More than 3,000 bolts of quilt fabric fill the upper floor of a restored white barn. That is a lot of fabric.
I’d have a hard time leaving with just one fat quarter.
The shop’s story got even better when it moved. Before landing in the barn, it once lived in a corn crib.
Then it spent time in a tiny 400-square-foot space before doubling its room.
The main floor holds handmade quilts, many stitched by local Amish women. Some represent a full year of careful work.
What I find especially appealing is how much of this shop’s character comes from the people who make the quilts and keep these traditions alive in northern Indiana.
Upstairs, open beams stretch overhead while fabric waits in alcoves sorted by color. Quilters plan whole trips around this place.
I’d probably spend far longer browsing those fabric shelves than I originally planned, and leave with more than I came for.
A Corn Crib Was Just the Opening Chapter of This Story
Plenty of shops grow over time, but few start out in a corn crib. The Quilt Shop at Essenhaus did exactly that before trying on bigger homes.
Its journey reads like a quilt itself, pieced together one step at a time.
After the corn crib, the shop moved into a small 400-square-foot space at Southgate Crossing. That cozy spot eventually felt tight for a growing business.
So the shop packed up again and headed for something roomier.
The new home is a restored white barn on the Das Dutchman Essenhaus campus. The move more than doubled the shop’s floor space.
It also opened up the shopping areas, so browsers have room to breathe.
The shop marked one year in the barn in July 2020. By then, it had already been part of the Essenhaus campus for more than two decades.
Today, that history stretches past 25 years.
I like that the building itself carries farm roots. A barn feels like the right fit for handmade quilts and Amish craftsmanship.
The setting matches the work inside, which is honestly hard to fake.
Keep that backstory in mind when you visit. It makes every bolt and every stitch feel a little more earned.
Handmade Amish Quilts Wait for You on the First Floor
A single quilt on this floor can represent a full year of someone’s work. Many of the finished quilts come from local Amish women.
That kind of patience deserves a slow look, not a quick glance.
The first floor is where these pieces shine. You’ll find full-size quilts alongside wall hangings and table runners.
Other handcrafted items round out the display, so there’s something for every wall and table.
These quilts are a serious investment. The shop carries pieces meant to be treasured, not tossed in the back of a closet.
Think heirloom, the kind that gets passed down and argued over by grandkids.
Shopping for one takes a little planning. Measure your bed before you go, and think about the colors in your room.
Those two details will save you from falling for a quilt that won’t fit.
Staff can help you sort through options and patterns. Ask about the makers and the designs that catch your eye.
Each quilt carries a story, and learning it makes the purchase feel personal.
Even if you’re only browsing, this floor is worth your time. It’s basically a gallery of Indiana craftsmanship where you can actually touch the art.
Climb the Stairs and Prepare to Lose Track of Time
Over 3,000 bolts of quilt fabric live upstairs. That number alone explains why quilters plan road trips around this barn.
Good luck sticking to your shopping list.
The second floor belongs to do-it-yourself quilters. Beautiful open beams stretch overhead, giving the room a warm, airy feel.
Those beams also make a perfect backdrop for hanging quilts on display.
Variety is the big draw here. The shelves hold solids, blenders, prints, batiks, and tone-on-tones.
Wide backs are also on hand, which saves you from piecing together a quilt backing.
The smartest part might be the layout. Fabrics sit in alcoves grouped by color family.
Need the perfect green to pair with a print? Head to one alcove and compare shades side by side.
Bring swatches from projects you’re already working on. Matching colors in person beats guessing from a phone screen every time.
It’s also easier on your patience, and your wallet.
Give yourself plenty of time up here. A quick trip upstairs can easily turn into an afternoon.
Honestly, that’s half the fun of visiting this Indiana barn in the first place.
Your Next Project Can Leave With You in a Single Bag
Fabric is only half the battle when starting a new quilt. You also need patterns, batting, thread, and a pile of handy tools.
The Quilt Shop at Essenhaus keeps those essentials under the same roof.
Shelves hold notions, patterns, batting, and embroidery threads. Quilt kits are available too, which take a lot of guesswork out of planning.
Sample quilts hang nearby so you can see the finished result before committing.
Here’s a fun option for creative types. You can build your own kit instead of choosing a ready-made one.
Pick a pattern, then gather fabrics that match your style and color taste.
Beginners might prefer starting with a sample-based kit. It shows exactly how the pieces come together.
That makes the first project feel less scary and a lot more doable.
Pattern lovers should plan to browse slowly. The selection can spark ideas you didn’t know you had.
You might walk in for one project and leave plotting three more.
A quick tip: snap a photo of any sample quilt you love. It helps later when you’re cutting pieces at home.
Your future self will thank you during that tricky corner seam.
