Inside Riley Blake Designs: An Interview With Owner Cindy Cloward

Meet Cindy Cloward of Riley Blake Designs

If you are a quilter or sewist, you have almost certainly worked with fabrics from Riley Blake Designs. Known around the world for their high-quality quilting cottons, modern prints, timeless basics, and beloved designer collaborations, Riley Blake Designs has grown into one of the most influential fabric manufacturers in the industry.

In this feature, we take you behind the scenes with Cindy Cloward, the owner and creative force behind the company. Cindy recently joined me on the Craft to Career Podcast to share how Riley Blake Designs began, how it has evolved, and what exciting developments are on the horizon.

Whether you dream of building your own creative business or simply love learning more about the companies shaping the quilting world, Cindy’s story offers both inspiration and insight.

How Riley Blake Designs Began

Cindy shares the origin story of Riley Blake Designs, including the initial vision that sparked the company’s creation. What started as a passion for beautiful fabrics and a desire to offer something fresh to the quilting community quickly grew into a business that would reshape the market.

From the earliest collections to the first designer partnerships, Cindy talks about the foundational decisions that set Riley Blake on its path toward becoming a global brand.

Growth Into a Global Fabric Leader

Today, Riley Blake Designs is known for:

• An extensive library of fabric lines

• Collaborations with top designers

• High-quality basics and solids

• Notions, patterns, kits, embrodiery, and doll-making

• The annual Garden of Quilts event

Cindy explains how the company scaled while maintaining its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer connection. She shares the systems, people, and values that helped Riley Blake grow into a trusted name for quilters around the world.

Behind the Scenes of Fabric Manufacturing

Ever wondered what it takes to run one of the world’s largest fabric manufacturers? Cindy gives a rare peek behind the curtain.

For anyone curious about the business side of quilting, this part of the conversation is especially eye-opening.

What Makes Riley Blake Designs Unique

Cindy talks through the elements that set Riley Blake apart, including their attention to color, the variety in their collections, and their dedication to supporting both hobbyist and professional makers.

She also highlights the company’s commitment to community and education—one reason the Garden of Quilts event has become such a beloved annual tradition for quilters from around the world.

Exciting Things Coming for Riley Blake

During our conversation, Cindy shares some upcoming plans and projects that Riley Blake fans can look forward to. From new fabric lines to product innovations, the company continues to push creativity forward.

While some details are still under wraps, Cindy’s excitement about the future is contagious.

How Cindy Turned Her Craft Into a Career

Cindy’s entrepreneurial story is one that makers everywhere will appreciate. She shares how she built a career rooted in creativity, community, and craftsmanship—proving that passion, business savvy, and persistence can create something extraordinary.

Her journey is a reminder that small beginnings can lead to remarkable growth.

Final Thoughts

Hearing directly from Cindy Cloward offers a deeper appreciation for the fabrics we sew with every day. Riley Blake Designs is more than a fabric company—it is a creative force shaped by vision, dedication, and a love for quilting.

If you want to hear the full conversation, be sure to listen to the Craft to Career Podcast episode featuring Cindy.

More Like This

If you enjoyed this epsiode, you’ll love these other Craft To Career podcast episodes!

• Meet Kimberly Jolly of Fat Quarter Shop
• Growing a Successful Quilting Career with Christa Watson