Who is Kim Diehl? Exploring the Creative World of Kim Diehl

Kim Diehl Quilting Designs

If you love quilts with warmth, character, and a touch of folk art charm, there’s a very good chance you’ve already come across Kim Diehl — even if you didn’t know it at the time. Her designs have a quality that’s instantly recognisable: rich colours, intricate piecing, and appliqué that feels like it belongs on a quilt that’s been loved for generations.

She’s one of those designers whose work stops you in your tracks. And once you’ve made one of her patterns, you’ll understand exactly why quilters keep coming back to her.

How It All Started

Kim’s quilting journey began in the late 1990s when she fell in love with a sampler quilt pattern. She taught herself everything she needed to make it, and that was that — she was completely smitten. What started as a hobby gradually became a career, and now she’s one of the most respected names in the quilting world.

What I love about that story is how relatable it is. So many of us started exactly the same way — one pattern, one project, and suddenly quilting is woven into everything.

Her Signature Style

Kim’s style sits firmly in the traditional and folk art world, but with a freshness that keeps it feeling current. Think warm, earthy palettes — deep reds, golds, navies, and creams — combined with detailed appliqué and clever piecing that rewards a closer look.

She’s also collaborated with Henry Glass Fabrics to create her own fabric lines, which are designed to work beautifully with her patterns. If you’ve ever struggled to find fabrics that feel right for a traditional quilt, her collections are a wonderful starting point.

Her Freezer Paper Appliqué Technique

Kim has a wonderful approach to appliqué that makes the whole process much more approachable. She uses freezer paper to prepare her shapes, which gives you beautifully crisp edges without the stress. If you’ve ever been curious about appliqué but found it a little daunting, her method is genuinely the best place to start.

👉 If you’ve ever been curious about freezer-paper appliqué, look up one of her tutorials — it’s a must-watch!

Her Books and Patterns

Kim has authored a wonderful range of books and patterns over the years. A few highlights:

• Simple Whatnots Series — charming small-scale designs for mini quilts, table runners, and little projects that are perfect when you want something satisfying but not overwhelming
• Simple Friendships Series — co-authored with Jo Morton, blending both designers’ traditional styles beautifully
• Simple Reflections Series — traditional blocks reimagined with Kim’s signature colour palettes
• Wool Appliqué Patterns — cosy, textured designs that add real warmth to a project
• Scrap Quilts Patterns — creative ways to use up your remnants with a vintage flair
• Baskets Patterns — a lovely combination of piecing and appliqué with classic basket motifs

Follow Kim’s Work

If you’d like to see what Kim is working on, her Instagram account is a lovely place to follow along. She shares her latest projects, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and plenty of quilting inspiration.

And if you’d like to explore her patterns and fabrics for yourself, we stock a lovely selection here at The Quilting Owl. Just get in touch if you’d like a recommendation — we’re always happy to help you find the right project.