Quarantine Quilts - Creativity in the Midst of Chaos

12 of the Best Quilting Books

Textile Art Book Reviews

At Mr X Stitch we love to review textile art and embroidery books for you. There are so many great books to discover, packed with needlework inspiration and textile techniques, so we dive into each book to find out what’s good, what’s bad and let you know why you should pick it up.

With so many great quilting books to choose from, it can be tricky to find the right ones for the stitcher in your life. We’ve put together a list of some terrific quilting books to make your Christmas gift buying easy!

Here are our picks!

This list contains guides for beginners, books that will help you level up with your existing quilting skills, and plenty of thoughtful inspiration, so let’s dive in!

Unconventional & Unexpected: American Quilts Below the Radar, 1950-2000

Unconventional & Unexpected: American Quilts Below the Radar, 1950-2000

by Roderick Kiracofe

A reprint of the classic 2014 collection of off-beat quilts and essays from quilt artists, this is a must-have for the serious quilter. The variety of quilt forms will definitely alter your perspectives and the book serves as an thought-provoking examination of American quilting from the 20th Century.

Read our full review here.


Quarantine Quilts: Creativity in the Midst of Chaos

Quarantine Quilts - Creativity in the Midst of Chaos

by Sandra Sider

The COVID-19 pandemic changed our world forever, and for many people creativity began an important tool for processing their experiences.

This collection of 97 quilts and their accompanying stories is a powerful reminder of how art can come from the most unusual of circumstances.

Read our full review here.


Quilting with Liberty Fabrics

Quilting with Liberty Fabrics - Quilting Books

by Jenni Smith

Jenni Smith’s love for quilting combines with an appreciation of the Liberty fabric range to create 15 quilt projects for you to enjoy.

Jenni’s experience as a tutor shines throughout the book and with it’s fabric cover it is a sumptuous celebration of a classic British brand.

Read our full review here.


Inspired to Quilt

Inspired to Quilt by Melanie Testa

by Melanie Testa

Melanie Testa’s style of art quilt borders on visual poetry, with strong nods towards watercolour painting, and in Inspired to Quilt, you can discover her process and practice.

This is a quilting book for people with some experience – an amount of prior skill is assumed – but it is a fascinating exploration in artistic direction.

Read our full review here.


Urban Quilting: Quilt Patterns For The Modern-Day Home

Urban Quilting: Quilt Patterns For The Modern-Day Home by Wendy Chow

by Wendy Chow

If you are starting your quilt journey and want a guide to making modern quilts that will look great in your home, then Urban Quilting is for you.

Wendy Chow has created a terrific reference book with dozens of diagrams to help you get to grips with the patchwork pieces.

Read our full review here.


Seasons of Life Quilt

Seasons of Life Quilt Techniques & patterns for 13 Baltimore album quilt blocks

by Sandra Mollon

Seasons of Life Quilt is a detailed education in quilting technique, as you recreate 13 blocks from this acclaimed quilt, now housed in the National Quilt Museum.

Sandra Mollon is an award-winning quilter and she helps you master skills including applique, beadwork and mixed media. Not for the faint hearted, this quilting book will definitely help you raise your game!

Read our full review here.


Around The World: Exploring Art Quilts Volume 2

Exploring Art Quilts Volume 2

by Studio Art Quilt Associates 

The second volume of SAQA’s Art Quilt series provides another diverse dose of international inspiration.

Packed with detailed images of exceptional art quilts, along with artist interviews, it’s a treat for the eyes and a fantastic resource for refreshing your own creative flow!

Read our full review here.


Creating Children’s Artwork Quilts

Creating Children's Artwork Quilts

by Shannon Gingrich Shirley

If you’ve got children, it can be tricky knowing what to do with their artwork. But you are in luck!

Creating Children’s Artwork Quilts comes to your rescue with its detailed instructions on how to make more of their masterpieces!

Read our full review here.


Color, Thread and Free-Motion Quilting

Book review - Color, thread and free-motion quilting by Teri Lucas

by Teri Lucas

Once you’ve got to grips with the basics of quilting, it can be daunting to branch out in new directions.

Teri Lucas’ quilting book will inspire you to make bold decisions with colour and be brave by dropping those feed dogs and trying free motion quilting!

Read our full review here.


Simple Shapes, Stunning Quilts

Stuart Hillard's Simple Shapes Stunning Quilts

by Stuart Hillard

Prepare to be dazzled with the effectiveness in using simple shapes in your quilting.

Stuart Hillard shows why he’s one of the UK’s favourite quilters in this book, packed with designs that you’ll want to try out yourself!

Read our full review here.


Sarah Payne’s Quilt School

Sarah Payne's Quilt School New ways to start patchwork and quilting

by Sarah Payne

Many quilting books for beginners will teach you how to make quilts of various styles, but the nice thing about Sarah Payne’s book is the range of non-quilt projects there are.

From table runners to bags to patchwork toys, this is a well-thought out guide to exploring your quilted options.

Read our full review here.


Old Quilts, New Life

Sarah Fielke - Old Quilts, New Life

by Sarah Fielke

The American folk tradition of quilts is given a 21st century make-over in Sarah Fielke’s fantastic quilting book.

18 projects are explored, dissected and then re-created with a modern colour palette, and you can take part in the experience thanks to Sarah’s detailed instructions.

Read our full review here.


So there you have it! Our dozen favourite quilting books, each of which is a great gift for the quilt fan in your world.

If they’re just starting out, Urban Quilting: Quilt Patterns For The Modern-Day Home is a great resource for the beginner.

For more confident quilters, we recommend Color, Thread and Free-Motion Quilting for it’s joyful exploration of some common themes.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this post – please share it with anyone who would appreciate a good quilting book!

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