This is my favorite time of year. It’s a fresh start with new calendars, new planners, and new quilty goals. I love everything about it! If you’re setting your quilty goals for 2026, I have some tips to help you set the right goals that you’ll actually achieve.
Start with Why
For every what, there must be a why. If you can’t explain why you're setting something as a goal, it will be very difficult to define what success looks like or to commit the necessary time to achieve it. This is especially true for goals you set because you think you should (finishing WIPs) or because everyone else is (Instagram hashtags, anyone?!).
When you’re very clear about why you’re setting a goal, you won't rely on willpower or motivation to reach it. Your “why” will motivate you through the work required. Act like a toddler and keep asking yourself “why” until you have no more answers. If what you’ve learned feels right for you, you’ve found the right goal.
Let’s use “finishing my WIPs” as an example. Why? If you want to finish your WIPs because you feel you should or out of shame about having many unfinished projects, that reason probably won’t motivate you, and you’re less likely to make any progress.
Personally, I need to have several projects going at once. Sometimes I feel like piecing or cutting. Sometimes I want to do the quilting to see my project come to life. Having projects at different stages lets you work on what inspires you in the moment.
Let’s also discuss feeling like you should finish every project you start. Depending on when or why you began the project, you might be a completely different quilter than you were then. I’ve started projects to learn a new technique, realized it’s not for me, and set that project aside for the giveaway table at my guild meetings. Your “meh” might be someone else’s joy. Don’t feel obligated to finish just because you started.
On the other hand, if having many projects feels overwhelming for your creativity, then definitely add finishing those WIPs to your list. Break this goal into smaller projects or steps, organize your projects, and create an action plan to work on them at your own pace. Include what success looks like for you and plan a reward for completing it.
Why Dictates What
Whether it’s finishing WIPs, learning new techniques, or meeting new quilty people, your reasons for setting a goal will influence what you choose to work on. Here are some goals you might consider (if they align with your “why”).
Downsizing your stash: We often joke about how collecting fabric is a separate hobby from using it for quilts, but is that stash actually serving you and your creative needs? I talk to many quilters who won’t use fabric from their stash because it’s “too pretty” to cut into. Agh! This is where I’ve adopted a use-it-or-lose-it mentality. The fabric will look even better in a quilt, I promise! If you really can’t bear to cut into it, consider a destash sale or swap to find it a new home where it will be used.
Learning a new technique: When I first started quilting, I was a strip piecing enthusiast. It was my jam! However, sticking to that limited the types of quilts I could create. Adding foundation paper piecing, appliqué, and free motion quilting to my skills opened up a whole new world of quilting for me. If there’s a technique you’ve been interested in trying, setting it as a goal can help you develop your skills and boost your confidence.
Making quilty friends: While quilting can be a solitary hobby, it’s great to meet other people who are just as enthusiastic about quilting as you. This is also where a lot of learning can happen because we all come to this with different skills and methods, so be sure to find a group that loves to share. From bees and guilds to online communities and Zoom groups, quilters are the best kinds of friends. If this sounds like you, start searching for groups and make a plan to join at least one.
Expanding your creativity: If you’ve made a few quilts, you might be starting to imagine what it would look like to create your own designs. This could be as simple as arranging blocks you're already comfortable with into a unique pattern or as ambitious as learning how to design and write your own patterns. Consider how you’d like to grow as a quilter and whether exploring design feels like the right next step for you.
Your Turn!
Are you ready to make some quilty goals for 2026? Start with why and see where it takes you!
