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The Quilt Block Cookbook: 50 Block Recipes, 7 Sample Quilts, Endless Possibilities
The Quilt Block Cookbook is a thoughtfully curated volume of 50 different 12-inch quilt blocks in a variety of complexities and styles. Quilt blocks are like a box of chocolates?each one is a mini euphoria on its own. And when paired with other blocks, they're simply delectable! Most quilt blocks are comprised of basic elements, and you'll learn the ingredients for each. In addition to other 50 blocks and the 7 sampler quilts, quilters will also learn how to use their quilt blocks in many different ways, creating dynamic design repeats by tapping into the limitless possibilities of block-based quilts.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published June 4, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 22, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Here we have a smattering of some beginner or easier type blocks as well as some more complex units. I loved how they were all broken down to really show the reader how to mix and match new creations. And there are helpful tips for simpler sewing as well as sized cutting charts! The book also shows blocks that are modern and blocks that are more traditional, but all in a way that feels new, especially with the example quilts that we see here. I liked the tips for things like utilizing negative space or cutting long pieces of fabric. I cannot wait to buy this book and add it to my quilting section of my library.
For: beginner quilters; quilters wanting a fresh take on the craft or some new ideas on laying out blocks and sashing.
Possible red flags: this is not recommended for quilters who only like traditional style quilts and quilting as there are a lot of modern techniques and suggestions for non-scrap quilt designs.
For: beginner quilters; quilters wanting a fresh take on the craft or some new ideas on laying out blocks and sashing.
Possible red flags: this is not recommended for quilters who only like traditional style quilts and quilting as there are a lot of modern techniques and suggestions for non-scrap quilt designs.
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October 2, 2025I received this book as a gift from a guild member as part of a swap. I wasn't that excited about it and almost gave it away. I never did and I am really glad! This book is surprisingly awesome. The blocks are different than regular block dictionaries and I like the concept of putting different units together to create interesting blocks. The concept is very similar to Doreen Speckman's book, Pattern Play.
The introduction (pg.9) starts with an essay on why the author loves blocks. I agree with all of her Gibson's comments, especially "...quilt blocks are incredibly versatile." (pg.9). Sewing one block IS a little triumph and well-done blocks are mini masterpieces.
Blocks are a great way to build community as well. "Quilting isn't just about sewing. It's also about community..." (pg.10), which is included in the Share the Love subsection (pg.10). The Share the Love subsection is followed by a "How to Use this Book" section in which the author explains fitting the units together into blocks, explaining "12 inch blocks are a very common size, and for good reason. They're divisible by 2, 3, 4 and 6, which makes them incredibly versatile and simple to both design and work with." (pg.11). This section shows how to make high impact changes with a change in units and talks about templates.
This book is named "...Cookbook", so the cooking theme is carried out throughout the book. In the Season to Taste subsection, the author shares "from fabric choices, to unity styles and methods, by all means, please make these your own. And this where the unit substitutions come in. Maybe you don't enjoy curves and you don't want them in your block. No problem - use a different unit..." (pg.12).
The "Working the Grid" section is GREAT. It is a "quick overview of how grid style blocks work" with examples of different grids. It is a good lesson that gives quiltmakers real skills and reminds me of Jinny Beyer.
"Combining Units" (pg.14) talks about combining the different units included in the book. This builds on the previous section and gives the reader practice on breaking down blocks.
Gibson talks about most blocks needing to be squared up after making them (pg.15). I don't agree and am concerned when she doesn't talk about squaring up so the block or unit looks correct, e.g. points aren't cut off.
"Stocking Your Kitchen" (pg.17) is all about the tools and supplies you will need to make blocks. The "Ingredients" (pg.18-19) are the basic units that the book uses to make blocks. The idea is to use these to build up blocks. These are mostly normal blocks, like 9 Patch and Flying Geese. Some of them are colored differently or turned a different way to fill out the section. In general, I love these pages and know I could happily make blocks forever with only these units.
Starting on page 22 are the blocks. All combine the units discussed above and most are not standard/classic blocks, though some are. I like the way the units with the 3 triangles are colored in Mango Tango (pg.52). It’s a good way to make a zigzag. Corner units in Moon Bug (pg.58) are awesome! They have the same structure as Four Patch Fun blocks. Windsong (pg.92) uses Flying Geese in a creative way to make a Friendship Star center.
There is a section called "Staples" (pg.101-), which has blocks that are described as being "...bold, quick and they show off fabrics well.." (pg.103). This is where you will find blocks that you might have seen in conventional block dictionaries. Piccadilly (pg.104) is awesome. I definitely want to try it.
Amy Gibson did a great job on designs for quilts (pg. 124-). These are not all standard, but lays blocks out in interesting and fresh ways to make interesting quilts. Off the Grid (pg.126-128), which is based on a standard straight layout has an awesome border, which not only makes the quilt larger, but ads a lot of interest. Full Scale (pg.129-131) is a great layout when you want to use a few blocks to make a quilt with a lot of punch. Celestial (pg.134-135) uses a similar layout to my Carpenter's Wheel quilt. I think I like all the layouts and the good thing is that you can use these layouts with any size blocks.
The last part of the book has the obligatory "Construction Techniques" (pg.149) section. The section explains making units quickly and easily. The directions can be used any time you want to make these units even if you are using different sized patches.
"A Look at Seam Pressing Strategies" (pg.160) is a model of diplomacy and good information. I like it that Amy mentions reducing bulk.
One of the final sections, "Perfect Pairings" (pg.162-164) shows readers what blocks look like together. This is followed by "Unit sizing Chart" (pg.165-167), which gives cutting information for various sizes of units. Templates are included at the end with appropriate photocopying instructions in case you enjoy foundation piecing.
Overall, I am really glad I didn't give this book away. It is a surprising gem that I can't wait to use more.
