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

by Celia Eddy

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.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

First published July 15, 2003

Reviews

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably 3 1/2 stars. There is a lot of information in this book, not just the basics. Near the beginning, the book states that the material and equipment required for quilting are easily obtainable and relatively inexpensive. But what follows is a really extensive shopping list that looks very pricey to me. I feel that the most important items for a beginner to have when getting started get lost in the crowd and that beginners may be frightened by the amount. I'm not sure that sets of templates, applique supplies, embroidery floss or metallic threads, for example, are basic supplies. The space might have been better used for a longer definition of "Quilting thread." And each of the basic supplies are not given equal time. Measuring is important but rulers are explained very briefly and the illustration is pushed off the corner of the page. Various straight pins are given half a page and safety pins aren't even mentioned.

The photos illustrating quilting techniques are excellent, large and clear.

From page 27 on, the book covers step-by-step projects demonstrating quilting techniques and how they are used to complete each project. All of the projects look more difficult to me than any of the projects in Quilting 101: A Beginner's Guide to Quilting and end with things that I don't consider to be "basic" like bead work, sequins, couching and broderie perse. On the plus side, the projects can be useful and interesting even when the reader is no longer a beginner.

The book is indexed. The there is a short glossary at the end of the book with very short definitions. The book I have does not lay flat when open unless I put a brick on it.

Just my pet peeve: I would like the quilting project examples in the photos to be the best examples possible. I want the points to meet.

[ReadingWench · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to learn to quilt, this book is a great start. Filled with the tools needed, techniques, making templates, using a rotary cutter, types of stitching, and working with color, this book has step by step instructions and photos on the QUILTING BASICS.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crazy Log Cabin quilt pattern that I want to make. Also a star quilt I'd like to make, although there is no pattern included, just a photo on page 79.

[Mary Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear explanations, everything I need to know.