Is Quilting a Dying Art? Why Quilt Shops Are Closing and What's Really Happening

At Countryside Quilts, we've heard the whispers, seen the headlines, and fielded the concerned questions from our community: "Is quilting dying out?" "Why are so many quilt shops closing their doors?" These questions hit close to home for us and many other quilt shop owners across the country.

The short answer? Quilting isn't dying—it's evolving. But that evolution has created real challenges for brick-and-mortar quilt shops. Today, we're diving deep into what's really happening in our industry, the factors behind quilt shop closures, and what this means for the future of our beloved craft.

The Reality: Quilt Shops Are Closing

It's impossible to ignore the trend. Over the past decade, we've seen beloved local quilt shops and even major retailers like Joann Fabrics closing locations or shutting down entirely. The numbers don't lie—there are fewer physical quilt shops today than there were ten years ago.

But before we sound the death knell for quilting itself, it's important to understand that shop closures don't necessarily mean the craft is disappearing. Instead, they signal a shifting landscape that's being reshaped by several powerful forces.

Economic Pressures Squeezing Shop Owners

Running a quilt shop has never been more financially challenging. Here's what's happening behind the scenes:

Rising Operational Costs

The cost of everything has gone up—rent, utilities, insurance, and inventory. Many quilt shop owners are finding themselves caught in a vise between increasing expenses and the need to keep prices reasonable for their customers.

A typical quilt shop requires significant square footage to display fabric properly. With commercial rent skyrocketing in many areas, that spacious shop floor has become an expensive luxury. Add in higher minimum wages, increased shipping costs, and inflation affecting wholesale prices, and the math becomes increasingly difficult.

Slim Profit Margins

The quilting industry has always operated on relatively slim margins, especially for retail shops. A typical quilt shop might mark up fabric 100% from wholesale—which sounds like a lot until you factor in all the overhead costs. After paying for staff, utilities, rent, and other expenses, many shop owners find themselves working long hours for minimal profit.

As one former shop owner told us, "I was working 60-hour weeks and taking home less than my employees. Eventually, I had to ask myself if the love of quilting was enough to justify the sacrifice."

The Digital Disruption

Perhaps the most significant factor affecting brick-and-mortar quilt shops is the seismic shift toward online shopping.

The Rise of Online Fabric Retailers

Online fabric retailers have fundamentally changed the game. Without the overhead of a physical store, these businesses can offer competitive pricing, nearly unlimited selection, and the convenience of shopping from home. For many quilters, especially those in rural areas or with mobility issues, online shopping has been a blessing.

Major online retailers can purchase fabric in much larger quantities than local shops, allowing them to secure better wholesale pricing and pass those savings on to customers. When a quilter can find the same fabric online for 20-30% less than at their local shop, the decision often comes down to economics.

Social Media and Digital Communities

The way quilters connect and learn has also transformed. Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook groups, and quilting blogs have created vibrant online communities where quilters share ideas, techniques, and inspiration. While this digital connectivity has been wonderful for the craft itself, it has reduced the role of the local quilt shop as a community hub.

"When I started quilting twenty years ago, you learned at your local shop," explains longtime quilter Margaret Davis. "Now, new quilters can find free tutorials for everything on YouTube. The shop isn't necessarily their first stop anymore."

Demographic Shifts and Changing Consumer Behavior

The quilting community itself is changing in ways that affect retail shops:

Aging Core Customer Base

Traditionally, dedicated quilters have been predominantly women in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. While many remain active and passionate about the craft, this core customer base is naturally shrinking over time.

Meanwhile, younger quilters often have different shopping habits and preferences. They're more likely to research online, compare prices across multiple retailers, and may be less loyal to a single local shop.

The Modern Quilting Movement

The rise of modern quilting has brought fresh energy and new participants to the craft. However, modern quilters often seek out different fabrics, patterns, and tools than traditional quilters. Shops that haven't adapted their inventory to accommodate these changing tastes may struggle to attract newer enthusiasts.

Time and Budget Constraints

Today's quilters—regardless of age—often face significant time and budget constraints. Many are balancing quilting with work, family responsibilities, and other commitments. They may be more selective about their projects and purchases, focusing on quality over quantity.

It's Evolution, Not Extinction

Despite these challenges, we strongly believe quilting itself is evolving rather than disappearing. Here's the evidence:

Market Growth and New Opportunities

The global quilt market is actually growing, projected to reach approximately $5 billion by 2025 with a compound annual growth rate of 6% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is being driven by increasing interest in handmade goods, rising disposable incomes, and growing appreciation for sustainable, personalized home décor.

The New Generation of Quilters

Contrary to popular belief, younger people are indeed taking up quilting. The pandemic, in particular, sparked interest in crafting among millennials and Gen Z, many of whom discovered quilting through social media. These new quilters may engage with the craft differently—embracing art quilts, improvisational piecing, or politically expressive works—but their passion is unmistakable.

Our blog post on meeting the new generation of quilters explores this demographic shift in detail.

Technological Innovations

Technology has transformed quilting in exciting ways. From computerized cutting machines to advanced sewing systems, these innovations have made aspects of quilting more accessible while opening up new creative possibilities. Digital design software, printed panels, and pre-cut fabrics have all reduced barriers to entry for beginners.

The Future of Quilt Shops: Adapt or Fade

For quilt shops to survive in this changing landscape, adaptation is essential. The most successful shops are finding creative ways to thrive:

The Hybrid Model

Many shops are developing robust online presences to complement their physical locations. This "clicks and bricks" approach allows them to serve local customers while reaching quilters across the country or even internationally.

Creating Experiences, Not Just Selling Products

Successful shops are focusing on what online retailers can't offer: hands-on experiences, immediate gratification, and personal connections. Classes, retreats, sew-ins, and special events create reasons for quilters to visit in person.

Specialization and Curation

Rather than trying to compete with online mega-retailers on selection, forward-thinking shops are specializing in carefully curated collections. Whether it's focusing on batiks, reproduction fabrics, or modern designers, these shops become destinations for quilters seeking specific aesthetics.

Community Building

The most resilient shops are those that have built true communities around them. These shops become "third places" where quilters gather, share, and connect. The social aspect of quilting remains powerful, and shops that nurture this create loyalty that transcends mere transactions.

How Quilters Can Support Local Shops

If you value having local quilt shops in your community, here are ways to support them:

1. Shop local when possible - Even if you can't make all your purchases locally, making some of them at your neighborhood shop helps keep their doors open.

2. Take classes and participate in events - These are often significant revenue sources for shops while providing valuable learning experiences.

3. Spread the word - Share your positive experiences on social media and bring friends to discover your favorite shop.

4. Understand the value proposition - Local shops offer expertise, inspiration, and the ability to see and feel fabrics before purchasing—conveniences worth supporting even if prices are sometimes higher.

5. Be patient with changes - As shops adapt to new realities, they may adjust their hours, inventory, or business models. Your understanding helps them navigate these transitions.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Quilting

At Countryside Quilts, we remain optimistic about quilting's future. The craft has survived for centuries by adapting to changing times, and we're confident it will continue to do so. While the retail landscape may look different, the essential joy of creating with fabric and thread remains as compelling as ever.

Quilting isn't dying—it's transforming. And while that transformation brings challenges, it also brings new opportunities, voices, and expressions to this timeless craft. We're committed to evolving alongside the quilting community, finding innovative ways to serve both traditional quilters and those just discovering the art.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Have you noticed changes in your local quilting community? What factors do you think are most affecting quilt shops today? Share your perspectives in the comments or stop by our shop to continue the conversation in person.

At Countryside Quilts, we're dedicated to supporting quilters at every stage of their journey. Whether you're just starting out or have been quilting for decades, we invite you to explore our selection of fabrics and supplies or check out our other blog posts for inspiration and techniques.