Quilting on the Side

Co-hosts Tori and Andi explore quilt pattern design, course creation, digital marketing and the ups and downs of running an online quilt business so that you can make money from your favorite hobby. They share ways they have both grown a business while juggling family and other paying work responsibilities so that others can see how to manage a profitable, crafty side hustle.

All Episodes

Quilting on the Side

Stitching Success

April 01, 2025 • Andi Stanfield and Tori McElwain • Season 4 • Episode 11

Send us a text

In this episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori interview Susan Smith, a quilter with a rich family history in quilting. Susan shares her journey from learning to quilt on a treadle machine in a log cabin to turning her passion into a business during the pandemic. She discusses her marketing strategies, particularly the effectiveness of YouTube, and emphasizes the importance of building trust with her audience before selling her courses. Susan also shares insights from organizing a quilting cruise and her plans for future courses and memberships, highlighting the supportive quilting community she cherishes.

Things we talked about with Susan:

Tune in to Susan's podcast, Measure Twice, Cut Once, for relaxed conversations about the valuable lessons she and her guests have discovered in life, business, and creativity. You can listen to her podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and via RSS Feed.

Episode Sponsor: A huge thank you to our episode sponsor, EQ8! EQ8 is the ultimate quilt design software that helps bring your creative visions to life. With user-friendly tools for designing, planning, and visualizing quilts, EQ8 is perfect for quilters of all levels. Take your quilting projects to the next level by visiting https://bit.ly/quiltingonthesideEQ8.

👉 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.

Connect with Susan:

Website: Stitched by Susan

Youtube: @StitchedBySusan

Instagram: @stitchedbysusan

Want to Support the Podcast and Unlock Exclusive Perks?

Join our Quilting on the Side Patreon community! By becoming a patron, you'll gain access to behind-the-scenes content, bonus episodes, and exclusive resources to help you grow your quilting journey. Plus, your support helps keep the podcast thriving! Click here to join.

Want More Quilting Content?
🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks
🔗 Grab Tori’s new book, Workshops Unleashed
📌 Sign up for our weekly newsletter
📌 Follow us on Instagram

Podcast Details:

Co-Hosts:

Tori McElwain @thequiltpatchbytori

Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts

Producer:

Devan Robinson @developingwithdevan

Keywords

quilting, business, YouTube, online courses, quilting cruise, marketing strategies, quilting community, entrepreneurship, Susan Smith, quilting techniques

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Quilting on the Side

01:12 Susan's Quilting Journey: From Family Tradition to Business

05:08 Transitioning to a Quilting Business During the Pandemic

10:04 Marketing Strategies: The Power of YouTube

16:14 The Importance of Building Trust Before Selling

21:03 Organizing a Quilting Cr

Support the show

If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.