The Complete Idiot's Guide to Quilting Basics

Book excerpt: Sew your own heirloom, block by block. Quilting is an art form that's been passed down through generations. But even if you don't have a quilter grandmother to teach you how to design, cut, piece, and stitch your own quilts, you're not out of luck. Loaded with easy-to-follow instructions, helpful illustrations and photos, and tips for making your quilted pieces uniquely your own, this enjoyable guide gives you everything you need to know to create traditional or one-of-a-kind quilts. In it, you get- A look at the tools you need to start quilting-plus the many fabrics and patterns you'll want Helpful hints for choosing coordinating fabrics, calculation how much you need, and prepping them for use. Tips for making templates, marking your fabric, working with (or against) the grain, and accurately cutting out block pieces. Pointers for piecing your blocks and putting together your quilt top-by hand or machine Easy instructions for the three Bs of quilt assembly- batting, backing and basting. Fun tutorials on quilting stitches and designs, appliquéing, and other finishing touches to make your quilt special.