Creating Art Quilts with Panels: Easy Thread Painting and Embellishing Techniques to Create Your Own Colorful Piece of Art From Panels

by Joyce Hughes

Discover how to transform ordinary premade fabric panels and thread into one-of-a-kind art quilts!

• Six step-by-step projects include seasonal panels, beautiful florals, holiday designs, and gorgeous landscapes
• Add dimension and texture with easy thread painting and embellishing techniques
• See your fabric come to life as you sew and layer threads on top of the design
• Get inspired by a photo gallery of magnificent art quilt masterpieces

In Creating Art Quilts with Panels, award-winning quilter and fiber artist Joyce Hughes reveals her creative methods for creating stunning pictorial quilts. Discover how to make your quilt pop and explore endless options for creativity with free-motion quilting, thread painting, trapunto, overlay, three-dimensional effects, machine techniques, raw edge applique, and a variety of embellishments.

In this book Joyce shows you how to take an ordinary fabric panel and turn it into a beautiful work of art. Learn how to make gorgeous seasonal panels, beautiful florals, and magnificent panel replicas.

From simple beading to more advanced three-dimensional pieces, Joyce presents her techniques clearly and concisely with detailed photographs in a step-by-step format.

Sure to please both traditional and contemporary artists alike, Creating Art Quilts with Panels also features a photographic gallery of inspirational art quilt masterpieces.

New panels are designed every year, so try the ideas and techniques in this book on ones that are similar to those featured inside or, even better, mix it up to make something new and different. Create your own piece of art!

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Quilting

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2018

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ladies in my weekly quilt group love to work with preprinted panels. I have never thought seriously about buying a panel, even though I have seen some nice ones.

Until now. Now I can't wait to get my hands on some panels!

Creating Art Quilts with Panels by Joyce Hughes showed me how marvelous preprinted panels can be as the basis for art quilts. She embellishes the fabric with thread painting, sometimes replacing backgrounds or rearranging the elements to create a new image.

A friend recently took a class in thread painting in which they used a photo printed on fabric. Why not use a printed panel?

Joyce Hughes came to use panels while teaching as a time saver so students could jump into technique.

In her book, we learn how to select a good panel. Joyce covers all the supplies needed including sewing machine needles and feet, threads, fusible, batting, rulers and marking tools. She shows us how to prepare the panel including rearranging elements with fusible applique.

Then she shows us the techniques for free motion quilting and thread painting with detailed photos and complete instructions and hints.

Other techniques covered include trapunto, use of an overlay, three-D effects, bobbin work, couching, and embellishments. Finally, she shows how to add a border, block and bind off the quilt, and add a sleeve.

I was stunned by the finished quilts.

Joyce offers six projects: a flower, embellished tree, flag, a landscape, winter birds, and the heron seen above.

Last of all there is an inspiration gallery of art panel quilts of all types, from pillows to wall hangings.

The detail in the book is fantastic. Between the photos and instructions, I feel I could tackle my own project with success. What needle to use for different techniques, how to layer threads by color, how to fuse large pieces with less fusible--there are so many things I will take into my projects.

Now...its time to go shopping for panels!

I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Creating Art Quilts with Panels", reader can learn how to transform regular mass-printed cloth panels, used for pillow cases and quilts into original works of art!

Generally craft books aren't exactly what one would consider an enthralling read. Most of the text tends to be rather 'technical' in nature - writing meant to educate readers and pass on information and new techniques, rather than to entertain. So it's a bit different from reviewing a novel or storybook.
That said, Joyce Hughes does a wonderful job of passing on her unique style of artwork to crafters and artists alike with this text, an introduction to her cloth panel artwork. Readers learn to use a variety of techniques in coordination with quilting methods to complete various projects, from quilted wall-art panels to useful items such as bags. Techniques shown include some of the more common quilting methods, as well as 'thread painting' (by use of a sewing machine and it's various stitches), and the layering of different fabrics, and trims to create various visual effects upon the panel. These techniques lay the groundwork for a variety of projects that readers can explore, from panels such as those shown in the book, to adapting them to wholly original works, such as those by Martha Cole.

The instructions (and I did my best to read all of those in the main section of the book, though I did allow myself to skim the instructions in the individual project section) seem to be clear and easy-to-follow. They were quite readable, and I didn't note any errors that would make things confusing to readers attempting a project. The techniques themselves were quite interesting - my favourite was using layers of sheer 'gauzy' fabric to create snow effects, which I thought was quite pretty!

The only down-side I can see to the book was in the project section. The projects shown were interesting - I especially like the 'Serene Heron' project, as I thought the effects were quite pretty. And it is useful to see various ways the panels can be completed. However, each of the projects shown was of a particular panel that the artist created & completed, most of which I'd assume are of limited supply. Readers picking the book up new may be able to find those panels and follow the instructions to create similar works, but future readers won't have that 'edge'.
In my opinion, it may have been more helpful to have a glossary of techniques - a few pages on various types of leaves you can create, how they look with various stitches, tips for achieving the effects. Different stitch effects to create fur or feathers. Maybe various examples of quilting background-patterns - something like this could help extend the books interest-level to new quilters, as well, as the techniques here seem to be for more experienced crafters and could be a bit intimidating to new users.

