Quilt Books

Have you ever gone to a quilt show, where elaborate and perfectly constructed quilts are displayed, just as in an art show? These quilts are masterpieces, with every stitch just so and every pattern perfectly lined up with its neighbor. Don’t you wonder how they do it? Do you imagine some little old lady working for years to produce such a result?

In fact, quilters may be of any age, with some quilts produced in a matter of a couple of months. Some people join quilting clubs, where any one is welcome to come and learn the various techniques, methods and stitches required in the making of a quilt, while socializing with friends.

Other quilters are self-taught, relying entirely on quilt books to gain their expertise. There is no shortage of instructional quilt books, covering every aspect of this craft. There are important details such as proper handling, straightening and cutting of fabrics that make a big difference in your finished product.

There are traditional quilt books illustrating such well-known patterns as “Log Cabin”, “Pineapple” and “Baby Blocks”. These books typically show you the finished quilt and give pattern shapes and detailed instructions on how to put the quilt together. You can count on a Log Cabin style quilt to be a lengthy project!

There are quilt books which are really picture books with detailed photographs of quilts, which emphasize the artful side of quilting. Text is kept to a minimum, but give valuable information on achieving certain effects with color, design and innovative use of materials.

Other types of quilt books are almost coffee table books in the sense that the contents reveal the most modern, avant-garde, cutting edge quilts produced by artists who make a painting of the quilt, using silks, embroidery, raised applique and sometimes paint to create a landscape in cloth or a portrait made of thousands of small pieces of fabric. These quilt books can be truly inspiring to the artistic quilter wanting to break out of the traditional confines of patterned quilts.

If you’d like to try your hand at quilting, get a basic quilt book that covers choice and handling of fabric, matching corners and general construction. Choose a pattern you like and start small! A quilt can make a great baby shower gift (and it’s not so large)! You’ll soon find if you have the patience for this careful work. You might also design your own picture quilt if you like artistic freedom. Quilting is a fun and satisfying pastime.