Traditional Quilts by Big Wes

August 3, 2025August 4, 2025

Meet the Machines: Tools and Tech in My Quilt Studio

When people think of quilting, they often picture stacks of fabric, thread, and a trusty old sewing machine. While that’s part of the story, my studio is also powered by some serious tech. I call it The Lab for a reason.

July 24, 2025August 4, 2025

Our Memory Quilt Partner Portal is Now Open

I have always believed in the healing power of memory quilts. Over the years, I have seen how a quilt made from a loved one’s clothing can bring comfort, spark stories, and hold a special place in the heart. That belief has led me to create a dedicated service for businesses and care professionals who want to offer something meaningful to the families they serve.

July 19, 2025July 19, 2025

Korhogo Cloth and Kente Cloth: Cultural Textiles with Deep Meaning

Korhogo cloth and Kente cloth are two well-known African textiles, each with a unique history, design approach, and cultural significance. Although they originate from different regions in West Africa, both are used to convey ideas, mark traditions, and express identity.

June 24, 2025June 24, 2025

Ten Iconic Symbols in African Print Fabric

Ankara, also known as African wax prints, is a vibrant and colorful textile that originated in Indonesia and has become a staple in African fashion. These fabrics are typically made from 100% cotton and feature bold, intricate designs that reflect the culture and traditions of the West African people. Ankara is a powerful form of storytelling, and the symbols featured in the prints are deeply rooted in tradition. They carry messages about strength, unity, wisdom, and community. When I work with African print fabrics, I’m not just choosing colors and patterns, I’m honoring stories.

June 22, 2025

How AI Is Changing Quilt Design

A digital photograph showcases a quilting and tech workspace. A computer monitor displays colorful quilt block designs, with a white sewing machine, fabric swatches, and a Raspberry Pi nearby. Finished quilts hang on the wall in the background.

Quiltmaking has long been an art form rooted in tradition, but today it is also evolving into a space for innovation. One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the role of artificial intelligence in quilt design. While quilting remains a profoundly personal and hands-on craft, AI is opening new doors for creativity, enabling quilters to visualize patterns, explore color palettes, and design with greater freedom than ever before.

June 16, 2025June 16, 2025

Why I Started Upcycling T-Shirts into Quilts

Upcycling t-shirts into quilts was not something I planned. It found me. Like many creative paths, it started with a simple idea and grew into something deeper and more meaningful.

June 10, 2025June 10, 2025

Quilting in the Black Community: A Legacy of Love, Resistance, and Creativity

A realistic oil painting of an African American woman in a rustic wooden room, sewing a colorful patchwork quilt by hand. She wears a faded rust-colored dress and a white headscarf, sitting near a window that lets in soft natural light. A fireplace and wooden chair add to the historical atmosphere.

Quilting runs deep in the Black community. Long before I picked up a rotary cutter or fired up a longarm machine, I was surrounded by fabric, faith, and stories stitched into every corner of our homes. Quilts weren’t just blankets. They were history books, acts of resistance, and expressions of love passed from one generation to the next.

May 28, 2025May 28, 2025

The Meaning Behind Popular Quilt Blocks

A photograph captures two elderly women working together to hand sew a colorful patchwork quilt. One is a Black woman with glasses wearing a tan sweater, and the other is a white woman with white hair wearing a light blue shirt. They are sitting at a table near a window in a bright, cozy room.

Quilting isn’t just stitching fabric together. It’s storytelling. Every block, every shape, every fabric choice can hold a deeper meaning, especially in traditional quilts passed down through generations.

January 9, 2025January 9, 2025

How Color Theory Shapes Quilt Design

An artistic quilt featuring distinct sections of warm, cool, and high-contrast colors, illustrating different color harmonies. The warm tones of reds, oranges, and yellows convey warmth and energy, while the cool blues, greens, and purples create a calming effect. High-contrast black and white patterns add excitement and movement. The quilt is laid out on a soft fabric surface with gentle lighting, emphasizing the emotional depth of color choices in quilt design.

Color is one of the most powerful tools in quilt design. It dictates mood, balance, and even the emotional impact of a piece. Whether you prefer bold, high-contrast designs or soft, harmonious palettes, understanding color theory can help you create quilts that are both visually striking and deeply meaningful.

January 4, 2025January 4, 2025

Quilts by Big Wes: Upcycling Memories into Comfort

A cozy, handcrafted quilt made from upcycled fabrics draped over a wooden rocking chair near a sunlit window. The quilt features a patchwork of sentimental clothing, including old t-shirts and baby blankets. A modern sewing machine sits on a sturdy wooden table nearby, surrounded by colorful fabric scraps and sewing tools. The warm and inviting atmosphere is highlighted by soft natural lighting, showcasing the textures and colors of the quilt. In the background, a sewing workspace adds to the scene, emphasizing the craftsmanship and care behind quilt-making.

In a world dominated by fast fashion and disposable goods, Quilts by Big Wes offers something deeply personal and sustainable—quilts that carry stories, warmth, and history. I take your cherished fabrics and transform them into unique, handmade quilts that preserve memories while promoting sustainability.