Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn Howell
Hi Kaitlyn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started quilting when I was 11 years old, thanks to my mom, who took me to the fabric store and taught me how to use her sewing machine. Between the ages of 11 and 17, I made several quilts, and during my senior year of high school, I completed five more in my sewing class. I’m especially grateful for my sewing teacher, who was incredibly supportive—she remains a dear friend (and supporter of my business) to this day.
At 18, I began long-arm quilting while finishing high school. I continued to work at the quilt shop in Southern Utah (where I got my start) for six years, where I gained invaluable experience. Eventually, I was recruited to work for someone I had long admired—Annie from ByAnnie.com. She quickly became not only my mentor but also one of my closest friends. Working alongside her, I witnessed firsthand her incredible growth as a designer and business owner, which was truly inspiring.
Annie’s expertise in bag-making introduced me to new techniques and construction methods that I absolutely loved. Her influence ultimately led me to design my own bags, expanding my creativity beyond quilting. To this day, she remains my greatest business mentor, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities and inspiration she’s given me.
I purchased my first long-arm quilting machine at 27, just two months after getting married. My husband was initially skeptical, but I knew this was the right step forward. I’m so grateful for his trust in me—it was a big investment, both financially and in terms of space! The machine took up the entire second bedroom of our 800 sq. ft. apartment.
A few years later, we purchased our first home, where I expanded my business by adding a second long-arm machine. Today, I have two employees helping me keep up with the demand. From the start, my goal was to design bag patterns, and I knew long-arm quilting would give me the financial stability and flexibility to pursue that dream. In 2016, the same year I launched my long-arm quilting business, I released my first bag pattern—and the rest is history!
I just recently released my 24th pattern. We have quilted thousands of quilts over the last (almost) 9 years. Knot and Thread has become a thriving business and been a bigger endeavorer than I ever thought possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing is ever easy, and one of the biggest challenges has been learning how to balance running a business while also living a full life. I’ve always loved quilting and sewing, so turning it into a career felt like a dream. But I never could have imagined just how much I would love becoming a mother and having a family. That experience has deeply influenced my creativity and the things I’ve designed over the years. Now, I work hard to balance time with my kids while also keeping my business running.
Another challenge is overcoming self-doubt. It’s amazing how our own thoughts can sometimes be the biggest obstacles. I try to stay out of my head and lead from my heart, focusing on the joy of creating rather than letting doubt get in the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I absolutely love quilted bags—both designing them and figuring out their construction. I enjoy the challenge of making them look clean and polished while keeping the process simple and approachable. Over time, I think I’ve become known for my straightforward designs, easy construction methods, and, hopefully, for creating bags that are fun to make!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice is to seek out people you admire and build genuine friendships with them. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with so many incredible people—fabric designers, pattern designers, and long-arm quilters—many of whom are generous and supportive. Their guidance and willingness to share have been invaluable to me. I love being able to share in return.
Collaboration is another great way to network. Look for opportunities to team up with others and create something together. Whether it’s a project, an event, or simply exchanging ideas, working with others can open doors and lead to amazing opportunities.
I’ve also worked with life coaches and business coaches, which has been incredibly helpful. They’ve given me the tools to manage my thoughts, stay focused, and navigate the challenges of running a business
Pricing:
- Long-arm quilting Services: .03 cents per square inch
Contact Info:
- Website: https://knotandthread.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotandthread/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knotandthread
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@knotandthread
