Quilt Makers You Should Be Following on Instagram

Makers will note that the key to crafting a beautiful quilt is all in the layers, richly detailed and stitched together to tell a story. Just as the smallest scraps bring together the patches in a blanket, the steps in crafting a quilt—with a top piece, insulated fabric, and finally, the backing fabric—all result in an exquisite one-of-a-kind piece of art.

Today, women are adapting and reinventing the art and ritual of quilting, which connects them to a venerable craft and social tradition. Thanks to Instagram, there's a whole new generation of quilt makers whose ideas are available at your fingertips. If you're looking for inspiration for your next project, read on to learn about several modern makers that are bringing these heirlooms into the 21st century.

Gee's Bend Quiltmakers

Want proof that quilting can empower a community? Simply take note of the talented makers comprising Gee's Bend Quilters, a small Alabama-based community that has created upwards of hundreds of quilts dating back to the 20th century to today. Follow: @geesbendquiltmakers

Patricia Gorelangton

Across the Pacific Ocean in paradise, the beauty of Hawaiian culture and history is colorfully emulated in verdant tropical flora on heirloom quilts sewn by makers like Patricia Gorelangton who will spend anywhere from hours to months in crafting each appliquéd piece. Follow: @hawaiianquiltsbypat

Wendy Chow

Wendy Chow is a self-taught quilter who picked up the practice with the skills she gained in her high school home economics course Today, she's a pattern designer based in New York City. In addition to acting as co-host of Quilt Buzz podcast and author of Urban Quilting ($21.95, barnesandnoble.com), Chow's feed is a Pantone rainbow full of vibrant quilted creations. Follow: @the.weekendquilter

Riane Menardi Morrison

If minimalism is more your style, one of Riane Menardi Morrison's quilts will capture your interest. She learned the joy and craft of quilt-making from her grandmother, and we love her simple yet impactful quilt designs all handcrafted in Denver. Read her book Inheritance: Minimal Quilts for the Modern Home ($35, barnesandnoble.com) for quilt patterns or follow her on Instagram for tricks of the technique. Follow: @riane.elise

Porfiria Gomez

Meet Porfiria Gomez and her organic linen quilts, among other sewing projects. She's the co-founder of Color of Connection Quilt, which is an upcoming non-profit organization that will host quilting workshops to underprivileged youth in the cities of Brooklyn, Columbus, and Atlanta, thereby teaching self-sufficiency and creativity. For more makings by Gomez, visit her namesake blog. Follow: @mrsporfiria

Taylor Krz

Taylor Krz designs her own patterns, fittingly working as an illustrator by day, quilter by night. Her foray into quilting began while riding in a 1988 Itasca Sundancer (RV) on a 2,000-plus mile road trip—a few sketches resulted in the Open Road Quilt pattern that has become her signature. Follow: @toadandsew

Emily Dennis

Who doesn't love rainbow brights? Emily Dennis serves up modern quilt patterns in playful hues. In her shop, Quilty Love, you can purchase patterns and fat quarter bundles to replicate her works in addition to following her tips. Follow: @emily_dennis_

Michelle Ramsay

Michelle Ramsay makes all her quilts with love as each one is more vibrant than the next. Her England flag with a Caribbean twist quilt is worth double-tapping. Follow: @quilts_madewithlove

Suzy Williams

Suzy Williams is a mainstay of the quilt-making community on Instagram. As the founder of Suzy Quilts, her designs are modern and super colorful. Follow her namesake hashtag #suzyquiltpatterns for original patterns, recommended tools and fabric, as well as "sew along" tutorials. Follow: @suzyquilts

Laura Preston

This former art student once embarked on a year-long road trip adventure around the U.S., during which she learned the medium of textiles and fell in love with quilt-making as a craft. Today, Laura Preston's feed is full of geometric quilts handmade in studios spanning across the United States. Plus, her quilted jackets are nothing short of covetable. Follow: @vacilandostudios

Sharon Holland

Sharon Holland's account features everything from quilted birds, bags, carrots, and yes, heirloom blankets. Inspiration aside, followers will find Holland's insights on her blog, like these darling handy hanging baskets. Follow: @sharonhollanddesigns

Claudia Middendorf

Based in Rhode Island, Claudia Middendorf creates linen heirlooms with a nod to modern architecture as well as a touch of coastal charm. As an American-made maker, she was most recently featured in the May issue of Living. Follow: @mathildehome