How to Piece Perfect Quilts (Stitch It Up a Notch)

Improve Your Quilt Piecing DramaticallyI began quilting in 2004 when I purchased my Viking Quilt Designer sewing machine. At that time I took a beginning class in making a rail fence quilt. I learned a lot about quilting. However, I still consider myself a beginner as I struggle to improve my piecing and overall quilt tops. In my effort to improve, I have begun purchasing books aimed at beginning quilters in hopes of finding “the perfect book.”Leah Day’s book isn’t “perfect,” but it sure comes close. Of the three books I have read cover to cover so far (You Can Quilt!, Quilter’s Academy Vol. 1, and this one) Leah Day’s book is hands-down the winner.This is a book for quilters at all levels despite what some other people have said here. I find it difficult to believe that even an experienced quilter could come away from actually reading this book without learning something new.Leah covers every topic a beginning quilter would ever need to know, and what I particularly like, is that she doesn’t just say do this or do that, but she gives cogent reasons why. She even discusses certain products that quilters use and explains why one works for her and the other does not. The reader does not always have to agree with her, but at least she gives the reader food for thought. Another reason this book is so wonderful is her use of pictures. Leah includes pictures for everything always including right and left-handed usage. She takes the quilter through several different methods of accomplishing a task leaving the final decision to the quilter. For instance, when she introduces sewing the nine patch, she explains and shows how to cut squares properly, how to sew them together properly, how to measure them properly, how to press them properly, and how to re-measure them properly. After she feels the quilter has mastered this task, she introduces the quicker, timesaving method of strip piecing and then cutting the strips for the nine patch and how to sew them correctly to make the square. She makes sure the quilter learns basics before moving on. I like that she puts emphasis on this learning style before jumping to the time-saving method; such teaching helps the quilter become a better piecer in my estimation.The quilter will not end up with a sampler quilt, and that is okay. This is a book that really teaches basics and how to accomplish them. If, after reading the book the quilter wants to make a sampler quilt, Leah offers a $10 discount on a cool pattern on her website. The pattern would then cost $15 plus shipping. Personally, I find this reasonable considering the wealth of information in the book.Leah not only covers piecing but also free-motion quilting with a link to her website where one can find not only free patterns, but also accompanying videos. What a deal!Finally, Leah Day writes in an articulate, easy to read style. She is clear and concise. What comes through is her love for quilting and her desire for excellence. She is not an easy task master, but then if one wants something better than average, one must be willing to work for it and not take shortcuts. As a former high school English teacher, though, I bemoan the poor editing of the text. Whoever her editor is/was, that person does not know about subject-verb agreement and redundancy. Too bad.If you really do want “To Stitch It up a Notch,” you cannot go wrong purchasing this book. It is a most valuable resource for beginner and experienced quilters.If I find a better book, I will update this review.

This book is wonderful in explaining WHY some of those things we like to skip to save time are so important to do. I very much appreciate the explanations and the HOW to do things correctly. I will be changing some of the things I do so promote better piecing. Although I don't agree with everything the author has to say, it is very helpful to understand why she suggests the things she does. Knowing all this gives each quilter the choice of what they want to do, making it an intelligent choice. There were a few errors in the book that were missed in the editing process, and for a brand new quilter, they could mislead them. The projects she gives were not to my taste, but may well be to others. They do give the opportunity to practice her suggestions though.

I have been watching Leah's Youtube videos for a while now. I saw this book on her website (was only available through Amazon at the time) and decided to order it. I have been quilting for 6 years and actually found things I didn't know covered in this book. Once I read through it and followed the directions, I made my first perfect squared square. Even though I have been quilting for a while, I found that there are still things to learn. Thank you Leah!

Very precise directions, I love that. Looking forward to incorporating her methods into my quilting. Would love her to write another book on piecing, binding etc...

Written so well. The instructions are so easy to follow. Great resource for beginners or experienced quilters who want to see more accuracy in their piecing

I have been quilting for decades, but found advice in this book that I had not known. The book is well-written and has photos which makes the techniques easy to follow and understand. Best book on piecing that I have seen.

Excellent book but not just for beginners............ I have been quilting for over 30 years and I found the book very useful. It reminded me of things I have forgotten or have not taken time to do over the years. It is well written, instructions are clear, pictures are wonderful, and just enough information to make piecing much better and actually easier.Since receiving and reading this book, I have changed the way I prepare fabric, the way I cut pieces and am much more precise in the way I piece the fabric together based on the steps that Leah has in her book. It is wonderful.Thank you so much for the wonderful book

This book is for those who want a precision quilt with less stress. Some YouTube videos imply an easy going style and don't stress accuracy. Leah shows you how taking time in the beginning with preparing your fabric results in precision cutting and piecing. There are projects to practice with. Wonderful for new quilters and excellent for those who want to improve on their skills.

Well this book certainly showed my why my previous attempts at machine patchwork havent always been successful! A real back to basics, dealing with fabric preparation, equipment, etc and lots of exercies to out this into practise. There are no projects as such, but if you are wanting to make quilts, and do it right, then this is a good buy. I have made several quilts but still learnt lots from this book.

Really really well written and easy to understand how to improve on small stuff to make it look more professional

love this book it is so clear and easy to read and understand

Lovely book

Did what it says on tin