How to set perfect bobbin tension ✔️ How to correctly perform the bobbin drop test ✔️ How to adjust top thread tension on your longarm ✔️ What ideal stitches look like on both sides of the quilt ✔️ How to make sure your thread loops in the center of the quilt sandwich ✔️ What “hills and valleys” mean — and why they matter ✔️ How to adjust tension for different thread weights ✔️ SPECIAL: How to quilt with metallic thread without breakage Julie, Cathy, and Angie demonstrate everything in real time and share their shop-tested tricks for diagnosing tension issues fast. • Longarm quilters of any skill level • Domestic machine quilters learning tension basics • Anyone struggling with looping, eyelashes, or broken thread • Quilters who want cleaner, more professional quilting results 🔧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:⭐ This Video Is Perfect For:
Nov 26, 2025 · 30 min
Trim & Square Like a Pro: How to Square Up Quilt Blocks & Fix Wonky Edges
Trim the fluff and get those points perfect! ✂️ In this short-but-mighty episode of The Quilting Central Podcast, Julie, Angie, and Cathy meet in person to talk all about trimming and squaring up quilt blocks and quilts — the small steps that make a huge difference in your finished quilt. What Angie shows & we cover: How to square up individual quilt blocks using different tools and rulers (why it matters for accurate piecing) When and how to square the whole quilt before attaching binding for a clean finish Smart fixes for wonky edges so your binding goes on straight — no wrestling required This episode is a little shorter than usual, but stuffed with practical tips you’ll use the next time you press, trim, and bind.
#15
Nov 12, 2025 · 45 min
Time-Saving Quilting Hack: Continuous Chain Piecing Tutorial
We’re back together in Texas! 🇨🇱 In this in-person episode of The Quilting Central Podcast, hosts Cathy, Angie, and Julie reunite at Two Chicks Quilting in Ganado, Texas — and Julie shares one of her favorite time-saving quilting techniques: continuous chain piecing! ✂️ If you’ve ever struggled to keep your quilt blocks in order or want to save time, thread, and sanity while piecing, this episode is a must-watch. Julie walks through how she uses continuous chain piecing to sew faster and stay organized — plus, Cathy and Angie chime in with extra fun. ✅ What is continuous chain piecing, and how it works ✅ How to chain piece quilt blocks while keeping them in order ✅ Tips for saving time and thread when piecing your quilt top ✅ Why this technique helps avoid mix-ups and reduces waste ✅ Fun, in-person quilting talk from three quilt shop owners Have you tried chain piecing before? Tell us your favorite time-saving quilting trick in the comments! 👉 Subscribe for weekly quilting tips, tutorials, and shop talk! 👍 Like this video if you learned something new 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode
#14
Oct 29, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Our Favorite Notions – The Tools We Can’t Quilt Without!
The gang’s all together! 🎉 In this fun, in-person episode of The Quilting Central Podcast, Cathy, Angie, and Julie are gathered at Two Chicks Quilting in Ganado, Texas, to talk about one of every quilter’s favorite topics — notions! 🧵✂️ From tiny pins to big-time tools, the hosts share their must-have notions for every part of the quilting process: • Pins and why the right kind matters for different projects • Machine maintenance tools that keep your stitches smooth • Clever ways to mark fabric and press seams perfectly • Favorite rulers and guides for piecing, trimming, and precision • Longarm and free-motion quilting tools — from specialty feet to clever gadgets that make the job easier Whether you’re new to sewing or have a studio full of supplies, you’ll pick up fresh ideas, expert insight, and a few laughs along the way. #QuiltingPodcast #QuiltingTools #SewingNotions #QuiltLife #LongarmQuilting #QuiltingTips
#13
Oct 15, 2025 · 56 min
Episode 13: How Would You Quilt This?
