Karen McTavish

I have worked as a quilter since 1997. I began as a self-taught artist, learning primarily through library books by quilters who worked in the 1930s.

My approach was unconventional when I began. Because it’s based in the hand quilting tradition I’m considered a traditionalist in the quilt world despite my work with machines. I’m known for my free-motion work with a type of quilting machine called a “longarm,” where I use the needle of a quilting machine like a drawing instrument. I mix traditional techniques with modern methods.

I’m known nationally and internationally for my work. I have won many awards over the years as a fiber artist and as an innovator in the machine quilting industry. I am known as the creator of a style of quilting that bears my name (“McTavishing"), and am an award-winning teacher throughout the US and abroad. I’ve authored six books about quilting that sold over 200,000 copies.

You can also learn more by visiting my website at: mctavishquilting.com