10 Best Quilting Books

10 Best Quilting Books

Here are my quilting book reviews.

1. Quilt As You Go Made Modern: Fresh Techniques for Busy Quilters

This book teaches the quilt as you go method, where instead of using paper pieces to create a pattern, you quilt directly onto each batting block and then assemble the entire quilt.  This method greatly simplifies the process of creating a quilt.  It’s a great way for beginners to learn to machine quilt.

• Teaches the improvisational quilt as you go technique
• Quilt directly on the block, rather than the entire quilt
• This method is suitable for beginners

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2. Better Homes and Gardens: Complete Guide to Quilting

Ideal for both beginners and more advanced quilters alike, this book includes information on all the key techniques needed to create quilting projects. It also includes information on tools commonly used in quilting, as well as different types of fabrics. This book also teaches both hand and machine quilting techniques.

• One-stop quilting reference for beginners and expert quilters
• Color illustrations
• Explains how to use quilting tools

3. The Splendid Sample: 100 Spectacular Blocks from a Community of Quilters

This book includes a variety of blocks – paper pieced, pieced, and applique blocks are featured. Detailed instructions are included to help the quilter select fabric, cut fabric, and piece together a variety of quilt blocks to create a beautiful final project.  This book is great for any quilter looking to expand their skills.

• Introduces a wide range of techniques
• Several blocks come with more than one color option
• A variety of ways to assemble the blocks into a quilt

4. Allie Aller’s Crazy Quilting: Modern Piecing and Embellishment Techniques for Joyful Stitching

This book introduces the time-honored technique of crazy quilting, which can be used to create modern, multi-dimensional quilted works of art. It includes a variety of tips and tricks, as well as advice on the best tools for crazy quilting projects. The directions are easy to understand and clearly illustrated.

• Teaches a variety of easy to master techniques
• Combines traditional methods with modern tips and tricks
• Anyone can master crazy quilting – from beginners to advanced sewers

5. Free-Motion Meandering: A Beginners Guide to Machine Quilting

This is the perfect book for quilters who want to learn how to free-motion quilt using a sewing machine. Step-by-step visuals and easy-to-follow instructions help quilters learn the meandering technique and also learn how to disguise mistakes and transition from one stitch style to another. Use this technique for a unique finish on any quilting project.

• Makes free-motion quilting less intimidating
• Step by step visuals
• Eight meandering stitches included, with variations

6. Quiltmaker’s 1,000 Blocks: A Collection of Quilt Blocks from Today’s Top Designers

This book of quilt block patterns from the editors of Quiltmaker Magazine includes patterns for pieced, applique, and foundation pieced blocks.  Blocks run the gamut from traditional patchwork to modern designs and techniques. Beautiful, full-colored photographs and easy-to-follow instructions make this a great resource for any quilter.

• Covers a variety of block-making techniques
• Includes a bonus CD of PDF templates
• A variety of blocks, from traditional to modern

7. Simple What-nots: A Batch of Satisfyingly Scrappy Little Quilts

This book includes 18 different projects for creating a unique quilt on a small scale. Extra tips are included to help you improve your quilting skills.  Invisible machine applique and wool applique techniques are taught.

• Can be used with scrap fabrics
• Quick to finish quilting projects
• 18 different projects included

8. Oh, Scrap!  Fabulous Quilts That Make the Most of Your Stash

This is a great book to help you make good use of all the fabric in your stash to create lovely projects such as table runners and full-size quilts.  The author gives advice on how to combine colors and fabrics for optimal results.  Projects are suitable for quilters from beginner to intermediate levels.

• Tips on choosing fabric combinations that work
• Includes a dozen quilt patterns with alternate color combinations
• Beginner and intermediate patterns included

9. First Time Quiltmaking: Learning to Quilt in Six Easy Lessons

This book is perfect for the first-time quilter.  It is divided into six lessons that take you through all stages of making a quilt, from selecting and cutting fabric, to assembling the quilt top and finishing the quilt. It is illustrated throughout to make the lessons easy to follow.

• Advice to select the tools and fabric for your project
• Easy teach me/show me format
• Geared towards novice-level quilters

10. Moda All-Stars On a Roll: 14 Quilts That Start with 2 ½” Strips

This book contains patterns for 14 different quilts which can be made with “jelly roll” strips.  This method greatly reduces time spent cutting out fabric for the quilt. These patterns also work with either traditional or contemporary print fabric.

• Patterns use 2 ½ inch strips to minimize time spent cutting
• Includes both classic and contemporary patterns
• Photos to illustrate instructions

Quilting Book Buyer’s Guide

There are many considerations when buying a quilting book.  First, you must consider the project that you would like to create.  These books contain instructions for quilts from crib to king-size, and everything in between. Other options include table runners, wall hangings, and other decorative pieces for the home.  Second, you must consider your skills as a sewer. You may need a book that provides instruction in basic quilting techniques, or you may be more advanced in your skills and looking to try a new technique, such as scrap quilting or crazy quilting.

Yet another thing to consider is what types of materials you want to use.  A huge part of the art of quilting is how to assemble materials and come up with a suitable color scheme.  Many of the books included in this guide give you guidance on how to do this. You may also want to use materials you already have in your stash.  Some of these quilting books feature projects designed specifically to make use of material you already have, teaching you how to select materials that coordinate well to make the most of the fabric you already have. You might also want to use a material that is easy to cut and piece.  Some books featured in this guide have projects that make use of 2 ½ inch strips of materials and other types of pre-cut pieces to make cutting and assembling material for a quilt easier.

The books included in this buying guide cover many different techniques that beginning or advanced quilters might want to try, such as crazy quilting.  Some of the books also include directions for many different types of blocks so that you can create a “sampler” quilt, or select one or two blocks for an entire quilt.   Whichever method you choose, you will be able to create a unique quilt and improve your skills as a quilter.

Recommended Reading:

• Chapter 1
• 35 Best Sewing Machines
• Chapter 3
• Chapter 4
• Fabric Store
• Best Sewing Books
• Best Embroidery Books