Quilt block "encyclopedia"?
 

I'm discovering that there is a LOT about quilting that I just don't know! I keep seeing mentions here to what are obviously common block patterns and I keep working out my Google page to find out what y'all are talking about...I'm wondering if anybody can recommend a good coffee-table type book that would have pictures of all these traditional quilt blocks in it. Something with color pictures that I can both use as a reference but also browse through and enjoy just on its own would be preferable. Not necessarily a book that teaches how to MAKE the blocks, more a reference to identify them.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

I hope someone answers you, because I would like that too!

A quick search on Amazon produced several results.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...ripbooks%2C200

I have one from Leisure Arts - "Mix and Match Blocks - A Comprehensive Handbook". I use it frequently. Also quilterscache.com and good old Google.

The Quilter's Bible gives a picture and short description as well as alternative names for a large number of blocks. 501 quilt blocks has many of the traditional blocks as well as a lot of applique and themed blocks.

This one is fabulous!
http://www.connectingthreads.com/boo...s__D45081.html $32.95

Jan in VA

Barbara Brackman has a book out called:

Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns

It has line drawings of many patterns and a fairly easy to use and understand cross reference for names and patterns. Some patterns have several names - some names have several designs. It can get confusing.

I think it is impossible to have an absolutely 'complete' listing of every pattern and variation ever made. People keep coming up with new things all the time!

I agree. Barbara Brackman's book is the 'go to' book. I love my copy. I notice that quilt appraisers consider it a 'must have' reference.

ali

No color, but Maggie Malone has "1001 Patchwork Designs" for tradition block patterns. It's no longer in print but you can get a used copy at Amazon for under $10. Buy some colored pencils and color a xeroxed copy to see if your color choices are good. OR, buy some of the square graph paper I got a JoAnn's to copy the pattern onto. Kind of expensive for graph paper, but the fact it's square make it worth the extra money.

I had the 501 book and gave it to someone. Forgot who!

It isn't a book, but I have Block Base, which is a software that contains hundreds of different traditional blocks. It is searchable, and will print out rotary cutting instructions or paper pieced guides in the size you specify.

Sounds interesting!

My vote for Jenny Beyer's book. It is really great and I learned a lot from it.

Connecting Threads needs to thank you. I just ordered the book, and a batik fat quarter sampler, I've been wanting.

I probably should have said - I've looked on Amazon several times and browsed a little at the local book store but the problem is that there are SO MANY choices! I can't buy them all - I'm trying to get a feel for if there are 1 or 2 "favorites". :)

Looks like there are at least 2 or 3 I should give a second (third, fourth) look at!

i purchased 5,500 Quilt Block Designs by Maggie Malone from amazon as my source. i got it for a good price and it is all color illustrated. you will find in your search that traditional blocks go by more than one name. the above reference book did list the various names of a particular block. i also bought 99 modern quilt blocks book.

good luck with your purchase decision. and know for as many quilters as there are, there is the potential to have that many book recommendations. the resources are almost endless so ultimately if you can go to a bookstore or browse online and see what may appeal to you and get it. you may end up with several books but they will go into your library and not be wasted.

Brackman's Encyclopedia of Pieced Blocks and Maggie Malone's 5500 Blocks are the ones I use the most. I also refer alot to Carrie Hall Blocks and to 1000 Great Quilt Blocks from The Patchwork Place.
Brackman also has an applique encyclopedia book

I believe the Beyer's book are her own designs and far too many pieces resulting in designs that all look alike to me.

Babara Brackman's book is a great choice but my favorite too is Jinney Beyer's Quilter's Album - there is a lot of info on drafting your own blocks in there too.

Block Base is the computerized version of Barbara Brackman's "Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns." I have both but enjoy the computer version more. Both were some of the first "quilty" items I purchased. I also have the 1001 Patchwork Designs, 5500 Quilt Block Designs and BHG 501 Quilt Blocks. The BHG is my least favorite but I use them all.

I have the book "5500 Quilt Block Designs" by Maggie Malone. It truly has that many block designs in it and it will give alternate names for the same block. I know longer use it so if someone is interested, PM me.

If you have one, Half Pticed Books is a good place to look.

if you'd also like an online source for quilt blocks, there's Marcia Hohn's Quilter's Cache ... the actual blocks start at: http://www.quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html

Well, I don't have any books like these so I just ordered "5,500 Quilt Block Designs". The hardback was less than $15. I need something like this and since I have so few books, I hope this one will be one that I can refer to quite a bit. Thanks gals for helping me, even though I wasn't asking for help. I just found this topic something that I could use.

I bought the Jenny Beyer one at a book store and the binding fell apart. I took it back. The owner said the binding wasn't right for that thickness of book. I got a new one and had Staples spiral bind it for me.

Go to the quilt section of the library. If you find one you like you can look at Amazon or other places to buy. If out of print you might be able to get it secondhand.

http://www.amazon.com/Quilters-Album...40072211&sr=1-
Have this, excellent book for the coffee table

I recommend checking out your local library before purchasing. This type of book can often be found in the craft section, and you would have the opportunity to flip through first, and make your decision with a little more information.

DH gave me 5,500 Quilt block Designs by Maggie Malone for Christmas.http://www.amazon.com/5-500-Quilt-Bl...k+encyclopedia

HOLY MACKEREL, did you see the prices on Amazon for that book? Some seriously bizarre pricing going on there!

OK, so I just ordered the 5,500 blocks book used from Amazon, and the Quilters Album of Patchwork Patterns from Connecting threads. I also have the Barbara Brackman book saved in my Amazon cart - all the copies listed are hugely expensive. I'll keep checking back for a price drop or maybe I'll get lucky at a local used bookstore. :)

Thank you all for enabling my addiction!