This title was provided for review by the publisher through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Creating Art Quilts with Panels is a new technique/tutorial book by Joyce Hughes covering a number of creative techniques for utilizing pre-printed panels to create hangings and quilts. The author states that she began to introduce the use of pre-printed panels in her workshops because it allowed her students to concentrate on the techniques she was teaching instead of spending valuable classroom time on designing.

Released 8th Jan 2019 by Fox Chapel, it's 128 pages and available in paperback format.

The cover artwork gives a good capsule cross section of the techniques covered in the book. There are some really innovative (and versatile - not just for quilting) techniques included.

The book begins with a teacher's statement about how and why she adopted the use of preprinted panels. This is followed by a good introductory chapter which covers materials and supplies. The first 2 chapters make up about 20% of the page content. The 'meat' of the book is contained in the technique chapter which includes surface treatments, freehand work, thread painting and finishing and takes up about 30% of the material. These are followed by a tutorial series of 6 specific projects utilizing the techniques described earlier. While they do use specific fabrics and panels, all are easily adaptable to other materials. The book ends with a photo gallery of work for further inspiration.

There is a (very) basic list of online resources included at the end, but no index. It's a short book, so that shouldn't prove problematic.

There were several project techniques included in the book which immediately grabbed me and sent me scurrying into my sewing room to be tried out. That's sort of my acid test for crafting books. If they get my fingers twitching to stop reading and start trying, then they're ok by me! This one did. She includes a stumpwork/fringework technique in the book which I -definitely- will incorporate into my machine stumpwork.

Beautifully photographed and well written instructions.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book does some clever things with thread painting and embellishing pre-printed fabric panels. As a quilter, it was interesting to see Joyce Hughes’ ideas for adding interest to her quilted projects. The book’s photography was clear and detailed. The information regarding needle sizes and bobbins was especially helpful. The instructions were easy to follow. This small idea filled book would be a great addition to any quilter’s library.

[SueK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating this a four - with reservations. This is exactly what I've been looking for, to add to my sewing technique collection. I have a stack of irresistable fabric panels in my craft room. I'm going to watch for this as hard copy, rather than an electronic version, and will probably buy that. However, even though what I had was an advanced and not finalized copy, the issues of layout and viewing were just too much to deal with, no matter what device I used to view it.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book wasn't what I expected, it did have some useful tips and techniques for thread painting. I didn't realize there was a subtitle, so I assumed this book was more on creating with the quilt panels, instead it was more on thread painting and FMQ - I am too much of a novice to feel ready to attempt these techniques but one day this book may come in handy for that.

*received e-book from Netgalley

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It's quite inspiring and gives great advice and guidance to a nubie at thread painting and embellishing quilt panels. I wasn't able to find exactly the panels shown but found similar panels that will allow me to "play" and create something on a smaller scale.

I'm looking forward to gathering the products and sewing machine parts to try my hand at this technique.

I'm buying the book!!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and enlarged colorful photos of quilt embellishing. I can't wait to try the free motion quilting and thread painting. I also want to try using the Specialty feet highlighted in this book. Great examples of do's and don'ts. I love the examples of how panels will look if you do this or that. It's a library book so I have to try to keep renewing and taking out until I purchase my copy.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent instructions and beautiful results.
These are art quilts, made from common panels! They become uncommon!
I wasn't familiar with bobbin work, so found that interesting.
I've made panels into quilts with the addition of blocks around the panels, but have not embellished the panels themselves, except with quilting.
This book is definitely worth a read.

[Janetpbj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quilt book took an interesting approach to embellishing “plain” panels by using a painting with thread approach. Instructions were clear. Beautiful projects included. I read a copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary Layton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good specific how-to’s-like how to adapt a too-narrow panel—make this worth taking notes while reading.

After checking out from my library, I plan to purchase my own copy next time I’m working on panels.

[Aimee]

Interesting, but not my style. The cover project with the Blue Heron was beautiful, and my favorite in the book.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent guide to creating quilts or panels with threads and techniques into livable art. Even without the pandemic, I would not find what I wanted to start this project locally, but within a month or two I will be able to shop - hopefully! - in Albuquerque or El Paso. It's a shame, as I'm itching to begin on something new. It is so exciting to find your next obsession!

Reviewed on May 24, 2020, at Goodreads. Reviewed June 24, 2020, at AmazonSmile, and Barnes&Noble. Not available for review at BookBub, Kobo or GooglePlay.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great instructions for embellishing your quilts.

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've tried my hand at some pieced quilts in the past and was very interested in this technique using panels. Multiple techniques for enhancing, embellishing and altering panels are shown. My favorites were the more natural scenes (heron, poppies, landscapes) using mainly thread painting and quilted patterns in the backgrounds, but Hughes also covers adding embellishments such as crystals, sequins, lace and more. She also shows how to add 3-D fabric elements which add fun detail and texture. I love learning new ways to express my creativity and expand on the hobbies I'm already involved in.

