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Welcome to the British Quilt Study Group
The British Quilt Study Group carries out and publishes research into all aspects of quiltmaking, historical and contemporary.
The group was formed in 1998 with the following aims:
- to encourage interest in historical and contemporary aspects of British patchwork, quilting and appliqué through study and research
- to develop research skills through training, workshops and mentoring schemes
- to publish research in our annual journal, Quilt Studies
- to provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas through seminars and study days
- to foster links with quilt study groups and academic organisations in other countries.
Sample book Study Day at Manchester Metropolitan University
Members reside in the British Isles and overseas and include researchers, quilt lovers, collectors of contemporary and historic quilts, museum curators and textile dealers. All members receive our newsletters (Culcita) and annual journal (Quilt Studies), and are welcome to come to our annual Seminars and occasional study days.
Everyone is welcome to join BQSG. Membership brings contact with like-minded people and information to help with your queries and research into historic quilts, quilt trends and social history.
Joining brings you the benefits mentioned above and your subscription fee also helps to support the publication of Quilt Studies, ongoing research and research trainingLearn
The British Quilt Study Group
Learn more about the BQSG with Deborah McGuire.
To download and print a colour leaflet about BQSG please click here
BQSG membership is usually taken out as a Special Interest Group added to membership of the Quilters' Guild of the British Isles. This is only appropriate for individuals who can take advantage of full membership.
BQSG Associate membership is open to individuals living outside the UK, and also to institutions and educational organisations based in the UK or overseas. (Associates are not members of the Quilters Guild)
To download a list of benefits, subscription categories and how to join - please click here
The Abbey Hotel, Great Malvern
Seminar 2026
15th - 17th October
Great Malvern
15th - 17th October The Abbey Hotel, Great Malvern
As usual, the residential seminar will include the presentation of research papers, a study visit and a chance to discuss our interests with each other.
For more details about the weekend, and to download a booking form, click here
Wholecloth quilt made in Blaina, Blaenau Gwent. 1945-6 seen at Study Visit to MERL 60/715
Seminar 2025
25-27 September, Malmaison Hotel, Reading
Our 2025 seminar was attended by 40 people, who began with an interesting study visit to the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL)
Presentations were then given on styles and key figures associated with Welsh, West Country and Swaledale quilting, and the beautiful patchwork heritage of Catherine Hutton
These will be written up for publication in Quilt Studies Issue 27
We also enjoyed a presentation from the well-known hand quilter, Sandie Lush, showing how she develops traditional quilting designs.
Click here to read a full report about the seminar.
Quilt Studies Issue 27
Quilt Studies 27
Quilt Studies 27 presents four papers focused on key figures and developments in British quilting. Katherine Gough introduces the work of her granddmother, Marion Davies, one of the Abertridwr group of hand quilters recruited for the Rural Industries Bureau in 1930s. Dr Bridget Long discusses the life and needlework of Catherine Hutton, a well-documented writer and traveller, including two beautiful patchworks made in the very early nineteenth century. Dorothy Osler investigates the factors influencing Elizabeth Hake in her decision to write a seminal book about West Country quilts in 1937. Liz Nally & Kate Smith document quilts known to have been made in Swaledale, and assess the degree to which they have distinctive features. Edited by Linda Lane Thornton and published in 2026.
Details of the contents of this issue, together with those of past issues, may be found on our PUBLICATIONS page.
Get your copy at Quiltworks.co.uk
To purchase older copies, email [email protected] to enquire about availability and costs (including postage).6
Recording quilting design on an early quilt by tracing
Research
OVERVIEW
One of the major aims of BQSG is to encourage original research into, and foster a greater understanding of, all aspects of our patchwork, quilting and appliqué heritage and related textile practice, both historical and contemporary. Documentation and analysis of more recent practice is equally important.
Please see Research and Groups
Call for Papers and Bursary for 2026
deadline 30th November 2026
Quilt of the Month
Each month we feature a different quilt, patchwork or connected item on our GALLERY pages together with photos, a description and any known history.
This month we are looking at a Fragmentary Coverlet with an unusual intarsia construction technique.
Click Here for more detailed photos
You may be interested to know that our banner photo at the top of our pages is a North Country Patchwork Quilt from the 1830's-1840's. More details about the quilt can be found on our 'Quilt of the Month' pages in 'Gallery'
