What to Include in Your Monthly Quilting Newsletter
I know sending a newsletter can feel like shouting into the void sometimes. You sit down to write, stare at a blank screen, and suddenly remember that literally anything else sounds more fun — organizing your fabric stash, finally cleaning out that one drawer of mystery sewing notions, maybe even binding a quilt by hand. (Okay, maybe not that last one.)
But here’s the thing: A good newsletter isn’t just another chore on your to-do list. It’s a direct line to your people — the quilters who love what you do, who want to hear from you, and who might even be waiting for a little nudge before they grab your latest pattern or sign up for your next quilt-along. After all, they did sign up to be on your mailing list in the first place.
So, if you’re wondering what on earth to actually put in your newsletter each month, don’t worry — I’ve got you covered.
Start with a Flexible Newsletter Template
Before we dive into what to include, here’s my biggest tip: create a newsletter template that includes every possible section you might ever want to use. That way, when it’s time to send an email, you’re not starting from scratch or scrambling for content — you just open up your template, plug in what makes sense for that week (or month), and delete the rest.
Not every section will apply every time, and that’s totally fine. Some weeks you’ll have a new product launch, other weeks it might just be a fun little update and a free tutorial. The key is having the structure in place so you’re never sitting there thinking, Okay, but what do I actually put in this email?
Alright, now let’s break down what that template could include.
1. A Quick, Friendly Update (AKA, Just Be a Human)
Nobody signs up for an email list because they want robotic, sales-y messages that sound like they came from a corporate office. (We’re quilters, not accountants.)
Start your newsletter with a short and sweet personal update — what you’ve been working on, a funny little story from your sewing room, or even a behind-the-scenes peek at your latest project. It makes your newsletter feel like a note from a friend rather than a marketing email.
Something as simple as:
"I finally finished binding that quilt that’s been sitting on my WIP pile for months, and let’s just say… my seam ripper got a workout. But hey, it’s done, and that’s what matters, right?"
Boom. You’ve set a conversational tone and made your email feel human.
2. What’s New in Your Shop or Business
Have a new quilt pattern? A fabric bundle restock? A workshop coming up? This is the perfect place to share it!
I know what you’re thinking - you don’t want to feel pushy. But if someone signed up for your newsletter, that means they want to hear about what’s new! Just keep it casual.
Instead of:
"We have a new quilt pattern available for purchase now."
Try:
"I’ve been waiting forever to share this with you — my newest quilt pattern is finally here! If you love [insert design vibes], I think you’re gonna be pretty obsessed with this one."
It’s friendly, natural, and makes people excited rather than feeling like they’re being sold to.
3. A Tip or Resource (Because Everyone Loves Free Stuff)
You don’t have to write an entire blog post every time, but giving your readers something helpful builds trust and keeps them opening your emails.
A few ideas:
A quick quilting tip (“Here’s how I keep my HSTs from getting wonky…”)
A short video or tutorial (“Need help with quilt math? Here’s a handy cheat sheet.”)
A link to a past blog post (“Missed last month’s free block pattern? Grab it here before it’s gone!”)
Even something small keeps your readers engaged and gives them a reason to keep opening your emails. And don’t worry about the fact that you’ve shared this already. If you’re building up your newsletter list (which I hope you are because it’s an invaluable resource), there are likely new people on your list that weren’t around when you shared it in the past.
4. Something Fun or Relatable
Sometimes, we just want to scroll through cute quilt pics and laugh about our shared struggles (like why do bobbins always run out at the most inconvenient moment?).
Some easy, fun additions to your newsletter:
A quilt meme or funny gif
A peek at a work-in-progress (“Here’s a sneak peek at what’s currently under my needle!”)
A question to encourage replies (“Tell me: What’s the oldest WIP you have hiding in your sewing room?”)
Not everything has to be sales or business-related. A little personality goes a long way.
5. A Clear Call to Action (Because Otherwise, People Just Read & Move On)
What do you want people to do after they read your email? Click a link? Grab your new pattern? Sign up for a class? Make sure you tell them!
Make it clear, and don’t overthink it.
“Grab the pattern here!”
“Join the quilt-along before it starts!”
“Reply and tell me about your latest WIP — I love seeing what you’re working on!”
People like direction. If you don’t give them one, they’ll read your email, think “That was nice,” and then… move on with their day.
Bonus tip: Try to call attention to the high points of your newsletter with bold text. If someone only has a few seconds to skim your newsletter, you want the most important things to stand out to them.
Your Newsletter, Your Rules
The best part about using a template? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time. Just fill in the sections that make sense, delete the ones that don’t, and send it off.
Some months, your newsletter might be packed with announcements. Other months, it might just be a fun update and a free tutorial. Either way, it keeps your audience engaged and makes sure you’re not sitting there at the last minute wondering what to write.
And hey, if the thought of writing your newsletter still makes you want to curl up in your fabric scraps and nap instead, guess what? That’s exactly what I help with! If you’d rather hand this off to someone who actually enjoys writing these things, I’m just an email away.
Now go finish that WIP (or at least think about finishing it — we both know that’s the first step).