Adding Heart: The Power of Personalization in Quilts

There’s something magical about a quilt that tells a story—not just any story, but your story. One of the quilts I’m most proud of began as a beautiful, intricate pattern by McKenna Ryan called Wind in the Whiskers. The original design is already a showstopper, filled with whimsical cats and delicate appliqué details.

But as I began stitching, I realized I wanted this quilt to be more than beautiful—I wanted it to be personal. So I added our three dogs and three cats right into the design, carefully creating appliqués for each of them. I even went to the pet store and picked up tiny dog tags—the kind you'd put on a real collar—and stitched them onto the quilt.

Yes, really! I didn’t just want to hang a beautiful quilt—I wanted to hang our story. Each of our pets was part of our family, and though they’ve since passed, I see them every day, captured in fabric and thread. There’s something about adding those little details that transforms a quilt from “beautiful” to “unforgettable.”

Why Personalization Matters

Whether you’re making a quilt for yourself, a family member, or a stranger in need of warmth and comfort, personal touches turn fabric and thread into love made visible. And personalization doesn’t have to be elaborate—it can be a name stitched in the corner, a favorite quote, a meaningful fabric, or a motif that connects to the recipient.

When you take the time to include the specific—this pet, that trip, this name—you’re creating not just a quilt, but a memory, a legacy.

“Quilts become archetypal symbols of the women who made them. They ‘stand in’ for the quilter, long after she is gone, revealing to descendants, viewers… the essence of the quilter – her spirit, energy, vitality, and skill.”

— Jean Ray Laury, quilt artist and designer

Ideas for Personalizing Your Quilts

• Appliqué meaningful shapes or symbols: Pets, houses, trees, or other icons that matter to your life.
• Use signature fabrics: Include a piece of a loved one’s shirt, dress, or even an old pillowcase.
• Inscribe a message: Whether hand-embroidered or printed on fabric, include a heartfelt note.
• Add special tags or charms: Just like I did with the dog tags—get creative!
• Include birthdates, anniversaries, or favorite quotes: Small things make big memories.

Even More Ideas & Inspiration

Want to see how other quilters personalize their work? Check out these great articles and tutorials:

• How to Label Your Quilt (homemadeemilyjane.com)
• Adding Lettering to Your Quilt (YouTube)
• Personalizing Quilts on a Longarm (YouTube)
• Easy Ways to Personalize Your Quilt – Jean Truelove (YouTube)

Make It Yours

Personalization isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. It’s what makes a quilt worthy of the phrase “heirloom.”

If you’ve never tried it before, start small. Maybe stitch a name into the binding or add a patch from a memory-filled garment. You'll be surprised how much those little touches can mean, now and for generations to come.

Do you have a quilt with a personal touch that makes it special? I’d love to hear your story. And if you’re just getting started, I hope this gives you the inspiration to make something that truly reflects you.

If you just love the McKenna Ryan's Wind in the Whiskers Pattern, as I do, you can find it here. 

And if you'd like to learn more about Jean Ray Laury, check out the quiltershalloffame.net article here.

Stay tuned: we’ll soon be sharing a blog post on how to create a simple appliqué of your pet to add to your own quilt! It’s a technique I picked up just by doing—and I promise, you can too.

Thanks for being a part of our quilting family,

-- Christine