How to Start a Quilting Blog

Normally the content you find here is mostly about sewing, because I love to sew! But, today I wanted to dive into something a little different because this is a question I get asked often, and I thought giving it a place on my website would be a great resource to all of you. So, today I am going to share with you how to start a quilting or sewing blog!

First Step To Starting a Blog

The first step when starting a quilting blog (or any blog) is to choose a host platform. I’ll be talking just about two platforms here because those are what I’m familiar with: Blogger & WordPress.org.

Blogging on Blogger

Blogger is a completely free resource that you can use to start a blog, and it’s the place I blogged for several years. Although it lacks many features that paid blogs have, Blogger might be perfect for you if:

• You’re not sure blogging is for you
• You are a hobby blogger and don’t have a shop
• You are starting out and want a place to get used to blogging
• You have your main shop somewhere else (like Etsy) and just want a place to blog

Although the Clover & Violet moved from Blogger in 2012, I wanted to show you the old blog so you can see how customizable it is for a free option (and look at those cute babies who are 11 & 13 now!). Not only did we have a regular blog feed, but we were able to build pages and link our shop all from the home page. And, for around $12 a month you can purchase a custom domain and use it at Blogger as well. So, if this is something you’re thinking about, Blogger might be just the perfect option for you!

Blogging on WordPress

Today, you’re reading this blog post on the Clover & Violet WordPress.org website–where we host our blog and our eCommerce website. WordPress.org (not to be confused with WordPress.com) is also technically free. But you must have your website hosted somewhere else. Our site has been hosted with Bluehost since 2012, but there are lots of options. There’s always someone who loves or hates a certain host, but we’ve been just fine on Bluehost. Once you’re set up with a host, you can usually install WordPress.org directly from there!

Choose a WordPress Theme & Child Theme

If you’ve decided to go with WordPress.org, you’ll also need a theme. I use the Kadence Framework with a Child Theme from Restored316designs.com. In fact, I started out with Restored 316 Designs when I first moved to WordPress and I’ve been so happy with the themes that I’ve upgraded a few times as the capabilities of WordPress outgrew my previous themes.

My current theme is the Farmhouse Theme. It has all the pages I was looking for, but there are different themes with different layouts as well. You can easily find one that will give your blog the look you’re going for. Plus, the support at Restored 316 Designs is some of the best support I’ve ever had. Included with each theme is documentation to help you get it set up, and should you run into a real issue, a support ticket is easy to send and always answered quickly.

Should You Start a Quilting Blog?

If you have any sort of quilting or sewing business, I think having your own website or blog is the way to go. I’ve heard it compared to renting (using Instagram) and owning (having your own website) a home. This way you can help your customers find what they’re looking for. You can even host your shop directly on WordPress.com, everything in one place for a single annual fee!

If you don’t have a quilting or sewing business, do you still need a blog?

If you’re not a business, you may be thinking you don’t need a blog. However, choosing a free blog on Blogger might be just the place for you. Maybe some think Blogging is dead, but having your own spot on the internet that’s not a form of social media is really nice, especially since we never know when apps will change and the quilting community may want to move somewhere else! Sharing your content in two places is a lot easier than you think.

Go Start That Blog!

I hope this post has convinced you to get started on your quilting blog, whether you’re a hobbyist or have a business, a blog is a great way to share what you’re working on, your shop, and to have searchable content. Not sure what to write? I’ll be tackling that in a future post!

*Affiliate Link: I will receive a commission if you make a purchase through this link. I have happily used Restored 316 Designs for over 10 years. All opinions are my own.