It’s a special in-person episode! For the first time in a while, Julie, Angie, and Cathy are all together at Two Chicks Quilting in Ganado, Texas, chatting face-to-face about one of their favorite topics — how to quilt different quilts. 🧵✨ The trio dives into: • How to choose the right thread type and color for each project • When to use free-motion vs. pantograph quilting • Selecting quilting designs that enhance each quilt’s style • Tips for handling challenging quilts — from damaged tops to uneven borders • Advice for quilting for hire, managing expectations, and solving mid-project surprises Whether you quilt for fun or for clients, this episode is packed with creative inspiration, real-world experience, and plenty of laughs as the hosts share their process, preferences, and problem-solving strategies. #QuiltingPodcast #QuiltingTips #LongarmQuilting #FreeMotionQuilting #PantographDesigns #QuiltLife
#12
Oct 1, 2025 · 47 min
Episode 12: All About Thread
In this episode of The Quilting Central Podcast, hosts Julie, Angie, and Cathy unravel one of the most essential quilting supplies — thread! 🧵✨ From cotton to polyester, invisible to decorative, the trio dives into: • Different thread types & when to use them • How thread choice affects quilting design, durability & texture • Tips for avoiding breakage, tangles & tension issues • Matching (or contrasting!) thread with fabric for the best effect • Favorite brands, shop-tested recommendations & go-to tricks Whether you’re piecing, quilting, or binding, understanding thread can take your projects from frustrating to fabulous. Join us for laughs, expert advice, and a little “thread therapy.” #Quilting #ThreadTips #QuiltingPodcast #SewingLife
Sep 17, 2025 · 40 min
Episode 11: Cozy Quilts & Fall Projects
As the weather cools down, it’s the perfect time to dive into quilting projects that bring warmth and seasonal charm! 🍂 In this episode of The Quilting Central Podcast, hosts Julie, Angie, and Cathy share their favorite fall quilting ideas—from table runners and wall hangings to cozy throws and seasonal décor. We’ll talk about: 🧵 Fabric choices & fall color palettes 🧵 Quick projects to finish before the holidays 🧵 Tips for transitioning from summer sewing to autumn quilting 🧵 How to stay inspired and make the most of cooler weather Whether you’re planning handmade gifts, refreshing your home décor, or just want to cozy up with a new quilt project, this episode is full of practical ideas and creative sparks. ✨ Tune in, get inspired, and let’s stitch something beautiful this fall! #Quilting #FallQuilts #SeasonalProjects #QuiltingPodcast #QuiltLife
Sep 3, 2025 · 52 min
Episode 10: Would You Rather Quilter’s Edition
Would you rather… run out of bobbin thread or lose your seam ripper? In this lively episode of The Quilting Central Podcast, Julie, Angie & Cathy play Quilter’s “Would You Rather,” debating hand vs. machine binding, scissors vs. rotary cutter, invisible vs. neon thread, free-motion vs. pantograph, EPP vs. foundation paper piecing, stash organization, UFOs, retreats, longarm days, and more. Expect clear explanations, safety reminders (change that blade!), and plenty of shop-floor wisdom to help you choose the right tools and techniques for your next quilt. 👉 Tell us your picks in a voice note or review—your answers might make it into a future episode!
#9
Aug 20, 2025 · 47 min
Episode 9: Batting Basics & Beyond
Welcome back to The Quilting Central Podcast! In this episode, Angie, Julie, and Cathy dive deep into one of the most important parts of quilting that often gets overlooked — batting. From the history of quilt batting to today’s many options, the hosts break down: 🧵 Different types of batting (cotton, polyester, wool, blends, bamboo & more) 🧵 How batting affects the look, feel, and drape of your quilt 🧵 Tips for choosing the right batting for hand quilting, machine quilting, and longarm quilting 🧵 Common mistakes quilters make with batting and how to avoid them Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced quilter looking to try new batting options, this episode will help you get the perfect finish for every project. ✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting tips and tutorials every week! #Quilting #QuiltBatting #QuiltingPodcast #QuiltingTips #QuiltLife #Sewing
#8
Aug 6, 2025 · 44 min
Episode 8: Deepdive Into Needles
In this sharp and fun episode of The Quilting Central Podcast, Julie, Angie, and Cathy thread the needle on one of the most essential quilting tools — needles! From sizes and types to tips on when and why to change them, the hosts break down everything you need to know to get the best results in your piecing, quilting, and longarming. Whether you’re hand sewing, machine quilting, or just confused about what that needle chart really means, this episode brings clarity (and plenty of laughs). Needles may be small, but they make a big difference — and the Quilting Central crew is here to help you pick the right one for every project.
#7
Jul 23, 2025 · 46 min
Episode 7: Our First Sewing Machines
In this episode, Cathy, Julie, and Angie talk about the joys and struggles that came with their very first sewing machines. There are many fun stories to be shared, so please share your own in the comments. They also cover what to look for when you are ready to either buy your first machine or upgrade to a new one. It was a lot of fun recording this episode, so hopefully you enjoy it!

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