Looking for a quilt shop near the Bernina Creative Center? Quilter’s Quest in Downers Grove, IL is a must visit for fabrics, fat quarters, designer prints, and a wide selection of Bernina and Janome machines. Their customer service, whether in store, online, or even after hours, is outstanding, and their quilt conveyor system for longarm services is worth seeing.
When I traveled to Illinois for a longarm class at the Bernina Creative Center, I also planned time to visit a few local quilt shops. My class hours were full, so I could not make it to every shop on my list, but I did fit in a few highlights, and one of those was Quilter’s Quest in Downers Grove, IL.
What makes this shop memorable is not only the fabric and machines but also their thoughtful touches, like a dry cleaner style conveyor system that can store up to 460 customer quilts being longarmed, each kept in a garment bag for protection. As a longarm quilter myself, I was so impressed! I had never seen anything like it, and it immediately told me this was a shop that takes both quilting and customer care seriously. Plus, I met Longarm Bob and he was so nice and welcoming!
If you’re in the Chicago area, Quilter’s Quest will rent you time on the BERNINA Q24 with Q-matic automation, during store hours. You do have to complete some training first, but then you can use their machine to complete your own quilt tops. The Bernina Q24 with Q-matic is the same longarm that I have, and I can tell you, THAT is a nice machine.
First Impressions
The shop is bright and spacious, with shelves arranged so you can browse without feeling crowded. Bolts of fabric stand tall and color sorted, and the fat quarters? They have a those little sweethearts displayed so you can easily mix and match.
We had a good sized group when we visited, and there was still plenty of room to shop without running into each other. That alone speaks volumes about how thoughtfully the store is arranged. I mean seriously, we’re all in there and it looks like no one is there. LOL! IDK, how I got these shots!
Fabric Finds
Quilter’s Quest carries a thoughtful mix of modern prints, seasonal favorites, and pre-made bundles ready to grab and go. I’m always drawn to a Tula Pink display, and so was everyone else. You can tell by the bolts that people were pulling them out a bunch. They had a lot of great fabrics and I was happy to find a lot of modern options, because that’s a big draw for me. They had fabrics to make everyone happy!
And let’s not forget batting. Quilter’s Quest keeps it well stocked, and neatly labeled and ready for whatever project you have in mind.
Quilter’s Quest keeps batting well stocked and neatly labeled. At home, I do the same with scraps! Here’s my system: How to Create Fabric Scrap Storage.
Not Just Fabric
Like many quilt shops, Quilter’s Quest is also a Bernina and Janome dealer, so machines line one side of the store. Whether you are upgrading your everyday workhorse or looking at the top tier models, it is the kind of place where you can sit down, test drive, and ask questions.
They also carry threads, patterns, rulers, and all the little things you never realize you need until you are right there in the aisle thinking, yes, that is coming home with me.
Curious about the tools I use day in and day out? I keep them rounded up on my Resources page.
Customer Service That Stands Out
This is where Quilter’s Quest really stood out for me. While I was in my longarm class at the Bernina Creative Center, two Quilter’s Quest employees were also taking the same class. They were friendly, helpful, and genuinely excited about learning, which told me a lot about their shop’s culture.
And here is something I will never forget. One evening, even though their store hours were already over, Quilter’s Quest kept the shop open late just so our class could come by and experience it. That thoughtful gesture said so much about the kind of place they are, and it left a lasting impression.
Later, when I needed a Brake Spring M Class Flat for my longarm and could not find it locally, I ordered from Quilter’s Quest. Remembering how kind they had been in person, I felt confident ordering online, and sure enough, their customer service was just as good behind a screen as it was face to face.
Why Stop In?
If you are already heading to the Bernina Creative Center for a class, it is absolutely worth planning a little detour. Quilter’s Quest is the kind of shop that keeps quilters covered. From fabrics and fat quarters to batting, machines, parts, and longarm services, it’s a place where you’ll actually find what you need, (like I did!).
I am a longarm quilter, but if I needed longarm services, I would definitely try this shop. It is obvious they care about education for their employees, and they care deeply about the quilts that pass through their doors. That’s how I feel about my clients, so it warms my heart to see a much bigger business than mine, keep what’s important, important. You know what I mean?
If you’re already heading to the Bernina Creative Center for a class, it’s worth planning a little detour to Quilter’s Quest. And if you’ve got time, you can also stop by Bernina of Naperville for even more inspiration. Together, they make a fun mini tour of quilt shops in the area.
More Creative Inspiration
- Visiting Bernina of Naperville – Quilt Shop Tour – Step inside another must-see Illinois quilt shop with bright displays and plenty of inspiration.
- Speedy Serger Shoe Bag – My First Bernina L890 Project – The beginner-friendly project that helped me get comfortable with my serger.
- Simple Envelope Pillowcase – Easy Beginner Project – A straightforward tutorial that’s perfect for using up fabric from your latest shop visit.
- How to Make an Easy Drawstring Bag – A quick sew that makes a great gift or project bag.
- A Visit to Missouri Star Quilt Company – One of the most famous quilt shops in the country, worth adding to your quilting travel list.
