Custom Quilt Orders
Every custom quilt is a collaboration, your ideas, my hands, and the materials available to us here in the Nicola Valley. Together, we’ll create something meaningful, durable, and uniquely yours.
Each quilt begins with your vision: the colours you love, the patterns that inspire you, and the story you want your piece to carry. From there, I source high-quality fabrics and materials that support both beauty and longevity. Every element, from the first cut to the final stitch, is chosen with intention.
Your quilt is crafted slowly and carefully, with the steady rhythm of a one-person handmade operation. I work with precision, patience, and a deep respect for the craft, ensuring clean seams, thoughtful layout, and a finish that feels as good as it looks. Larger quilts are professionally long-arm quilted to achieve smooth, even stitching and a durable, heirloom-quality result.
This is quilting in its truest form: personal, hands-on, and rooted in care. Your custom quilt becomes a blend of your inspiration, my craftsmanship, and the quiet artistry that makes handmade work so special.
Whether you’re dreaming of a bold modern quilt, a cozy traditional pattern, or something deeply personal, I invite you to bring:
Your colour palette, photos, swatches, screenshots, paint chips, fabric scraps, or even a picture of your living room. Anything that helps me understand the tones and mood you’re drawn to.
Inspiration quilts or patterns you love, classic blocks, modern layouts, heirloom styles, or even a quilt you saw once and can’t forget.
Themes, textures, or stories you want reflected in the design, meaningful symbols, subtle nods to your heritage, calming neutrals, rugged outdoorsy tones, or something that ties into your family or personal journey.
The size you’re hoping for, baby, throw, twin, queen, king.
You can also share:
Fabrics you already own and want incorporated
A vibe you’re aiming for (rustic, minimalist, vibrant, earthy, playful, refined)
Whether you prefer high contrast or soft blends
If you want the quilt to feel bold, quiet, modern, nostalgic, or somewhere in between
If you’re unsure where to begin, we’ll walk through ideas together until the right direction feels clear. I’ll help you explore patterns, colour combinations, and layout options that fit your style, even if all you start with is “I just want something cozy” or “I like blues.”
This stage is all about dreaming, exploring, and shaping a quilt that feels like you.
Start With Your Vision
Fabric Sourcing & Availability
All fabrics are sourced locally first, using the shops and suppliers available here in the Nicola Valley. When your quilt calls for something more specific, a certain shade, a particular print, or a texture that isn’t stocked nearby, I’m willing to go the extra mile. I regularly travel to larger centres like Kamloops, BC and Chilliwack, BC to hunt for the closest match to your palette and design.
Because of the realities of small-town fabric sourcing:
Exact colours cannot always be guaranteed - dye lots vary, and certain tones may not be available seasonally.
Specialty textures or prints may not be available - metallics, ultra-modern prints, or niche designer fabrics can be harder to find.
Seasonal stock changes quickly - once a bolt is gone, it may not return, and alternatives may look slightly different.
I will always choose the closest, highest-quality option to honour your vision and maintain the integrity of your quilt.
Fabric sourcing is part of the handmade story, your quilt becomes a blend of your inspiration, the materials available in our region, and the thoughtful choices made along the way. Every piece of fabric is selected with intention, care, and a commitment to creating something beautiful within the resources we have.
If you have fabrics you’d like incorporated, memory fabrics, meaningful scraps, or pieces from clothing, we can talk about how to safely and beautifully include them in your design.
Thread, Batting & Backing Choices
These details shape the final feel, weight, and personality of your quilt. They’re the quiet elements that make a quilt drape beautifully, feel cozy, and look polished and we’ll choose each one with intention.
Batting Options
Cotton warm, breathable, and perfect for a traditional, slightly flatter drape. It softens beautifully over time and is ideal for everyday quilts.
Polyester lightweight with extra loft, giving your quilting more definition and texture. Great for bold quilting designs or quilts meant to feel airy.
Cotton/Poly Blend a balanced option that offers warmth, structure, and a gentle loft. A reliable choice for most quilt styles.
We’ll choose batting based on how you want your quilt to feel, structured, soft, lofty, warm, or lightweight.
Backing Fabrics
Your backing fabric is the foundation of the quilt and can be as simple or expressive as you want. Options include:
Solids - clean, classic, and timeless.
Tone-on-tones - subtle texture without overwhelming the design.
Wide backs (when available) - fewer seams and a smooth finish, perfect for larger quilts.
Prints - florals, geometrics, modern designs, or something that ties into your colour palette.
If you prefer a backing that tells its own story, bold, quiet, rustic, or modern, we’ll choose something that complements the quilt top without competing with it.
Thread Colours
Thread plays a bigger role than most people expect. It affects the texture, mood, and visibility of the quilting.
We’ll choose thread that:
Blends for a subtle finish - perfect for traditional or minimalist quilts where the quilting should support the design quietly.
Contrasts for bold texture - ideal for modern quilts or designs where you want the quilting to stand out and add movement.
Matches your quilting style - whether you prefer soft curves, crisp geometric lines, or detailed motifs.
We’ll also consider:
How the thread interacts with your fabric colours
Whether you want the quilting to be a feature or a background element
The overall feel you want your quilt to have
Your quilt top can be finished with quilting that enhances the pattern, adds texture, and brings the whole piece together. Quilting is where the design truly comes alive, and we’ll choose a style that fits both your vision and the personality of your quilt.
Your quilt can be finished with:
Edge-to-edge quilting - consistent texture across the whole quilt, perfect for modern designs, traditional patterns, and everyday use.
