Patchwork: A Beginner's Step-By-Step Guide to Patterns and Techniques

In a few simple steps, anyone can learn the art of patchwork! Patchwork is a hobby that appeals to all age groups. Regardless of skill level, patchwork is an activity that can easily be learned through proper guidance and a touch of creativity. This book provides a holistic framework that will set a novice on the right track to gaining the necessary skills, while still appealing to the veteran, in patchwork. The book offers an easy-to-understand, step-by-step guide, that illustrates the various stages in creating a piece of art, from materials and equipment to be utilized to putting together the final piece. The art of patchwork is an age-old tradition, and upon completion of this course, the reader should be able to utilize small scraps of materials to create quilted placements, tote bags, and much more. The range of quilted patchwork that can be created using various types of fabric, from organic fabric to solid or printed fabric, will simply be limited by the imagination of the reader. While it has been written for the beginner, it also serves as a refresher course. Instructions are simple, straightforward, and easy to follow. The book is divided into four sections, each section covering a different phase of the process. The first section of the book covers all matters pertaining to the preparation for patchwork. Templates are discussed in detail, highlighting the different types of templates, measurements of these templates, and the methods in which these templates can be used. Section one continues to discuss various types of material that can be used during patchwork, equipment that may be used during the process, and also discusses the role of the sewing machine during the process, and also touch on curved paper, and graph paper. Section two of the book covers pieced patchwork methods and techniques. This section of the book highlights standard shapes that can be utilized in piece patchwork as well as how to design and make templates for various shapes. Reference is made to both Seminole and English patchwork styles and techniques and how these can be utilized to create beautiful works of art. Joining techniques are discussed in detail. The book gives a breakdown of the difference between opting to use a sewing machine to join pieces together or simply sewing by hand and discusses the process of creating a patchwork quilt, quite thoroughly, from a basic border to assembly, and finishes. Applique is a type of ornamental needlework that is utilized in patchwork and quilting and the art of applique is defined and addressed in the final section of the book while sashiko, a type of traditional Japanese embroidery or stitching, is highlighted and explained. The author continues to discuss methods of caring for these new pieces. The book consists of three interesting and easy to create projects that will help the novice build confidence through practice. Upon completion of this course, the reader should have the basic skills, understand various methods and techniques utilized in the process of patchwork, and have three completed projects under their belt. Don't wait, start your very first project today!

Charlotte Gerlings is an expert in several art mediums, including needlecraft and fabric arts. She graduated in Publishing from Oxford Polytechnic (now Oxford Brookes University) and since then has worked as a book designer, writer and editor. She lives in South West London and is currently studying at Wimbledon School of Art for her MA in Fine Art. She is the author of several books, including Sewing, Patchwork, Cross Stitch, Knitting & Crochet, and 100 Great Artists.