Nifty Fifty Swaps

A Nifty Fifty swap brings together exactly 50 quilters — one from each US state. Each participant makes identical quilt blocks in a shared theme and color palette, then mails their 50 state blocks to the Nifty Fifty hostess. She will sort and mail back the blocks to the quilters. At the end, each quilter has 50 unique blocks representing all 50 states, ready to assemble into a one-of-a-kind quilt.

Since the first swap in 1997, the NiftyFifty group has completed over 30 themed exchanges, producing more than 70,000 handmade quilt blocks.

1. Enrollment — When a new Nifty Fifty swap opens, quilters claim their home state on a first-come, first-served basis. One quilter per state.

2. Theme & Guidelines — Each swap has a specific theme (color palette, technique, or subject) and block size. The swap organizer sets the guidelines.

3. Create Your Blocks — Make 50 identical blocks following the theme. Your block should reflect your state's identity within the swap's guidelines.

4. Mail — The quilters will mail their 50 state blocks to the Nifty Fifty hostess. She will sort and mail back the blocks to the quilters.

5. Receive & Assemble — Collect 50 unique blocks from across the country and assemble them into your quilt.

Nifty Fifty swaps have covered an incredible range of themes: traditional state blocks, batik fabrics, Amish designs, Civil War history, snowflakes, state flowers, redwork embroidery, Sunbonnet Sue, 1930s reproduction fabrics, patriotic tributes, and international exchanges reaching quilters in 50+ countries.