Custom quilting - motifs, borders, block-specific designs, or detailed elements that highlight certain areas of your quilt. Ideal for heirloom pieces or quilts with meaningful symbolism.
Minimal quilting - clean, modern, and understated. This option keeps the focus on the piecing and colour work while still providing durability.
Quilting style affects:
Texture - how bold or subtle the stitched pattern appears
Drape - how the quilt falls, folds, and feels when used
Durability - how well the quilt holds up over time
Overall aesthetic - whether the quilting becomes a feature or a quiet background element
Long-Arm Quilting for Larger Quilts
Any quilt throw size and up will be professionally long-arm quilted by a trusted local long-arm service. This ensures:
Smooth, even stitching across larger surfaces
Access to a wide range of quilting patterns and styles
Beautiful definition and texture
A durable finish that will last for years
I prepare your quilt top, backing, and batting, then coordinate directly with the long-arm quilter to make sure the final result aligns perfectly with the design we’ve created together.
We’ll choose what best suits your pattern and the story you want your quilt to tell, whether that’s bold movement, gentle texture, or something quietly elegant.
Custom Quilting Options
Making Process
Once your design is finalized, here’s what happens behind the scenes - step by step, with intention, care, and the slow, steady rhythm of a one-person handmade operation.
Fabric Selection & Sourcing
I start by gathering the fabrics that best match your palette. I source locally first, and when needed, I travel to Kamloops or Chilliwack to find the closest possible match. Every piece of fabric is chosen with purpose.
Cutting & Piecing the Quilt Top
This is where your quilt begins to take shape. I cut each piece with precision and piece the blocks together according to your chosen pattern, ensuring seams are accurate and the layout flows beautifully.
Pressing & Assembling Blocks or Rows
Pressing is essential, it keeps seams crisp and helps the quilt top lay flat. Blocks are assembled into rows, or rows into sections, depending on the design. This stage sets the foundation for a clean, professional finish.
Preparing the Quilt for Long-Arm Quilting
Once the quilt top is complete, I prepare the backing and batting, square everything up, and ensure the layers are ready for long-arm quilting. Preparation is key to achieving smooth, even stitching.
Quilting (done locally or through trusted long-arm partners)
Any quilt throw size and up will be professionally long-arm quilted by a trusted local long-arm service. This ensures beautiful texture, consistent stitching, and a durable finish that will last for years. I coordinate directly with the long-arm quilter to make sure the quilting design matches your vision.
Binding - Machine Finished
Once quilted, I trim and square the edges, then add the binding. I machine-finish all bindings for strength, durability, and a clean, polished look that holds up to everyday use.
Quilt Is Ready for Pickup or Shipping
After a final inspection and press, your quilt is ready to head home - cozy, meaningful, and handmade with heart.
Turnaround Time
Custom quilts take time and they deserve it. Each piece is created slowly and intentionally, within the rhythm of a one-person handmade operation. I run JJ.Handmade while working full-time as a paramedic, so your quilt is made in the quiet moments between shifts, on days off, and in the spaces where creativity helps me decompress and give back.
Current turnaround: 8–12 weeks
This depends on:
Quilt complexity: intricate patterns, detailed piecing, or custom layouts take more time
Fabric availability: especially when sourcing locally
Long-arm quilting wait times: local services can book up quickly
My current workload: balancing paramedic shifts with handmade production
Seasonal demand: holidays and gifting seasons may extend timelines
I’ll always be honest about what’s realistic, and you’ll receive a more accurate timeline once your design is confirmed. Your quilt will be made with care, intention, and within my capacity, never rushed, always crafted with heart.
Quilt Pricing
Baby Quilt
Starting at $500
Perfect for newborns, toddlers, gifts, and keepsakes. Includes simple patterns, local fabric sourcing, and machine-finished binding.
Throw Quilt
Starting at $900
Ideal for couches, reading nooks, cabins, and gifting. Professionally long-arm quilted. Price varies based on pattern complexity and colour palette.
Twin Quilt
Starting at $1200
A cozy bed-size option with more detailed piecing and increased fabric requirements. Professionally long-arm quilted.
Queen Quilt
Starting at $2000
A larger, statement quilt with expanded pattern options and detailed layout choices. Professionally long-arm quilted.
King Quilt
Starting at $2500
Generous sizing, complex layout options, and extensive fabric sourcing. Professionally long-arm quilted.
Shipping within Canada is included in the price of your quilt order. Your quilt will be carefully packaged to protect the stitching, seams, and structure during transit, and sent with tracking for peace of mind.
For international orders, shipping will be calculated once your quilt is complete. This allows me to provide the most accurate pricing based on the final weight, size, and destination. You’ll receive the shipping total before your quilt is sent out.
Shipping Details
Deposit & Order Start
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to begin your custom quilt.
This deposit covers:
Initial fabric sourcing
Design preparation
Pattern planning
Travel for materials when needed
Most quilt shops do not offer refunds on fabric purchases, so once materials are bought for your project, they cannot be returned. Your deposit ensures I can confidently begin gathering everything needed to bring your quilt to life.
Work Begins
After your deposit is received:
Your fabric will be sourced
Your pattern layout will be finalized
Cutting and piecing will begin according to the agreed timeline
You’ll receive updates as your quilt moves through each stage of the making process.
Final Payment
The remaining balance is due before pickup or prior to shipping.
Once your quilt is complete, I’ll send photos and a final invoice. As soon as payment is received, your quilt will be prepared for delivery.