My sister asked asked for a comprehensive "how-to" book to teach herself about quilting. In your opinion, which is the best one to give her?

Thanks for your opinion, which, I know, will be both expert and helpful!

Barbara

The Quilting Bible is pretty good.

A book that remains a favorite of mine for reference is called Quilts, Quilts, Quilts, by McKlun & Knownes (hope I got the names right.

Me, too!!

I actually prefer the first version to the revised version, but both are excellent!

I think I like the first one better because it seems like fewer fabrics are used in the blocks.

I think this is my favorite, and if I only had one to refer to, this would be it.

I taught myself using Eleanor Burns' Quilt in a Day books.

These are two of my favorites:
Your First Quilt Book (or it should be!) by Carol Doak
Complete Guide to Quilting by Better Homes & Gardens

I like Eleanor Burns Quilt in a Day books {series} also because they are simple to understand and precise and the print is large and easy to read. And she takes you step by step with nice colorful pictures. I'm sure there are wonderful ones out there but these are great for a beginner.

Hands down - Harriet Hargrave and Carrie Hargrave - A Quilter's Academy Volume 1, Freshman year.

I'm working my way through this book and learning so much.

Cheers, K

Better Homes & Gardens Complete Guide to Quilting. I refer to it all the time!

I always refer to "Quilting for Dummies".

Did you refer your sister to this site? This is where all the information is!

The Ultimate Visual Guide to Quilting, out of the others mentioned here; (I have most of them), this one is my favorite.

Yes! Yes!! Yes!!! The title has a lot of exclamation points. :0) I'm not sure what it is about the book exactly but it is just a pleasure to read and use.
http://www.amazon.com/Quilts-Complet...9949396&sr=1-1

I would love to gift it to people I'm trying corrupt. I mean, welcome to the world of quilting.

I agree Eleanor Burns has the best books for any beginner or someone who does not have their quilting confidence yet.

I love books...I use the Quilting Bible and the Complete Guide to Quilting...for basic stuff...I want to buy Quilts!Quilts! Quilts! ..the author did a show on The Quilt Show...

Quilter's Complete Guide by Fons & Porter. I have several of the others listed here, but that's my favorite.

She should check the library to see if they carry any of these books, although i refer to them even now, 6 years later!
Eleanor Burns has the clearest written books on quilt patterns i have ever read.

Quilter's Complete Guide by Fons & Porter and the Better Homes & Gardens Complete Guide to Quilting would be my top picks.

Quilter's Complete Guide by Fons & Porter.

This is my favorite too!

The book is neatly organized, yet it shows so many ways to be creative without trying to design your quilts for you. (After, all: Quilting is a way to be creative.)

I agree with
The Quilter's Ultimate Visual Guide, I've given mine to new quilters many times, and they always end up buying there own to keep!!! And it's under $15.00 here.
http://www.amazon.com/Quilters-Ultim.../dp/0875969879

Eleanor Burns books got me really going in quilting. Love them.

Fons & Porters. I still refer to it after 30 yrs.

I'm with Sewlmatesister. This is my most favorite book so far... 288 pages with over 700 how-to illustrations and it has nice hardback covers , 'From A to Z --Hundreds of Tips and Techniques for Successful Quiltmaking' (Rodale Quilt Book)
From the reply's I've read, it looks like there could be a little competition...but we shall see! :D

I second that....you cannot beat Eleanor for clear instructions. I like her "Still Stripping After All these Years" or "E is for Elementary"

I just checked out this suggested book via Amazon.com. I plan to order one of these books!

Looks like this awesome looking book will soon be a part of my library in the sewing room. I will order it through Amazon.com, also.

Patchwork Primer by Beth Gutcheon. She is a professional writer and this is a great book. I have taught clases using it.

I agree, I used her Log Quilt book to teach myself how to quilt. She makes it so understandable for the beginner as well as the more experienced.

Because of you, I have found 2 books that I feel will both be so helpful for me. Thank you so much, and good luck to your sister!!!

Thanks you so much to everyone for your replies. It looks like I have many excellent books to choose from. I have checked the Amazon website and the Chapter website and the Fons and Porter book is not available - hopefully they will put out a revised edition soon. So I will check about the others and make a choice. My dear sister will be getting a great book and, who knows, I may be getting one for myself as well!!

Thanks again for your suggestions - you quilters are the best!! :thumbup:

Hi Barbara, About the books here are 3 that I like for begnners or anyone
Quilting 101=
==Rotary Magic by Johnson-Srebro (this one helps to learn cutting different shapes and other things )
Color Magic for quiltiers by Ann Seely & Joyce Stewart
( this one is great for learning everthing to do with color0
Good luck and wellcome to quilting
Sandy from S. Elgin , ILL

I recommend either "The Quilter's Bible" or "The Quilter's Companion". I got the Quilter's Companion from an online used book store, Once Sold Tales, for a very low price.

My daughter gave me a copy of Fons and Porter's Quilter's Complete Guide in 1995 when I first began quilting. I still refer to it from time to time. One of the things I liked about it was that you could make a small project for each of the "lesson" they were teaching. It is a great book.

The first quilt book I purchased was recommended by the teacher of my beginner's quilt class. The book is The Art of Classic Quiltmaking by Harriet Hargrave & Sharyn Craig. That was seven years ago and I still refer to the book from time to time.

Thats the one I have- checked it out at library- decided Had to buy my own. (BHG's Quilting) :-D

I just looked at the Fons and Porter website and they have it there. :D

B.

Quilting Bible by Singer. It is basic but has lots of projects and is comprehensive.

It is a really good price on Amazon.com!

My fave, too!!

I too, love the Quilting Bible and Fons & Porters Quilter's Complete Guide.

This is my favorite too... I don't have anyone close by to help me "learn" about quilting, so I have referred to this book quite a lot. However, this board has probably done more to encourage me to try something different and more complex than all of my books and magazines... I really want to move on with my quilting and try harder, more complex patterns/designs.... Thanks to all of you!

I like the one called"Teach Yourself Visually Quilting" by Sonja Hakala. Less reading and more visual!