Quilter's Complete Guide

The perfect book for both beginners and those wishing to brush up on their skills, this definitive guide takes readers from the basics of choosing and cutting fabric to placing the finishing touches on their handmade quilts. Hundreds of full-color photos, charts, and diagrams accompany lessons on quilting styles — hand, machine, trapunto, and appliqué — and instructions for assembly, plus a wealth of patterns and sewing tips. The first section, the Quiltmaking Primer, covers not only the basics but also the principles of simple pattern drafting, quilt planning, settings, and edge finishes, plus quick-cutting and quick-piecing methods. Clear, precise instructions explain techniques. This section includes a brief history of the craft, a description of tools and supplies, and a discussion of fabric and color. The second section, Beyond Basic Quiltmaking, features special approaches for more challenging patterns. A chapter on borders, settings, and sashing treatments explains how to transform a simple pattern into an extraordinary quilt. Final chapters provide advice on the display, care, and collecting of quilts, along with a glossary of terms. Written by two of America's most trusted quilters, Quilter's Complete Guide offers valuable instruction in the art of quiltmaking and introduces a hobby that will prove to be a lasting pleasure.