What Quilting Magazines do you like and why?
 

I'm looking at getting a subscription to one of the quilter magazines. I'm new to quilting so I have a lot to learn. Not sure whats in most of the quilting magazines. However, I'd like something that shows patterns, techniques and some new tool and or how to use different tools. I have a kindle so I'd really like it to load to it.

Thanks for your input.

Diane

I'd like some info on that too. I've purchased a few from the bookstore, but haven't settled on one yet.

I have had a subscriptions to all the quilt magazines over the years. For a beginner I would say don't get a subscription now, go buy several of the quilt magazines off the rack for a few months and then decide which one suits your interest the most. There aren't as many quilt magazines now as they use to be but they are all pretty good. My new favorite is this one: http://www.funquilts.com/mqi-intro.html

I take most of them and like them all. For instructions I like Fon's and Porter, for patterns I love Quilter's World.

My favorite mag is Quilters Newsletter Magazine, but its focus is not on what you want. I did like BHG and McCalls when I took them. For learning how to quilt, or mastering new techniques, I think a book by a good instructor is better than a magazine. For the same price as a magazine subscription (and often for less) you get more in-depth information, and you will keep and refer to the book far longer than the magazines. Plus a book has no ads and doesn't try to sell you on the current fabric lines.

I used to get Quilters Newsletter, but found that its focus seemed to be on traditional patterns while I wanted to branch out a bit. Got Fons & Porter for one year, but didn't love it. Currently I get Better Homes & Gardens American Patchwork & Quilting. I like the bright colors, the tips section, the quick-cutting techniques and the mix of contemporary and traditional patterns. Recently when I received the renewal notification they offered a free gift subscription, so I passed that along to a fellow quilter as birthday gift.

Quiltmaker patterns are very easy to follow. If I could only get one magazine, that would be it. I also enjoy Better Homes and Gardens American Patchwork and Quilting. I liked Fons and Porter in the beginning, but drifted away from that. Digital subscriptions seem to be popular now, but haven't jumped on board.

I just started getting McCall's Quick Quilts and so far have made one thing from each of the two magazines I've gotten. I don't know enough about other magazines to say what's better for you, but you're getting some good suggestions here.

I found Quiltmaker, the first mag I subscribed to when I was a beginner, was really good. Good selection of beginner-friendly quilt patterns and very clear directions. It also gave suggestions on how to quilt it, and many times, a differentcolorway. I also think McCalls Quick Quilts was good. I like Quiltmaker even today, and have kept all issues since 2000 when I first subscribed. I still find great patterns to make in old issues.

I LOVE the following magazines, and subscribe to them also.

Quilter's World (#1 favorite)
McCall's Quick Quilts
McCall's Quilting
Fons & Porter Easy Quilts
American Quilter
Fons & Porter Love of Quilting

I KNOW there is at least 2 more but can't remember which ones at the moment (I'm at work).

But Quilter's world is the one subscription I make sure to keep
updated and NEVER let it lapse. I get BOTH print and digital issues
digital because I can get it at least 2 weeks before the print issue,
and I love the print issue to take with me to appts or work (lunch
time reading).

you have wonderful magazines in America, but for us to buy one we would pay anything from $17.95 to $20.95
In Australia and New Zealand we have Australian patchwork and quilting, which is a great magazine with great patterns

My favorite magazines are those which feature the quilts which are within my capabilities, and have the patterns in them. I usually like the ones which are neither super simple or overly complicated, and I think most of the magazines out there would fall into that category. If I were you, I'd go to the store and look through each one and get a feel for what appeals to you. I will say it is quite fun to get that magazine(s) in the mail every month!

My favorites are:
-Quiltmaker
-Quilts
-American Patchwork and Quilting

As you can see, we all have different favorites. I agree with the suggestion to pick up a few and decide for yourself.

I've taken just about all of them but I've let them all lapse. I love Quiltmaker and McCall's.

I prefer magazines with lots of patterns and I don't much like to make modern quilts or "art" quilts - so these two magazines provide the mostly traditional patterns with modern methods that I like the best.

That said, I think I've only made one quilt using the exact pattern and similar colors to the one shown in the pattern. Usually, I change everything in the pattern, re-do the fabrics and design a new layout in EQ. The pattern is just a starting point.

But, if I wanted to follow the pattern, I've always found the directions in Quiltmaker and McCall's publications to be easy to read and understand and they provide plenty of pictures of the steps. Quiltmaker even has sketches of suggested quilting designs, which is especially welcome. I always wonder what to do about quilting the thing.... ;)

great question and great answers.

I'm just getting back into quilting.....but have quilted for 20 years. I just started a subscription to McCalls quick quilts, and am debating about fons and porters. truth be told, i should just get it and mccalls, i buy them every month anyway!

The quilter is one of my favorites and if you go to their site you can see inside past issues at project pics so you can see what they offer. I buy off the rack mostly I browse through and if a quilt screams ...me me me then I buy the magazine. I found it's cheaper that way. Some months I buy 1 some 2 some none but good variety! Although I do want the Irish quilting magazine I'm waiting for it to be in a store!!

As a new quilter I have been devouring all the quilt magazines - US, UK & Aus - as I can find them. But the winner without a doubt is Quilt Mania. I think of Quilt Mania as the architectural digest of quilt magazines. Not one for an 'easy quick quilt' project but definitely the one for inspiration!

i like Fons & Porter for beginning as the instructions are easy to follow

I like American Patchwork and Fonz & