We’re continually inspired by makers who don’t just use our threads, but truly champion them—and Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilts is one of those rare voices. Corey has been a devoted Aurifil user for well over a decade and has long heralded the beauty and versatility of our Cotton 12wt. Through her inviting posts, thoughtful tutorials, and generous sharing of knowledge, she has a way of making everyone feel like an old friend—encouraging confidence, curiosity, and creativity in every stitch.
As a longtime fabric designer with Moda Fabrics, Corey’s artistry shines through collections that are joyful, approachable, and endlessly inspiring. Her designs have a way of brightening our moods—effervescent, vibrant, and grounded in a timeless sense of home. Her newest fabric collection, Abloom, continues that tradition, celebrating fresh florals, soft hues, and graceful prints that feel both nostalgic and new.
We loved the opportunity to collaborate with Corey on her first Aurifil 12wt collection, Sunny Stitches, released in 2017, and have seen firsthand the lasting impact it has had with makers around the world. That collection remains a favorite— and we know this second chapter will resonate just as deeply. To complement Abloom, Corey has once again teamed up with Aurifil to curate a coordinating Cotton 12wt thread set featuring 10 small spools in a soft, fresh palette designed to inspire handwork, embroidery, big-stitch quilting, and more— now and well into the future.
We’re so thrilled to share this new release and even more delighted to invite you into Corey’s creative world. We had the pleasure of catching up with her to talk about her journey, her inspirations, and the story behind Abloom. Let’s dive in.
While we’ve worked together for quite a long time, we’re aware that this may be a first introduction for some of our followers. We’d love to hear about the beginnings of your creative journey. How did you first find your way into quilting and fabric design, and were there early influences— whether family, community, or a creative mentor— that helped spark your love of making?
I grew up in a family with generations of quilt piecers and hand quilters on both sides of my family. It was not unusual for my mom or an aunt or grandma or even great-grandma to have a quilt in the frame ready to be hand quilted. We would have quilting get-togethers with lots of good food and laughter.
However it wasn’t until after moving out in 1997, when I got married at age 19, that I became interested in making quilts. It started with a love of fabric. Growing up in an Amish community, I was surrounded by amazing quilts and quilt shops in addition to those I saw at home. After I got married, I visited one of my local quilt shops and bought some fabric not knowing what I was going to do with it. With my family history of quilt making, that seemed a logical choice and I really fell in love with quilt making.
After making quilts for a number of years, I started dabbling in quilt design. I really enjoyed the design process and over a number of years became a regular contributor to various quilt magazines. My quilt designs featured in quilting magazines caught the eye of a few different fabric companies. I spent a number of years designing quilt patterns showcasing fabric lines for fabric manufacturers within the quilting industry. This led to contributions to various quilting books and then to publishing a book of my own.
In 2014, my youngest daughter started Kindergarten. It was at this time that I decided to try my hand at fabric design. I had really enjoyed working with Moda Fabrics previously and when I put together my first fabric line, I submitted it to them. They accepted it and here we are over 10 years later.
Over time, what has continued to inspire you to design fabric and create new collections?
Fabric has always been what drew me to quilt making. I love so many different fabrics from traditional to modern. I enjoy lots of color as well as quieter fabrics, modern fabrics as well as traditional. The process of both fabric making as well as fabric design is still so interesting to me. When I am working on a fabric line, I am thinking about what fabric I would really like to sew with…what colors am I itching to work with..what would just be fun to sit down and play with and I start designing to create something that excites me to sew with.
Do you have a favorite technique or type of project that really brings you joy?
Some of my first quilts were applique quilts. Prior to quilt design, I ran a business called, Little Miss Shabby. I designed and sold appliqued children’s clothing. When I really began diving into quilt design, I often incorporated applique. In fact, the first book I wrote was a book on machine applique. I quite enjoy adding applique to quilts but I also really enjoy a good traditionally pieced quilt.
Can you tell us about your first introduction to Aurifil thread? When did you first try it, and what has kept you coming back to Aurifil?
I have had a quilting blog since 2009 so I went back to see when I first started mentioning Aurifil on the blog. It looks like it may have been 2011. I was experimenting with using the 12 weight thread in my sewing machine for machine quilting.
As a hand quilter, I really enjoy the 12 weight for hand quilting. I also like adding embroidery to projects which is perfect with the 12 weight thread. I don’t know how long it was between me using the 12 weight thread to me trying the 50 weight thread for piecing. But, once I tried the 50 weight thread, I kept using it for all of my piecing. I currently, use the color 2021 for all of my piecing and have for years. My Juki is very happy with Aurifil thread and I like the accuracy of the finer thread as well as the fact that my bobbins go further before they run out.
Your newest fabric collection, Abloom, is absolutely stunning. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind it?
Thank you! Abloom is a follow up collection to my popular Apricot & Ash collection. I wanted it to feel similar in both color and prints to Apricot & Ash. Apricot & Ash featured a panel so I wanted to include one for Abloom as well. When the idea of doing an embroidery motif for the Abloom panel popped into my head, I knew that would be just perfect! It mixes so beautifully with the Abloom prints and adds such a throwback, nostalgic feel to the collection.
What made you decide to curate a coordinating thread collection for Abloom and how does this set support your creative vision for the fabric line?
While the panel in Abloom can be used on its own, I knew it was going to be a lot of fun to add hand stitching as well. Having a perfectly coordinated thread box is such a wonderful complement to the Abloom fabric line.
Why did you choose 12wt specifically for this collection? What makes it the right weight for the look, feel, and technique you were envisioning?
The 12 weight thread is perfect for embroidery and hand quilting. It adds color and pop to your project.
Can you walk us through your process for selecting the 10 hues included in the Abloom thread set?
I first chose the colors that I would want to have on hand if I wanted to stitch on the panel. Then, I added in complementary colors that would work well for hand quilting and match the colors in the Abloom fabrics.
The prints in Abloom also lend themselves well to adding sweet embroidery to a project… think embroidered flowers and birds on the edge of a little handmade napkin etc. For this, I knew that a touch of yellow would be beautiful so I added a sunny, warm shade of yellow as well.
What are some of your favorite ways to use 12wt thread?
Hand quilting and embroidery for the win!
Do you have any favorite tools, needle sizes, or tips for working with 12wt?
I actually have a hand quilting series on my YouTube channel, where I talk about the supplies and how tos of hand quilting:
(direct link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcvB3TuqwfMzmaBaAxbehRdJ2z83zXYSk)
Your previous Aurifil collection, Sunny Stitches, continues to be beloved by makers— do you see Abloom as a versatile companion to future fabric lines as well?
I do. The colors that I chose for my Abloom collection of threads are colors that I enjoy using. They are going to work for previous collections as well as future collections.
What do you hope makers will feel or experience when working with the Abloom thread collection?
There is something so satisfying about adding a bit of handwork to a project. I mentioned adding hand stitching to the panel but also any type of hand quilting on a project makes it so pretty. Start with a small project….a pillow, or table topper, maybe a mini quilt and see how you enjoy hand quilting. It’s such a pretty touch to add!
What’s next for you in 2026? Are there any exciting launches, events, or collaborations we should keep an eye out for?
There are always fun and new things happening in Coriander land. =)
Where can our readers follow your work, connect with you, or find your patterns and products?
I share most often on my YouTube channel, Coriander Quilts. I have a new video every Saturday morning at 10amEST. We have such a wonderful community of quilters and piecers and it’s always so much fun to chat with everyone each week.
You can also find me on the other socials by searching Coriander Quilts. (Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest)
Corey I love your work and designs. I especially love your new collection!
All that I use is aurifil..