Quilting, a timeless art form handed down through generations, provides ample opportunities for creativity and expression, making it a beloved craft for many. With a wide range of quilt books catering to all skill levels, from beginners to experts, not every book is worth your investment. Hence, we seek to assist you in your selection by sharing our comprehensive research, experiences, and evaluations of various quilt books.
The best quilt books should not only provide excellent instructions but also inspire your creative journey. They should include a wide variety of designs for all skill levels, clear illustrations and explanations, and perhaps the stories that give personal context to the quilts. After consulting patterns and learning techniques from various books, we have put together a list of the ones that we believe will be most beneficial for any quilting enthusiast to own.
With our comprehensive publisher-based research, firsthand testing, and thorough validations from expert quilters, we are on a mission to ease your search for the best quilt book that fits your specific needs and interests.
Best Quilt Books
Selecting the correct quilt book is just as important as any other tool in your quilting kit. It enhances your quilting journey, provokes creativity, educates on techniques, and fosters a deeper appreciation of this artistic craft. Here, we have curated a list of the best quilt books that we rigorously tested to meet the needs of quilters with different skill levels and interests. The selection process is influenced by the instructions’ clarity, the diversity of patterns, the incorporation of interesting narratives or stories behind designs, and most crucially, the level of inspiration they impart.
It’s Sew Emma Scrappiness is Happiness Book
If you’re looking for a scrapbooking class book, It’s Sew Emma Scrappiness is Happiness Book is a great choice.
Pros
- The book is easy to follow and provides clear instructions.
- It covers a variety of techniques, including embellishing, journaling, and using color.
- The projects in the book are creative and fun.
Cons
- Some of the projects require specialty tools or materials.
- The book is primarily focused on paper scrapbooking, so digital scrapbookers may not find it as useful.
- The book is a bit pricey compared to other scrapbooking class books.
We’ve used It’s Sew Emma Scrappiness is Happiness Book to learn some new scrapbooking techniques, and we’re really impressed with the results. The book is well-written and easy to follow, making it a great choice for beginners. Plus, the projects are fun and creative, so even experienced scrapbookers will find something new to try.
One thing to keep in mind is that some of the projects in the book require specialty tools or materials, so you may need to invest in a few new supplies to complete them. Additionally, while the book covers a variety of techniques, it’s primarily focused on paper scrapbooking, so digital scrapbookers may not find it as useful.
Overall, if you’re looking for a scrapbooking class book that will help you improve your skills and create some beautiful projects, It’s Sew Emma Scrappiness is Happiness Book is definitely worth considering.
Christmas Quilting with Wendy Sheppard (Annie’s Quilting)
If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to spend your holiday season, Christmas Quilting with Wendy Sheppard is a great choice. This book is filled with beautiful and easy-to-follow patterns that will help you create beautiful Christmas quilts.
Pros
- The book is filled with beautiful and festive quilt patterns that are easy to follow.
- The patterns are suitable for quilters of all skill levels, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced quilters.
- The book includes helpful tips and tricks for quilting, making it a great resource for anyone looking to improve their quilting skills.
Cons
- Some of the patterns require advanced quilting techniques, which may be challenging for beginners.
- The book does not include any full-size printable patterns, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The book is focused solely on Christmas quilting, which may not be suitable for those who want to create quilts for other holidays or occasions.
Overall, we highly recommend Christmas Quilting with Wendy Sheppard for anyone who loves quilting and wants to create beautiful and festive quilts for the holiday season. The book is easy to follow, suitable for quilters of all skill levels, and includes helpful tips and tricks for quilting. While some of the patterns may be challenging for beginners, the book is still a great resource for anyone looking to improve their quilting skills.
Capture Your Own Life with Collage Quilting: Making Unique Quilts and Projects from Photos and Imagery (Landauer) 12 Projects, Easy Step-by-Step Tutorials, Free-Motion Techniques, Finishing, and More
If you’re looking for a unique way to preserve your memories, then Collage Quilting might be the perfect solution for you. This book by Carol Ann Waugh is a must-have for anyone who loves quilting and wants to add a personal touch to their projects.
Pros
- The book is filled with beautiful and inspiring examples of collage quilts, making it easy to get lost in the pages.
- The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, even for beginners.
- The book includes a variety of projects, from wall hangings to table runners, so you can find the perfect project for your skill level and interests.
Cons
- Some of the projects require a lot of time and patience, so they might not be suitable for those who are looking for quick and easy projects.
- The book assumes that you have some basic quilting skills, so it might not be the best choice for complete beginners.
- The book is focused on traditional quilting techniques, so it might not be the best choice for those who are looking for more modern or experimental approaches.
