Posted on July 15th, 2025. 

There’s something undeniably comforting about a handmade quilt. Whether it's folded neatly at the foot of a bed or draped casually over the back of a couch, a quilt tells a story. It speaks of warmth, heritage, craft, and care. At Cyd Sews, I’m proud to continue this time-honored tradition with a collection of small to medium-sized quilts made with love—and just a bit of whimsy—for modern homes and hearts.

In today’s post, I’ll share the enduring legacy of quilts, how I approach creating each one, and why a handmade quilt may be just the piece your home—and heart—has been waiting for.

A Brief History of Quilting

Quilting dates back centuries. While the word “quilt” originates from the Latin culcita, meaning “stuffed sack,” the earliest quilts were more practical than decorative. Ancient Egyptians used layered textiles for warmth, while quilted armor was worn in parts of Europe and Asia for protection on the battlefield.

In the United States, quilting became particularly popular during the colonial era. Early American settlers, often faced with limited resources, used scraps of worn clothing and leftover fabric to create quilts that were both functional and artistic. Patchwork patterns became not just a form of self-expression but a symbol of community, tradition, and storytelling.

Over time, quilting evolved into an art form. From traditional block patterns like Log Cabin and Nine Patch to the improvisational style of modern quilters, the medium has expanded—yet its core remains the same: quilting is about bringing pieces together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Why Handmade Quilts Still Matter 

In a world dominated by fast fashion and mass production, there’s a growing desire to reconnect with handmade, sustainable, and meaningful goods. A quilt isn't just a blanket—it’s a lasting heirloom, a personalized gift, or a cozy reminder of someone’s love and effort.

At Cyd Sews, each quilt is one of a kind. My small to medium quilts are made from high-quality quilting cottons, carefully selected backing fabrics, and finished with a topstitched edge for durability and design. I don’t mass produce; I make each quilt to stand out—and to last.

Let’s look at some recent examples:  

Featured Quilts from the Studio

Bright and Playful Patchwork

This eye-catching quilt combines sunny orange, cool blues, and vivid greens in a modern take on traditional square patterns. The lime green binding adds a fun, fresh edge, while the backing features bright triangles in motion—a hidden party on the flip side! It's perfect for a child’s room or as a cheerful throw in any cozy corner.

Bold Black, Red & White with a Twist 

This modern quilt takes a classic red and white base and elevates it with striking black floral blocks and surprise pops of color. The backing fabric is a playful sports motif, making it ideal for a sporty teen or as a unique lap quilt for game night.

Vintage-Inspired Elegance 

If you’re drawn to timeless style, this quilt’s delicate red and blue blocks against a crisp white background might be calling your name. It’s a nod to traditional design but feels entirely at home in a contemporary setting. It makes a thoughtful gift for weddings, housewarming, or simply treating yourself to something handmade and heartfelt.

Custom Quilts: Your Story, Stitched

While most of my quilts are ready to ship, I do offer a limited number of custom quilt slots each year. These are collaborations—my experience with your vision. Whether you want to preserve a loved one’s shirts, create a themed quilt for a nursery, or have a color palette in mind for a specific space, I’ll work with you to design something truly personal.

Custom orders typically take several weeks to complete, depending on their complexity and my current workload, but the result is always worth the wait. A quilt made just for you becomes a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

The Making Process: From Fabric to Finish

Every quilt at Cyd Sews starts with fabric selection. I love combining bold colors with soft prints, unexpected patterns with timeless solids. Once I’ve landed on a palette, I cut and piece each block with precision, pressing every seam for a polished finish. Each quilt is layered with batting and backing and quilted either with traditional straight-line stitching or a pattern that enhances the design. Finally, I bind the quilt by machine or hand—depending on the project—to ensure strength and style.

Many of my quilts are topstitched for durability, meaning they hold up well to frequent use and gentle washing. That’s the beauty of a handmade quilt—it’s meant to be lived with, not just looked at.

Why Buy a Quilt from Cyd Sews?

There are plenty of places to buy quilts, but when you purchase from Cyd Sews, you're supporting an independent maker who is passionate about creating meaningful, high-quality pieces. My quilts aren’t pulled from a warehouse shelf. Each one is photographed, listed, and shipped by me, with attention to detail from start to finish.

I also strive to keep my prices fair and transparent. Quilting takes time, skill, and resources, but I believe everyone deserves to have a little handmade comfort in their lives.

How to Care for Your Quilt

Taking care of a quilt is easy with a few simple steps:

• Wash gently in cold water on a delicate cycle with mild detergent.
• Dry flat when possible or tumble dry low. Avoid high heat.
• Store in a dry, breathable place—avoid plastic bins if possible to prevent moisture build-up.
• Use it! Quilts get better with time and love.

Related: How to Incorporate Quilted Kitchen Items In Your Decor  

Stay Connected

I regularly add new quilts to my shop and also share behind-the-scenes glimpses on my social media channels. Be sure to follow along and get first looks at new releases and updates on when custom orders open.

Explore Our Versatile Lap Quilt Now!

We’re just a call away at (505) 550-8080, or drop us a line at [email protected].