Quilting Basics: All You Need to Know to Start Making Your Own Fabulous Quilts

For centuries, the craft of quilting has given the world wonderful and valuable works of folk art. But quilting is also an enjoyable activity for needlecrafters—a source of satisfaction whether practiced as a social “quilting bee” or as a solo activity. This attractive, how-to volume presents twelve projects on progressive skill levels. More than 300 color diagrams and photos show templates, sewing techniques, and beautiful finished items. The book’s first project is a small, easy-to-make wall hanging. Projects that follow include a baby’s play mat, a cushion made from joined diamond templates, a log cabin bed quilt, a complex but magnificent wall panel, and seven others. The author gives details on materials needed for getting started, offers tips on using different fabrics, threads, frames, and hoops, and instructs on machine quilting. Here is guidance that covers virtually every aspect of quilting, a source of many of tomorrow’s most valuable heirlooms.

Front flap
From its earliest beginnings as a craft born of necessity, quilting has progressed to a highly decorative art form. Today, it has reached its peak of popularity as a fascinating, creative, and relaxing hobby. Even so, many quilters?beginners and advanced?feel that they lack skill in some of the basic techniques, or find that they have become accustomed to one type of quilting and don?t know how to try anything else. Quilting Basics presents you with all the basic skills you?ll ever need to follow both published patterns and designs that you have conceived yourself.

The book begins with clear, step-by-step coverage of all the materials and key quilting skills every beginner needs in order to make a start. Next, it demonstrates a wide range of types of quilting, including American block patchwork, hand and machine quilting, log cabin patchwork, and appliqué. Each type is fully explained and illustrated, then demonstrated with clear, step-by-step photos and artwork. A selection of twelve specially commissioned projects encourages you to practice the skills you have learned as you create stunning and expressive quilts for yourself, your family, and your friends.

Packed throughout with valuable tips and timesavers, Quilting Basics will bring you many hours of enjoyment, whether you?re a beginner or an experienced quilter.

Back cover
Quilting?a unique form of expression?has always been carried out as a communal activity, in which both ideas and fabrics are shared. Here is an instant entrée to this friendly and inspiring world.

Learn as you go and enjoy success from day one, guided by beautiful illustrations and step-by-step instruction in traditional and modern quilting skills

Twelve specially commissioned projects lead you from the status of enthusiastic beginner to accomplished quilter

Create magnificent quilts that will take pride of place in any home.

Back flap
Celia Eddy has been quilting for over twenty years. She writes, edits, teaches, and lectures on quilts, and has undertaken research in the history of patchwork and quilting in both Britain and the United States.The author of Quilter?s Block Bible, Celia lives in Cumbria, England.