Urban Quilting: Quilt Patterns for the Modern-Day Home

by Wendy Chow, Paige Tate & Co. (Producer)

Perfect for beginners, this quilting book features simple illustrations and easy-to-follow steps that teach you how to make up to 30 beautiful quilts in a short amount of time!

A comprehensive guide for both first-time quilters and those looking for a refresher course, Urban Quilting teaches you everything you need to know about this timeless craft. Each pattern contains instructions for three different quilt sizes, with designs that feature bold colors and geometric shapes that will stand out and look stunning in your home.

Urban Quilting includes:

• 10 quilt designs, each with patterns for 3 sizes, for making up to 30 quilts
• Beginner-friendly content, including everything you need to know to get started
• Detailed instructions with clear diagrams so you can learn quickly and easily
• Insightful information on the history of quilting and how today's quilters are modernizing the craft

Genres: Quilting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Sewing

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 19, 2021

Reviews

[Elizabeth Cowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

starting my first project soon ! I love the designs and advice in this book

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this author speak at a retreat for my modern quilt guild, and I was very impress with her.
I got this book out of the library in advance of her talk, and very much liked her designs, but the thing that impressed me more as I looked more closely at the book is the thoroughness of her instructions.
She is a bit of a perfectionist, and that is a very good trait in a pattern writer--I am not much good at following instructions, and so a pattern that doesn't leave much to chance is a real gift for me.
The other thing that I like is that she offers several different color palettes (done in Robert Kaufman Kona solids, but you can translate to other fabric lines more or less--I personally find the Kona fabrics a bit too easy to unravel and so veer away from them myself, but it is a popular and widely available line of fabric) so that if you struggle with color ways, she gives you a few options.
If you are building a collection of modern quilt books, this would be a nice addition.

[Erin L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Urban quilting is a fantastic book for quilters looking to create modern, interesting quilt tops. I love how Wendy connects each quilt’s inspiration to a part of her life, and the patterns are straight forward to follow and fun to make!

[Eleanor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad to find this at the library! Some good intro quilting tips (marking stitch lines with a dull knife?? Cool!) but I was a little underwhelmed by the quilt top patterns. None of them really did it for me unfortunately.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really admire the author's instagram aesthetic, and some of these designs got my wheel turning. I think the book is a little too intro-level for me, though; it's nice to look through, but not ultimately going to add anything to my quilting. I also wish there were more full color photos in it; I get most inspired by seeing actual quilts (a la ig) and not so much technical drawings.

The instructions for shortcut HSTs are at least a little tempting to try, though; I've always been on Team Cutting A Thousand Triangles.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took this book out of my library and found it very helpful and well organized. I liked the history section as it was quite interesting. The quilt designs are labeled beginner, advanced beginner, etc. So one can pick a project based on current sewing ability and experience. One can also pick size quilt (i.e., baby, wall, throw, queen, etc.). Not all sizes are available for every design, but it is nice that this variety is available. I also really liked the clear fabric quantity and suggestions about picking ones own fabric. I feel like with Wendy "by my side" via this book I could try to do a small wall size for beginner project. I know what supplies (I already have a sewing machine) and how much fabric to buy. Most importantly I know every step in advance. I've been to quilting stores and felt like it was all too overwhelming (for me anyway). Very well done book for a novice like myself!

[Minnesinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book may appeal to young adults new to quilting because of the author’s age and ‘hip’ appeal, but the quilt designs themselves were not overwhelmingly impressive. Certainly some were novel in one way or another, but not enough to rate 5 stars. My general feeling about this book was “Meh.” None really appealed to me, but that’s just my opinion. I could easily understand if it appeals to an urban, urbane crowd. (For reference: I am not one who likes traditional quilt designs; far from it. I prefer art quilts, or simple graphic designs where color is as important as the design. It’s hard to explain, because it’s like trying to explain why one prefers one artist over another.)

The ebook edition was typically poor quality (layout askew; no page numbers, etc.) as usual, so I should knock off another star for that but I won’t.

[Michelle Mallette · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my full review here.
Modern quilts feature bold, clean lines, making them particularly appealing to new quilters who are intimidate by the complexity of antique patterns. This book is aimed at beginner quilters and what the author calls advanced beginners. Chow is an Australian by birth now living in New York City, and she brings a big city aesthetic to her work. Here, she offers 10 projects with very clear step-by-step instructions, lots of photos, and everything from fabric requirements to quilting suggestions. There's a section that explains the quilting process from start to finish, and a list of resources for those in more rural locations.

