top of page

Irina Malyukova
Textile Artist and Pattern Designer
Helsinki, Finland
BLOG
For the love of patchwork, color and quilting....
This blog reflects my journey as a self-taught quilter. I am happy to share with you what I have learnt along the way. I hope these tutorials would inspire you to create and tips would help to solve some problems if needed.
If you use any of these tutorials and would like to share your creations on social media, please use the hashtags #nordiccrafterpatterns or #nordiccrafter and tag me at @nordiccrafter.
Happy stitching!❤
Search


Hexagon Mug Rug
This May Quilt Calendar project celebrates slow stitching and the joy of sewing outdoors. The post introduces English paper piecing (EPP), a relaxing hand-sewing technique using paper templates. Using 1" (2.5 cm) hexagons, the project is designed as an easy, mindful make that’s perfect for both beginners and experienced stitchers.
Irina
May 94 min read


Chenille Hot Pad
Spring is finally here! In Finland, this means one very important thing: grilling season is just around the corner. For the April Quilt Calendar project, Pfaff Finland has designed a practical and sustainable sewing project using recycled materials – the Chenille Hot Pad. It’s a perfect accessory for the kitchen or outdoor cooking, combining functionality with beautiful texture. This month, we’re exploring the chenille technique, also known as the slash technique. The word ch
Irina
Apr 132 min read


Finnish Textile Art in Focus: Marita Lappalainen
An interview with Finnish textile artist Marita Lappalainen, exploring her intuitive process, minimalist aesthetics, and artistic journey
Irina
Apr 117 min read


Finnish Textile Art in Focus: Tuula Mäkinen
This year, I decided to include Finnish quilters in my interview series to share the beauty, creativity, and craftsmanship from my side of the world. For me, these artists are not only part of history - they embody the originality and uniqueness of Finnish textile art. One of these remarkable artists is Tuula Mäkinen (b. 1945), a Finnish textile artist. She graduated in 1970 as a teacher of garment construction from the Teacher Training Institute for Vocational Schools in Jy
Irina
Mar 285 min read


Little Tulip Quilt Block
Inspired by an early spring in Helsinki, this Little Tulip block reflects short-stemmed tulips growing in the cold. It’s a quick, beginner-friendly block with interesting piecing, and I share ideas for using it in projects.
Irina
Mar 184 min read


Old Towels to Bathroom Rug: A Quilt As You Go Project
Free quilting tutorial by NordicCrafter: Learn how to make a DIY bathroom rug from old towels using the Quilt As You Go (QAYG) technique. This beginner-friendly sewing project focuses on sustainable quilting, fabric recycling, and creative piecing.
Irina
Feb 149 min read


Threads of Community: The Quilting World of Katell Renon
I first met Katell Renon at Nadelwelt in Karlsruhe in the spring of 2025, where she was exhibiting the Temperature Quilts, a remarkable community project. I must admit that, while I recognized the importance of the theme, it had never interested me enough to make one myself. So I approached the exhibition with a mix of curiosity and hesitation. But the moment I entered the space, I was in awe. I could never have imagined such diverse interpretations: some quilters added moon
Irina
Jan 37 min read


Pfaff Quilt Expression 725 vs the 720 Review
I’ve been sewing on my Pfaff Quilt Expression 720 for six years now, and I still absolutely love that machine. It’s a true workhorse,...
Irina
Oct 11, 20258 min read


Bold, Fresh, Unexpected: Exploring Avantgarde Quilts
This year, the International Quilt Contest at Carrefour- The European Quilt Show embraced an intriguing, and challenging theme:...
Irina
Oct 7, 20258 min read


Beyond Fabric: Art as Healing, Art as Voice
With this blog post, I’m excited to begin a series of interviews with fellow quilters whose work I truly admire - some I know personally,...
Irina
Sep 23, 20256 min read


“Zeitgeist of the Dream” – My Journey into the Avant-Garde
When I first heard the theme for the 2025 International Quilt Contest at the European Patchwork Meeting - “Avant-garde", I wasn’t exactly...
Irina
Jul 11, 20257 min read


Vintage Tablecloth Makeover
I created this project in July 2023 as part of my time as an Aurifil Artisan, and it was featured as a guest post on the Auribuzz blog in...
Irina
Feb 16, 20255 min read


"Primal fear"
The ocean has always held a special place in my heart. Living near the sea for the past 14 years has deepened my connection with its...
Irina
Oct 18, 20245 min read


Tip Monday: Quilter´s Arsenal
When it comes to quilting, having the right foot for the sewing machine can make all the difference in your project's outcome....
Irina
Jun 24, 20247 min read


Octagons and Squares Mystery Project 2024
The first Mystery project of 2024 for the Sip Tea and EPP party is almost here! This time around, Larisa and I have something special for...
Irina
Feb 1, 20244 min read


Tip Monday: Thread Organization
Whether you are tired of spending your precious sewing time digging through a tangled mess of threads, or dream of a neat, organized and...
Irina
Jan 27, 20243 min read


Sip Tea and EPP 2024
Welcome to the 6th season of the Sip Tea and EPP party! Can you believe it’s been six wonderful years already? Time flies when we are...
Irina
Jan 18, 20244 min read


Fun finger crochet projects
For the December Aurifil Artisan Challenge, we were supposed to look back to the start of our sewing journey and create a...
Irina
Dec 21, 20236 min read


Personalised Christmas Ornaments
Christmas is a time of giving; and what can be any better than a small handmade gift? I invite you to make simple, joyful Christmas...
Irina
Nov 25, 20235 min read


No Sew Fabric Christmas Ornaments
It is the time of the year when we all look for simple Christmas gift ideas. Over the years I shared quite a few Christmas sewing...
Irina
Nov 15, 20233 min read
bottom of page