The introduction (pg.9) starts with an essay on why the author loves blocks. I agree with all of her Gibson's comments, especially "...quilt blocks are incredibly versatile." (pg.9). Sewing one block IS a little triumph and well-done blocks are mini masterpieces.
Blocks are a great way to build community as well. "Quilting isn't just about sewing. It's also about community..." (pg.10), which is included in the Share the Love subsection (pg.10). The Share the Love subsection is followed by a "How to Use this Book" section in which the author explains fitting the units together into blocks, explaining "12 inch blocks are a very common size, and for good reason. They're divisible by 2, 3, 4 and 6, which makes them incredibly versatile and simple to both design and work with." (pg.11). This section shows how to make high impact changes with a change in units and talks about templates.
This book is named "...Cookbook", so the cooking theme is carried out throughout the book. In the Season to Taste subsection, the author shares "from fabric choices, to unity styles and methods, by all means, please make these your own. And this where the unit substitutions come in. Maybe you don't enjoy curves and you don't want them in your block. No problem - use a different unit..." (pg.12).
The "Working the Grid" section is GREAT. It is a "quick overview of how grid style blocks work" with examples of different grids. It is a good lesson that gives quiltmakers real skills and reminds me of Jinny Beyer.
"Combining Units" (pg.14) talks about combining the different units included in the book. This builds on the previous section and gives the reader practice on breaking down blocks.
Gibson talks about most blocks needing to be squared up after making them (pg.15). I don't agree and am concerned when she doesn't talk about squaring up so the block or unit looks correct, e.g. points aren't cut off.
"Stocking Your Kitchen" (pg.17) is all about the tools and supplies you will need to make blocks. The "Ingredients" (pg.18-19) are the basic units that the book uses to make blocks. The idea is to use these to build up blocks. These are mostly normal blocks, like 9 Patch and Flying Geese. Some of them are colored differently or turned a different way to fill out the section. In general, I love these pages and know I could happily make blocks forever with only these units.
Starting on page 22 are the blocks. All combine the units discussed above and most are not standard/classic blocks, though some are. I like the way the units with the 3 triangles are colored in Mango Tango (pg.52). It’s a good way to make a zigzag. Corner units in Moon Bug (pg.58) are awesome! They have the same structure as Four Patch Fun blocks. Windsong (pg.92) uses Flying Geese in a creative way to make a Friendship Star center.
There is a section called "Staples" (pg.101-), which has blocks that are described as being "...bold, quick and they show off fabrics well.." (pg.103). This is where you will find blocks that you might have seen in conventional block dictionaries. Piccadilly (pg.104) is awesome. I definitely want to try it.
Amy Gibson did a great job on designs for quilts (pg. 124-). These are not all standard, but lays blocks out in interesting and fresh ways to make interesting quilts. Off the Grid (pg.126-128), which is based on a standard straight layout has an awesome border, which not only makes the quilt larger, but ads a lot of interest. Full Scale (pg.129-131) is a great layout when you want to use a few blocks to make a quilt with a lot of punch. Celestial (pg.134-135) uses a similar layout to my Carpenter's Wheel quilt. I think I like all the layouts and the good thing is that you can use these layouts with any size blocks.
The last part of the book has the obligatory "Construction Techniques" (pg.149) section. The section explains making units quickly and easily. The directions can be used any time you want to make these units even if you are using different sized patches.
"A Look at Seam Pressing Strategies" (pg.160) is a model of diplomacy and good information. I like it that Amy mentions reducing bulk.
One of the final sections, "Perfect Pairings" (pg.162-164) shows readers what blocks look like together. This is followed by "Unit sizing Chart" (pg.165-167), which gives cutting information for various sizes of units. Templates are included at the end with appropriate photocopying instructions in case you enjoy foundation piecing.
Overall, I am really glad I didn't give this book away. It is a surprising gem that I can't wait to use more.
May 19, 2017
Totally loved this book. I loved how they not only showed off some cool looking modern blocks but also how to use very basic blocks to create your own unique looking blocks. At the back of the book there is a very helpful chart that will tell you how big you need to cut your pieces in order to make blocks of various sizes.
March 12, 2022
I loved this book so much when I borrowed it from the library I purchased it. The quilt samples towards the back of the book are so different and unique. Definitely a must have book for quilters. I have noticed in online reviews there are mistakes in the book so If you use it, look for errata online.
May 5, 2017
This book has GORGEOUS pictures and it made really well. I love all the many blocks it shows how to make as well as the sampler quilts and overall inspiration it gives. I had checked this out from the library but will be buying it to add to my library. It's eye candy for the quilter!
May 27, 2018
Lots of sample 12" square quilt blocks. Great ideas and easy to follow directions. As a beginning quilter, this will give me lots of different designs for practice and ideas for piecing together different quilts.
January 15, 2018
Need to buy
May 10, 2018
I might buy this book. Lots of ideas. Very colorful.
May 24, 2021
Lots of 12 inch blocks, which are broken down into separate parts that you could mix and match to create new patterns. Beautiful fabrics in the sample blocks.
August 10, 2022
2 of my favorite things, cooking and quilting
September 23, 2025
This is such a cool book! I recommend this.
March 7, 2017
I love anything that helps me be creative and make something unique and totally me. This book gives you the basic ingredients, some inspiration and then tells you to go wild! You can read my full review, which includes a sample project from the book, on my blog Wavoki Crafts.
November 9, 2016
Most of this is more than I am prepared to commit to for the moment, but the block patterns are clearly laid out and combinations presented are intriguing. This is a beautiful book.
December 29, 2020
One of the best quilting book out there, even for beginners. Also a very beautiful book to own. Each block is nicely presented and lovely photographed. Really inviting to try out many of them.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews