Ilaria Padovani

Ilaria Padovani is a Bristol-based Textile Artist & Quilt Specialist whose practice is rooted in a lifelong passion for stitch and fabric. Born and raised in Italy, she began sewing, knitting and crocheting and embroidering at the age of four under the meticulous guidance of her grandmother, who instilled in her an enduring respect for precision, craftsmanship and the value of doing things well. 

After moving abroad in 1999, Ilaria lived in the US, Ireland and the UK, experiences that expanded her creative influences and shaped her artistic voice. Her commitment to quilt making began in 2003 in State College, Pennsylvania, where she was welcomed into a community of traditional quilters. Their mentorship sparked her lasting love for hand processes - particularly hand appliqué, English Paper Piecing and Foundation Paper Piecing - which continue to define her practice.

Since 2014, Ilaria has worked closely with internationally acclaimed designer Kaffe Fassett, contributing to the making and coordination of sample quilts for his celebrated Patchwork and Quilting publications. This collaboration further strengthened her distinctive approach to colour, detail and technical excellence.

 As a tutor at the Royal West of England Academy, Ilaria brings a teaching style that is encouraging, structured and deeply knowledgeable. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming learning environment in which students of all abilities can develop confidence and explore the expressive potential of textile art. Passionate about sharing her skills, she aims to inspire creativity, foster curiosity and nurture a love for slow, thoughtful, hands-on making.