[Beverly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some actually helpful basic quilting information but again, my gripe with most quilting books is assuming everyone who picks up a quilt design book knows nothing about the art. For once I would like to see a book that skips all the unnecessary color choice and quilting basics and gets to the designs. Quilts were just okay; too stark and/or boring (the only fabrics used were all solid colors) and not “art-y” enough to be called urban quilts, IMO.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It includes an interesting, brief history on quilting in the beginning of the book and in each quilt introduction. I loved the bright, modern color combos and will likely try one or two patterns from this book - her instructions seem clear and direct. The photos are beautiful, but it would have been nice to have a few more showing parts of the quilt or even the finished quilt.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic designs, and she gives alternative color choices for you to consider. The cutting directions are concise, but the quilt assembly instructions could've used a bit more info or clarity- or maybe its just me. But, I've referred to the book several times, so the author must've done something right. :)

[Ash Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is everything I want in a quilting book--I only wish I had it a year ago. The early chapters have easily accessible photo tutorials for each stage of the quilting process, while the later chapters have modern quilt patterns laid out in very approachable/accessible language. I borrowed this copy from the library but will be ordering one for my home library.

[Jen&Tonic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well the designs weren't my cup of tea. This book was filled with ultra modern, solids only, "re-imagined" traditional blocks, and the same tired quilt stories trotted out on the pages. Also, who uses masking tape to secure flying geese?? Just use fine pins, they won't damage your fabric or shift while you are sewing.

[Elaine Mayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

The major attribute of this book is Wendy detailed the exact name of the fabric she used for each quilt -- all of which are modern. Most of the fabrics are solids and will be readily available at your favorite fabric shop. The patterns were, in my opinion, pretty generic and can be found across the Internet.

[Danielle Jonas-Staveckas · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a beginner quilter, I picked this book to learn how to quilt with a fun, modern pattern. Each quilt design is meticulously mapped out in chronological order of how to construct it. It made my first quilt a painless experience. The book is easy to understand, detailed, and fun to learn from. I am excited to make my next quilt from this book!

[Arlian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great instructions for those new to quilting, but not a lot of photos of the finished quilts. The biggest issue is they just aren't very inspiring or interesting looking quilts. Maybe it's just that the color palette is a little bland? Just not my thing.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great modern style quilt designs with clear illustrated methods of construction: just do not have the time to work on another project ar the time. Inspired!!!

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The layout and directions of the book are super clear and very easy to follow. Unfortunately I found the actual pattern designs to be pretty bland.

[Laryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great patterns in this book, mostly shown in solid colored fabrics, but the mind can wonder how it would look with scraps of printed fabric! A great resource to keep on your quilting bookshelf.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly written and nice patterns for the machine quilter.

[Jocelynne Broderick · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a couple of interesting patterns, but I wouldn't buy it for just those 2 or 3. (borrowed from the library)

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a beginner quilter, the directions in this book have been the most helpful in understanding basic design and execution of the quilting process. There are numerous designs I would happily quilt if I had the time and I can see myself circling back to this book often for both inspiration and guidance.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a new quilter, I feel like this is a fantastic book for beginners.

Pros: Clear instruction. The (large, delicious, hardcover) book takes its time and is large enough to show clear illustrations breaking down every step of the way. Multiple size options and color schemes presented to encourage creativity and skill-building. Each quilt indicates the skill level needed (Beginner, Intermediate Beginner, etc.). Also just high-quality print - this book is physically in it to win it, complete with a sweet little ribbon to help save your page.

FYIs: sometimes difficult to see what a finished quilt looks like, as they are artfully draped over things in most photos. I got on Instagram to see what folks created as an alternative, which was helpful.

Fun fact: I just completed the Hey There quilt, a beginner-level throw, and it took nearly 30 hours! It's not perfect but it's visually so striking and unique. Grateful for the clear instruction throughout; I was never confused about what I needed to do next.

[Candy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that she showed where to place the ruler on the trimming and cutting diagrams.
Using tape instead of pins is something I will try after seeing photos of temporarily putting fabric together this way.
Listing the exact maker and color name of fabrics will help readers copy these quilts exactly.

[Terry E Christens · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring designs and color combinations

If there had been a preview of the included quilts I would never have purchased this book. None of the designs and color suggestions were appealing.