Quickthorn publishes books with an emphasis on making, and personal agency.

Making empowers us to be more self-sufficient and take control over the way we consume. Crafting something with your own hands is a reflective process, it encourages you to slow down when the pace of life feels too fast, to be patient and to learn that good things don’t happen immediately. There is a huge joy in making, to create something that is unique, tangible evidence of your time and labour. 

katy bevan quickthorn publishing author

What Katy did next

Quickthorn Ltd is the brainchild of Katy Bevan who saw a gap in the market for intelligent books about craft and making.

Previously at the Crafts Council, Katy is a writer and educator with a specialism in craft, running workshops in darning, crochet and knitting. She writes for textile and craft magazines such as Selvedge and blogs at The Crafter, and is mostly to be found knitting in the corner.  

Katy is an experienced editor and publisher in magazines, from Ceramic Review to The Erotic Review and of books with Quarto, Quintet, Anness Publishing. With an extensive network of contacts in the craft sector and with media experience on television (Richard and Judy; BBC London News) and radio (BBC Radio 2, The Today Programme Radio 4, World Service and local stations). She has successfully designed, managed and edited several magazines, written articles, websites and blogs and art-directed many photo shoots.

Our Ethos

We are committed to reducing our environmental impact by sourcing locally, using recyclable packaging, and opting for biodegradable cellulose lamination for book finishes. You might now know this, but most books are coated in plastic. We decided that ours will remain beautifully uncoated to avoid using unnecessary plastic.

While the covers may show signs of aging sooner, we believe this is a necessary choice. Whenever possible, we use recycled paper, though we prioritise locally responsible sources to minimise our carbon footprint.

Our Authors

  • celia pym quickthorn publishing author

    Celia Pym

    The artist Celia Pym has been exploring damage and repair in textiles since 2007.
    About Her 
  • hikaru noguchi quickthorn publishing author

    Hikaru Noguchi

    The Japanese darning guru who spearheaded the recent resurgence of mending.
    About Her 
  • lynn setterington quickthorn publishing author

    Lynn Setterington

    Lynn Setterington is a major British textile artist known for her hand-stitched quilts and embroideries.
    About Her