Going on a quilt retreat is one of my favorite things to do. There is just something about getting away for a few days, setting up your sewing machine, and having uninterrupted time to sew with other quilters who completely understand your love of fabric.
I've been to several quilt retreats over the years, and one thing I wish I had from the very beginning was a good quilt retreat packing checklist. It never failed—every time I attended a retreat, I seemed to forget something.
Sometimes it was something small that I could do without. Other times, it was something I needed and ended up buying even though I knew I had the exact same thing sitting at home in my sewing room.
I used to be a list person. Somewhere along the way, I quit being a list person, and I'm not really sure why. Considering how many things I've forgotten over the years, maybe it's time I become one again!
So, I decided to put together a quilt retreat packing list not only to help me prepare for my next retreat, but also to help you prepare for yours.
Why a Quilt Retreat Packing List Matters
Depending on the retreat, you might be away from home for a couple of days or as long as a week. That means you're not just packing for a sewing day. You're packing clothes and personal items along with your sewing machine, projects, tools, notions, and all those little things we don't think about until we reach for them—and realize they're sitting at home.
Forget a particular ruler and you can probably improvise.
Forget your sewing machine's foot pedal? Well, you're going to have a hard time getting much sewing done!
The same goes for your cutting supplies. It's difficult to work on a quilt if your rotary cutter is sitting at home on your cutting table.
I tend to be an overpacker. I'd much rather bring something home without using it than discover I need it at the retreat and have to spend money buying another one when I already own two or three at home.
That doesn't mean you need to pack your entire sewing room, although after loading the car for a retreat it may look like that's exactly what you're doing!
A little planning before you leave can make packing easier and give you more time to enjoy the reason you're there in the first place—to sew.
Before You Start Packing
Every quilt retreat is different, so before you start loading up the car, check with the retreat coordinator or venue to find out exactly what will be provided.
Some retreats provide large sewing tables, cutting stations, ironing boards, irons, cutting mats, and plenty of outlets. Others may provide you with a folding table and a chair and expect you to bring everything else.
A few things I would find out ahead of time are whether you'll need to bring an iron, cutting mat, extension cord or power strip, additional lighting, and even a comfortable chair or chair cushion.
There's no reason to take up valuable room in the car with something the retreat already provides.
Heading to a quilt retreat? I've created a FREE printable Quilt Retreat Packing Checklist so you can check everything off as you pack. You'll find it below!
What to Pack for a Quilt Retreat
While your exact packing list will depend on the retreat and the projects you're planning to work on, these are the main categories I always consider when I'm getting ready to go.
Sewing Machine & Machine Essentials
Obviously, the sewing machine needs to make it into the car, but don't forget all of the pieces that make the machine actually work.
Your foot pedal and power cord should be at the top of that list. I also bring extra bobbins, sewing machine needles, the presser feet I'll need for my projects, and any small tools that belong with my machine.
If you use an extension table with your machine, don't forget that either.
And while you may never open it, bringing your sewing machine manual isn't a bad idea—especially if your machine decides the middle of a retreat is the perfect time to start acting temperamental.
Cutting & Pressing Supplies
Your rotary cutter, extra blades, rulers, scissors, and cutting mat are some of the basics you'll want to consider.
What you actually need will depend on what the retreat provides and the projects you're bringing. If I'm working on a project that requires a specialty ruler, I want to make sure that ruler gets packed with the project rather than assuming I'll remember it later.
The same applies to pressing supplies. If irons and ironing stations aren't provided, you'll need to plan accordingly. A mini iron and small pressing mat can also be handy to keep near your sewing area.
Choose Your Projects
This is probably the most fun part—and possibly the hardest.
How many projects can I finish during a three-day retreat?
Apparently, in my mind, the answer is somewhere around 27.
Realistically, it's much less.
I like having choices, though, so I prefer taking a main project along with at least one backup. You never know when you'll finish something faster than expected, get tired of working on the same project, or discover that you forgot one little piece needed to continue.
Pre-cutting as much as possible before the retreat can also save valuable sewing time. If you can arrive ready to sit down and start piecing, even better.
When packing each project, don't think only about the fabric. Make sure you have the pattern, thread, specialty rulers or templates, interfacing, zippers, hardware, or anything else that particular project requires.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to keep each project and its supplies together in a project bag or container.
Don't Forget the Notions
It's usually the little things that are the easiest to forget.
Pins, clips, seam rippers, marking pens, thread, extra bobbins, scissors, snips, and all those other notions we reach for without thinking when we're sewing at home need to make the trip too.
I also like having something nearby for threads and scraps so my sewing area doesn't look like a fabric explosion by the end of the first day.
And yes, I said seam rippers—plural. We all know why.
Personal Items & Comfort
Don't become so focused on packing the sewing room that you forget you're going too!
You'll need clothes, toiletries, medications, phone chargers, comfortable shoes, and whatever else you normally take when you're away from home.
Retreat rooms can also be unpredictable when it comes to temperature. Having a sweater or light jacket nearby can be a lifesaver when someone else thinks 62 degrees is the perfect sewing temperature.
A refillable water bottle and your favorite snacks are also worth packing. Depending on the retreat, you may want coffee, tea, a travel mug, or other drinks and snacks to keep at your sewing station.
And don't underestimate comfort. You're going to spend a lot of time sitting at your machine, so if you normally use a seat cushion, lumbar support, additional lighting, or anything else that makes sewing more comfortable, consider bringing it.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
One of the best things you can do before a quilt retreat is spend a little time preparing at home.
Clean your sewing machine, change the needle if needed, wind some bobbins, organize your projects, and make sure you have all the supplies needed for each one.
Then, before you close the car door and head off for a few days of sewing, check the big things one more time:
Sewing machine. Power cord. Foot pedal. Projects.
Because you can probably survive forgetting your favorite ruler.
The foot pedal? Not so much.
Most importantly, don't get so caught up in packing and planning that you forget why you're going. Quilt retreats aren't just about how many projects you finish. They're about uninterrupted sewing time, spending time with people who love quilting as much as you do, learning from one another, laughing, and coming home with some wonderful memories.
And hopefully a few finished projects!
Don't Forget a Thing!
Want the complete list so you don't have to remember all of this yourself?
I've put together my FREE Sew Serenity Cottage Quilt Retreat Packing Checklist with sewing supplies, project essentials, personal items, retreat comforts, and all those easy-to-forget little things in one place.
Print it before your next retreat and check things off as you pack.
Then go enjoy your retreat knowing you didn't leave your foot pedal sitting at home!
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