No Needle? No Problem With This Clever Homegrown Craft
Not everyone owns a sewing machine, and that’s perfectly fine here. The shop carries the area’s largest selection of no-sew Quilt Magic products.
Even better, the product line was developed at this very shop.
A former owner came up with the idea. Quilt Magic lets you create wall hangings without stitching a single seam.
Instead, it uses pre-cut pieces and foam to build the design.
The result looks like a quilt but skips the sewing. That makes it a fun option for kids, beginners, or anyone nervous around a needle.
It’s also great for crafty folks who just want quick results.
I believe this is one of the shop’s coolest claims to fame. Plenty of stores sell craft kits.
Very few can say they invented one in their own building.
These projects make easy gifts and seasonal decorations. A family could even work on one together during a rainy afternoon.
Nobody has to fight over who gets to use the sewing machine.
Look through the different designs while you browse. Some might match a holiday, a season, or a favorite theme.
Grab one for yourself, and maybe another for a friend.
Wooden Quilts and Tiny Bonnets Make the Gift Hunt Fun
A quilt made entirely of wood sounds like a riddle. Yet an Amish craftsman has created exactly that from different colored woods.
It’s one of the most surprising finds in the whole shop.
The same craftsman supplies other wooden pieces too. Look for candy dispensers and trivets made with real skill.
They make sturdy, useful gifts that won’t end up forgotten in a drawer.
Doll lovers get their own treat here. The shop sells clothes that fit American Girl dolls.
Some outfits even include Amish doll clothing and head coverings.
Painted barn quilts add another layer of local charm. These colorful squares often decorate barns across the countryside.
Bringing one home lets you carry a bit of northern Indiana style with you.
Have a specific idea in mind? The shop accepts custom commission orders for barn quilts.
You can request colors or designs that suit your home or garage.
Gift shopping can feel like a chore at big stores. Here, it feels more like a treasure hunt.
You’ll probably find something for the quilter in your life, plus the one friend who has everything.
Thursdays Belong to Quilters Who Love Good Company
Quilting can be a quiet solo hobby. It gets a lot more fun with friends around the table.
The Quilt Shop at Essenhaus leans into that with regular gatherings.
Sit and Sew events happen on Thursdays. Reservations are recommended, so call ahead before packing your machine.
It’s a relaxed chance to work on projects alongside fellow sewists.
The Block of the Month Club meets on the second Thursday of each month. Members build a quilt piece by piece over time.
It’s a great way to stay motivated and actually finish something.
Classes are offered for all skill levels too. Brand-new sewists can learn the basics.
More experienced quilters can sharpen their skills or try new methods.
Beyond the lessons, these events build friendships. The shop works to connect with local quilters, not just tourists passing through.
That sense of community gives the place real heart.
Planning a trip from out of town? Check the schedule before you go.
Joining a class or event could turn an ordinary shopping stop into a highlight of your visit to Indiana Amish country.
Long-Arm Dreams Get Real Support From a Licensed Dealer
Long-arm quilting machines are big, impressive, and a serious purchase. Buying one without expert help would be like buying a car with your eyes closed.
That’s where this shop steps in.
The Quilt Shop at Essenhaus is a licensed Handi Quilter dealer. It sells long-arm machines along with regular sewing machines.
Shoppers can learn about models before making a big decision.
Service matters just as much as sales. The shop services and repairs sewing machines too.
That’s a relief when your trusty machine starts making strange noises mid-project.
Susan Garberick became the owner on January 1, 2017. Her own love of quilting goes back to the 1970s.
That decades-long passion shows in how the shop supports serious sewists.
Thinking about upgrading your setup? Bring a list of questions about size, space, and features.
Knowing how big your sewing room is will help a lot.
Even casual quilters might enjoy seeing a long-arm machine up close. Watching one glide across a full quilt is pretty mesmerizing.
Fair warning, it may plant ideas you can’t shake.
Plan a Whole Day Around This Amish Country Campus
Fabric shopping works up an appetite, and luckily dinner is close by. The shop sits on the Das Dutchman Essenhaus campus.
You’ll find it at 240 US-20, Middlebury, IN 46540.
The campus sits in the heart of Indiana Amish country. It’s a walkable, park-like spot with dining, a bakery, and more shopping.
Overnight lodging is also available if one day isn’t enough.
The Essenhaus Village Shops fill restored farm buildings. That gives the whole area a cohesive, countryside feel.
Strolling between stops feels relaxed rather than rushed.
Families have plenty to enjoy too. Mini-golf, bike rentals, and carriage rides add extra fun.
Non-quilters in your group won’t be stuck waiting by the door.
Getting there is fairly simple. The campus sits along US 20, a short drive from Interstate 90.
Road-trippers can work it into a bigger tour of the region.
The shop is closed on Sundays, so plan around that. Hours can vary, so double-check before heading out.
Then pack a tote bag, bring your swatches, and let the barn do the rest.