Thank you to Joyce Hughes, Fox Chapel Publishing, Landauer Publishing LLC and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All comments are my own, unbiased opinion.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was an informative read about how to use fabric panels in quilting. The pictures were beautiful and the directions clear. I liked how the author gave tips as to what panels work well when quilting and which to look out for. The only thing that I didn't like was that to complete the projects in the book you would need to purchase the panels that were chosen by the author. This could put this book out of date rather quickly as these panels are no longer available. Overall this was a good book for quilters looking to expand their skills.

[Jenny Houle · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many things above my skill level that my head was spinning, CREATING SET QUILTS WITH PANELS is a step by step guide to painting with thread, showing how to create different styles of art on a single panel, and then how to tie that all in to a larger quilt. Using smaller panels allows for more control over the outcome. Breathtaking designs!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review. As a quilter, I am constantly looking for new ideas. Lately, I have been intrigued by landscape quilts, but am still overwhelmed at the thought of starting one. However, this book explains how to use panels to create an art quilt. I love it! The directions are clear and concise. The book details many techniques and gives the reader a host of ideas. This is one book that I will definitely be purchasing for my collection.

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

How often have you look or brought beautiful fabric panels, to take it home and wonder what to do with it. Maybe made it up into little quilt, only to find it a little flat and slightly disappointing.
Well this book shows how to add interest and dimension to your work. The book has six project to teach a combination of effects or building on previous learnt effects.
The effects combine thread painting, trapunto (padding), embellishment, overlays bobbin work and 3D effects.
There a lots of fabulous photos and very well explained instructions, all of which can be incorporated into your new panel (or quilt) and not only the authors chosen ones - the skills can be, and are transferable.
I really enjoyed reading this book, just a little different to many other quilt books on the market

[Shasta Matova · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts with a super idea. Instead of piecing or appliquing your quilts, why not start with a panel that is already printed? You can change up the panel by adding applique or cropping it so you like it, but the quilt top won't take much time to get ready. It is a great idea for people who need a quilt in a hurry or really like the quilting part.



The next step is to sandwich and add a base layer of quilting to secure the layers and keep everything flat.



Then the fun begins. You can add thread painting using different colors of thread to add dimension and shadows and highlights. Followup with a variety of other techniques such as trapunto, use of an overlay, three-D effects, bobbin work, couching, and embellishments.



The second part of the book takes you through a variety of projects where she shows you how she embellished it, so you can get a feel for how decisions are made about how to use each technique.



I had thought of this idea before but wasn't quite sure how to accomplish it, and I think this book really helped push me forward in that. The book is not for beginners, as you do have to have some basic knowledge about how to do free motion quilting, thread painting, etc., although just confidence may be able to take you through it. There is a lot of repetition and some of the concepts get explained very quickly so the pacing of the book was difficult for me, but overall, I learned a lot. I am giving this book four stars.

[Evalina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers the opportunity to learn another form of quilting using whole premade panels. The author demonstrates various techniques such as free-motion quilting, thread painting, trapunto and overlay to highlight various parts of the panels and create beautiful art quilts. The reader is shown how to choose a good panel and then decide which technique or combination of techniques will effectively enhance the panel chosen. There are also projects included which apply the various techniques to provide the reader with ideas they can use with their own panels.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by the publisher through Net Galley. However, the thoughts and opinions presented here are my own.

[Catherine Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creating Art Quilts with Panels
by Joyce Hughes

A genius and truly and inspirational book with numerous practical techniques and ideas for a beginner, to try; includes 6 projects, with step by step instruction to follow. The detail in the book is fantastic: art panel quilts of all types, from pillows to wall hangings. Until now, I have never seriously thought about buying a quilting panel; even though I have seen some nice ones. Between the inspiration; photo gallery and instructions, there are many things I feel confident in trying in my own project with success. Now, I can't wait to go shopping and get my hands on some panels!

Creating Art Quilts with Panels by Joyce Hughes shows, how marvelous preprinted panels can be as the base for artful quilts. Teaches how to select a good panel, the supplies needed (threads, fusible, batting, rulers and marking tools); including, which type of sewing machine, needles and feet, are best to use. Shows how to prepare the panel including rearranging elements with fusible applique. Including the techniques for free-motion quilting, with detailed photos with complete instructions and hints. Enhancing quilts, by: embellishing with crystals, sequins, lace and more; thread painting, over-laying, 3-D effects, bobbin work, replacing backgrounds and/or rearranging elements for creating new images, adding details and texture. Even shows how to add a border, block and bind off the quilt; including, how to add a sleeve to make stunning finished quilts.

Thank you to Joyce Hughes, Fox Chapel Publishing, Lindauer Publishing LLC and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I received a free copy of Creating Art Quilts with Panels, in exchange for a fair and unbiased review, and I feel Ms. Hughes’s book; Creating Art Quilts with Panels deserves to get a 4.5-star rating.