Better Homes and Gardens: Complete Guide to Quilting, More than 750 Step-by-Step Color Photographs

I've been quilting since the 1970's and thought I knew it all, but oh my, I learned SO much from this book!Back in the 1970's, I suddenly got the urge to quilt, and bought "America's Quilts and Coverlets" by Safford and Bishop. This book was about quilting history and had many gorgeous color photos of designs, one of which I copied for my favorite quilt which even today hangs in my bedroom. I also bought "The Perfect Patchwork Primer," by Beth Gutcheon. This had the info I really needed: how the heck do I make a patchwork or appliqué quilt? Together, these two beloved books helped me make it through my first two full-sized patchwork quilts.Fast forward several decades during which I haven't made any other quilts. But now, I do want to make another. I thought "maybe I ought to check out what's new," which is why I bought the BHG book. My know-it-all self is stunned by the comprehensive usefulness of the BHG Guide. There's a LOT of information in here that I didn't know.Oh, my, from the first chapter on tools, and then on to fabric, I learned something new and valuable page by page. There's a chapter on "Cutting." Who knew? Everything about batting, backing, and finishing--so much more than I ever knew before.Although I prefer to quilt entirely by hand, the book also includes plentiful instructions for those who quilt by machine.Although there are quite a few designs illustrated in the book, patterns are not its focus. However, for patterns, I'm sure you'll find many illustrations online, and I do still highly recommend "America's Quilts and Coverlets."

This is a very comprehensive book. It is exactly what I was looking for.I am an intermediate seamstress. I can follow patterns and all of that good stuff. I tried my hand at quilting long ago only to give up before finishing one quilt block. Recently, I decided to try my hand at quilting again. A trip to my local quilt shop was overwhelming- there are so many types of everything in quilting - threads, batting, fabric, oh my! I didn't know where to start.That's when I discovered this book. It has everything. It does an excellent job explaining all of the tools and techniques used in both machine and hand quilting. It breaks it down so that anyone can understand. It assumes no prior knowledge of quilting which is a plus for me. But I really think even an experienced quilter would have much to gain from this book. It also has a handy notes section at the end of each section which Ive actually been using. I plan to take it with me for my next trip to the fabric store.By the time I finish reading this book, I honestly believe that I will be an expert quilter! If you are trying to decide where to start with quilting, I HIGHLY recommend this book.

Being still new to quilting, the most important thing to me was to find one GOOD all-encompassing book that could be referred to often for any & all questions about the many techniques, glossary terms, etc.. involved that will come up along the way. After wading through so many descriptions of these types of guide books on Amazon & at other stores, I finally decided to take a chance & purchase this one (mainly because of the consistently impressive reviews) & am so glad I did! This is just a wonderful book by any standards, perfectly laid out, easy to understand & with excellent step by step photos throughout. More importantly though, it has completely de-mystified quilting for this newbie. I feel I've got the best of instructors at my side now & can safely take the plunge into this exciting endeavor with complete confidence. It's also nice that I can now invest the rest of my money into the quilting tools, fabrics & occasional patterns instead of having to waste money on additional basic instruction guides. I believe this one book covers everything needed & will certainly become much dog-eared from use.

May 2012 I bought this book to help me learn as much as I could about quilting. I was not in any way, shape, or form disappointed. If you are trying to learn how to quilt or maybe have forgotten a few things along the way, this is definitely the book for you. This book teaches you just about every aspect of quilting. Every question I have had about anything having to do with quilting I have honestly found the answer in here. The pages in this book are color-coded to make it easier to find what your looking for in the chapter in which it belongs. Lord knows I could probably write a full page about the things I love and have learned in this book, most importantly with the help of this book I have learned to make a quilt the proper way. Like I said I bought this book in May of 2012 and it is still in excellent condition. I refuse to let an excellent book like this get ruined simply because I never know when I will need it again.

This book contains easy to read and understand information on almost every aspect of quilting one ccould imagine. It is a great reference for those who are beginning to quilt as well as those who wish to become more knowledgeable about their quilting or try a new technique. It covers design and color usage, combining patterned textiles, sewing, quilting and applique techniques, and has blank work pages to develope your ideas on. I have often referred my students to this book when they have asked me which book they could purchase as a good reference and learning guide. It is illustrated well with clear and attractive pictures.

I have been quilting since the 70's. Teaching for that long too. I have tons of books for Beginner's and Confident's. I should get rid of all of them but this one. I used this book for over 10 years as my class reference book. I finally had to find another one as the wholesaler dropped this book and Amazon couldn't get them to my students on time. My only complaint is: The book needs to be revised, only if to get the wholesaler to carry it again. The pictures are great and the directions are spot on. A must for every sewers library.

Good book for beginners