Customer Reviews

Quilting 101: A beginners guide to quilting

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a self-taught quilting novice, I've looked at several books and bought a handful of them. But I'm a little daunted by the amount there is to learn about the subject (especially for someone who isn't "handy"), and I wish I had someone sitting next to me, showing how it's supposed to be done. Of all the books I've encountered, Quilting 101 is the closest to this experience.

First, it doesn't assume any sewing background. It starts out with an explanation of how bobbins work, for example, rather than blithely expecting that you've been using at least the super-easy sewing patterns for years. (I'm in the latter category, but far from confident.)

Also, this book has the best set of photos and diagrams that I've found. Many books try to get across how to straighten your fabric, for example, but this book uses four photos to make the process clear. Some of the pictures are a little *too* small (I'm still trying to figure out if I understand how to do a binding, and peering at the photo doesn't help much), but this is far better than I've seen elsewhere.

Finally, I really appreciate the gradient of the projects presented. After a section that shows you each of the quilt-making steps, you start out with a hot pad and a an appliqued zippered bag -- not a lap quilt. You work your way up to checkerboard placemats and a table runner before you take on a flannel lap quilt. (I kept looking for placemat instructions, figuring that I'd rather make my really dumb mistakes on very small projects. This is the first book I found that had them.)

There may be better books out there; you can certainly find a lot of them with 'quilting for beginners' labels. But this one has finally gotten me almost all the way through my first quilting project. (I expect to finish this weekend. Wish me luck with that binding.)

This book has been a great help. I am a beginning quilter and it has guided me through learning to quilt smoothly. This book has great illustrations, easy projects (16 total), and clear explanations. I definitely did not encounter the frustration that I did with other books, it truely is a beginner's guide. I have already completed the hot pad, and pillow projects which turned out great compared to the projects in other books. The step-by-step instructions were so much help. The spiral binding is great because it allows my hands to be free while I am quilting and following the instructions.The book contains information on how to use your machine (including seam allowance information), the equipment/tools you will need to quilt (and information on what to look for when shopping),fabric information, batting information, cutting, layering and basting (the best step-by-step instructions I have encountered), quilting techniques (hand and machine), and binding. I recommend this book for anyone who is learning to quilt or just learning to sew with a machine.

I don't like to buy books that don't have sample pages or haven't been reviewed yet, but I took a chance on it anyway. I haven't the first clue how to quilt but I really want to learn so I bought this book. I was not disappointed at all. It has many projects to begin your journey in the quilting world. Cute Christmas stockings, drink coasters, place mats, etc. I really like this book because it is hardcover format yet it is spiral bound to keep beside your machine while it lays flat. The Sewing 101 book is also this way, and just as good as this one.

This is an excellent book for someone who has never sewed before and wants to learn how to quilt. It includes content on how to use a sewing machine, fabric selection, what tools and gadgets you need, and all the other information you would need to know to create a quilt. Definitions are included for all quilting terms and there are many helpful tips and hints throughout the book. The book includes several easy patterns geared towards beginners. I had never sewed before but wanted to learn how to quilt. Following the step by step instructions including full color photos, I learned how to use my sewing machine and I am well on the way to completing my first quilting project. I absolutely recommend this book for anyone who wants an easy instruction manual for learning how to quilt.

I have a good amount of sewing experience so I was hesitant about purchasing this book thinking it might be too basic. Also, I wondered if I would be interested in actually completing many of the projects. I am glad I made the purchase! I have no experience in machine quilting so I appreciate the detailed, simple instructions. Most of the projects are ones I actually want to make and use or could give as gifts. I would say more except that I would just be echoing all the positive things previously written. If you would rather learn machine quilting from a book rather than a in a quilting class, this is the book for you!

This is a wonderful how-to book for beginning quilters. It has step-by-step instructions for many different projects and includes many of the most popular quilting patterns. The projects are modest (squares, runners, placemats, totes, wall hangings, etc.) and well matched to a beginner's skill progression. The price is very reasonable also. All in all, it is a very good buy.

Excellent book for beginners and experienced quilters alike. Lots of photos, and great instructions that are easy to understand. I refer to this book over and over.

This book was helpful on a limited basis, but covered too little to be of value after your first project. If you have a basic knowledge of sewing techniques, much of it is unnecessary.

I purchased this book as a gift for a friend who has recently shown an interest in sewing and quilting. There are over 175 pages filled with valuable and easy to comprehend well thought out guides on how to learn to quilt.
This book is perfect as it goes step by step- starting with the explaining how the sewing machine works, what tools you'll need, fabric selection and moves all the way on to step by step how to quilt. There are detailed lessons and the book ends with 16 projects- everything from making a Christmas stocking, a pillow, lap quilt and more! There are plenty of really great photos throughout the book and most importantly- to go a long with the instructions for the projects.
You can't go wrong with this book if you know someone that would like to learn how to quilt- the book is for those who like to learn at home, and also compliments classes one might take.

I first bought Sewing 101 by the same publisher and was impressed by the easy-to-read and follow directions as well as the patterns at the end. This book gave me confidence to try different types of project. I highly recommend it!