Skip to main content
Offering A Quilting Subscription Box at Your Store | Like Sew
7:58
quilting subscription box

How To Offer a Quilting Subscription Box at Your SMB

There’s been a resurgence in the world of hobbies and crafting.

Whether it’s because of social media popularity or because older trends are making a comeback, more people are interested in staying in and working on crafts.

Quilting is one of those hobbies that new enthusiasts turn to the internet for when they’re getting started. In their initial research, wouldn’t it be great if they landed on a quilting subscription box and other beginner offerings from your small business?

Just like any other craft, quilters have unique needs, which makes curated subscription boxes a great way for your fabric and sewing store to engage customers — and even reach new audiences. 

Imagine how excited your customer would be to open their latest arrival of curated quilting supplies and projects. Whether they’ve purchased it for themselves or received it as a gift, it’s one they’ll remember and cherish for years to come — and they’ll get plenty of use out of it. 

So, how do you get started? We’ll walk you through some steps and explain how a specialized retail point of sale (POS) and e-commerce platform can help. But first, let’s start with the basics.

Related Read: Opening a Quilting and Fabric Business: 6 Things To Know

The Rise in Popularity of Quilting and Subscription Boxes

Quilting and subscription boxes might not seem like they would go together, but the rise in the popularity of quilting — combined with the demographic shift of these crafters — creates a unique opportunity in the market. 

Now’s the time to capitalize on both the timeless art of quilting and the phenomenon of subscription boxes and curated collections. These days, it seems like there’s a subscription for everything! 

Quilting subscription boxes are uniquely tailored to these folks’ interests, but they can also include items that are a surprise to some degree. Many subscription boxes include new and limited items, which makes them even more exciting. Crafters, especially, enjoy getting new crafts to work on, new supplies, and specialty items that can’t be found at any other retailer. This is what makes subscription boxes a great choice for this market.

Are you sold on the idea of a quilting subscription box? Here are some tips for implementation.

Related Read: 8-Step Guide to Creating a Fabric Store Website

1. Design a Captivating Quilting Subscription Box

You can’t just throw an assortment of items in a box and call it a “curated subscription.”

Think carefully about your customers and what they want. Use surveys or questionnaires to help you curate the boxes and provide a personalized experience that people love. Consider monthly themes, holidays like Christmas and Halloween, exclusive and new item drops, or letting people pick the category of their supplies. 

You can include just about anything in these boxes, including: 

  • Thread
  • Needles
  • Fabric
  • Patterns
  • Templates

Accessories

In addition to the supplies, you’ll also want to include a fun project idea in each box. Create an exclusive pattern collection or limited design that’s only available to subscribers. 

When you survey customers for their customized boxes, make sure you check their skill level as well. You want there to be something for every audience, from beginners to advanced quilters. 

Related Read: What Is Fractional Yardage? (And How To Track It)

2. Craft an Irresistible Subscription Model 

The other major aspect of your subscription box is the subscription itself. There are already dozens of quilting subscription box options out there on the market — what makes yours the best?

Frequency and Pricing Tiers 

Make sure you offer frequency options for your crafters. Avid quilters may want a monthly box, for example, while occasional crafters might be good with a quarterly subscription. 

You should also offer various subscription rates and pricing tiers. A discount for annual subscriptions is a great way to guarantee more long-term commitments. 

Customization and Personalization

The customization of subscription boxes is part of the appeal for many consumers. Consider letting your quilting subscribers choose themes, color palettes, difficulty levels, or other details that give them a more personalized experience. 

Related Read: 7 Fabric Store Integrations To Try for Your Business

3. Curate a Unique Unboxing Experience

Part of the excitement of a quilting subscription box is receiving and opening the package. Don’t underestimate packaging — it’s another way you can be creative. 

Thoughtful Subscription Packaging

It’s important to design packaging that’s both visually appealing and eco-friendly. Consumers are becoming more and more eco-conscious, which means you need to choose your packaging materials carefully. 

You might also want to consider adding handwritten notes, stickers, or other personal touches that set your subscription box apart from the big chain brands. Put yourself in the subscriber’s shoes –– what would make your unboxing experience better?

Unboxing Tutorials and Extras 

You can add written instructions or QR codes that link to video tutorials for projects that are included in your subscription box. You might even add inspiration, pro tips, or access to online resources with the fabrics and supplies you send. 

Related Read: How To Choose Quilting Supplies for Your Store

4. Develop a Marketing and Launch Strategy 

Get your customers excited about your new subscription boxes ASAP. As soon as you start planning, you need to start marketing. 

Generating Quilting Box Excitement

While you’re building your subscription model, you can use social media and your website to tease customers and generate interest — you can use these platforms to get feedback, too.

Offer inside looks at what’s to come in the next box each month to keep your audience engaged. If you don’t keep them engaged, they may not come back for the next quilting subscription box.

Leveraging Influencers and Partnerships 

Influencers and quilting bloggers are great resources for promoting your new subscription model. Do your homework and see who you can connect with for some promotional support. 

You can also explore partnerships with supplier brands or other local businesses. 

Related Read: 5 Top Software Options for Sewing Machine Vendors

5. Open Your Quilting Subscription Box to Feedback

What better way to perfect your new quilting subscription box than with direct feedback from your subscribers?

Encourage all of your quilters to share their input on the contents of each box, projects you include, and other details of the subscription process. Use that feedback to make improvements to future shipments and better tailor your offerings to customer preferences

It’s important to stay up to date with the latest trends in quilting, so you can keep your quilting subscription box fresh and exciting. Offer themed boxes from time to time, and try new ways to add variety and keep the boxes trendy. 

Related Read: Quilt Class Management 101 for Retail Stores

Offer Quilting Subscription Boxes With Like Sew

In addition to giving customers a curated, exclusive experience, a subscription model helps promote a sense of community among your quilting customers.

If you’re looking for a creative, profitable way to engage more customers, consider a quilting subscription box that can take your quilting business to the next level.

Using an all-in-one point of sale and e-commerce solution to manage your quilting subscriptions is the way to go. Like Sew is the industry standard, making it easy to offer all kinds of unique subscription boxes to your customers — all while helping you manage and track your small business as a whole.

Want to see this in action? Schedule a live software demo to learn more about Like Sew — and how it can take your quilt store to the next level.