In this book, Carol Ann Waugh shares her passion for collage quilting and provides readers with all the information they need to create their own unique projects. The book starts with an introduction to the history and techniques of collage quilting, followed by step-by-step instructions for 12 different projects. Each project includes detailed instructions, as well as tips for choosing fabrics, designing layouts, and finishing touches.
One of the things that makes this book stand out is the variety of projects it includes. Whether you’re looking for a wall hanging to display your favorite family photos or a table runner to brighten up your kitchen, this book has you covered. The projects are also designed to be adaptable, so you can adjust the size and layout to suit your needs.
Another great feature of this book is the easy-to-follow instructions. Even if you’re new to quilting, you’ll find that the steps are clearly explained and easy to understand. The book also includes tips for troubleshooting common issues, so you can feel confident in your ability to create beautiful and functional projects.
Overall, if you’re looking for a book that will inspire you to create unique and personalized quilting projects, then Collage Quilting by Carol Ann Waugh is definitely worth checking out.
The Big Book of Star-Studded Quilts: 44 Sparkling Designs
If you’re looking for a quilting book that’s both beautiful and practical, The Big Book of Star-Studded Quilts is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The book features 44 different quilt designs, all of which are absolutely stunning. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, you’re sure to find something in here that inspires you.
- Each quilt design comes with clear, easy-to-follow instructions, so you can be confident in your ability to create beautiful quilts of your own.
- The book is filled with gorgeous color photographs, so you can see exactly what each quilt should look like when it’s finished.
Cons
- Some of the quilt designs in the book require advanced skills, so they may not be suitable for beginners.
- The book is quite large, so it may not be the most portable option if you plan to take it with you to quilting classes or workshops.
- The book is relatively expensive compared to some other quilting books on the market.
Overall, we highly recommend The Big Book of Star-Studded Quilts to anyone who loves quilting and is looking for a beautiful and practical resource to help them create stunning quilts of their own.
Barn Star Sampler: 20 Starry Blocks and 7 Spectacular Quilts
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly quilting pattern that is both beautiful and functional, the Barn Star Sampler by Lori Holt is a great choice.
Pros
- The pattern includes detailed instructions and diagrams, making it easy for beginners to follow along.
- The quilt block designs are stunning and can be used to make a variety of different projects, from wall hangings to full-size quilts.
- The pattern includes options for using traditional or modern fabrics, allowing you to customize the look of your quilt to your personal style.
Cons
- The pattern requires a fair amount of fabric, so it may not be the best choice if you’re working with a limited budget.
- Some of the quilt blocks require more advanced piecing techniques, which may be challenging for true beginners.
- The pattern does not include instructions for quilting or binding the finished quilt top, so you may need to look elsewhere for those instructions.
We’ve used this pattern to make a beautiful wall hanging that we’re very proud of. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, even for a beginner like us. We appreciated the fact that the pattern included options for using both traditional and modern fabrics, as it allowed us to customize the look of our quilt to our personal style.
One thing to keep in mind is that this pattern requires a fair amount of fabric, so it may not be the best choice if you’re working with a limited budget. Additionally, some of the quilt blocks require more advanced piecing techniques, which may be challenging for true beginners.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Barn Star Sampler pattern to anyone who is looking for a beautiful and functional quilting project. With its stunning designs and detailed instructions, it’s sure to be a hit with both beginners and experienced quilters alike.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best quilt books, there are several factors to consider. These factors will help ensure that you choose a book that meets your needs and provides the information you are looking for.
Type of Quilting
The first factor to consider is the type of quilting that the book covers. Some books may focus on traditional quilting techniques, while others may cover modern or art quilting. It is important to choose a book that aligns with your interests and skill level.
Skill Level
Another important factor to consider is the skill level required to use the book. Some books may be geared towards beginners, while others may be more advanced. It is important to choose a book that matches your current skill level, as attempting to use a book that is too advanced can be frustrating and overwhelming.
Patterns and Instructions
When choosing a quilt book, it is important to consider the quality and clarity of the patterns and instructions provided. Look for books that have clear and easy-to-follow instructions, as well as detailed diagrams and photographs to help guide you through the process.
Quality of Materials
Finally, it is important to consider the quality of the materials used in the book. Look for books that are made with high-quality paper and binding, as these will ensure that the book lasts for years to come and can withstand frequent use.
In summary, when choosing a quilt book, it is important to consider the type of quilting covered, your skill level, the quality of patterns and instructions, and the quality of materials used in the book. By taking these factors into account, you can choose a book that meets your needs and provides the information you are looking for.
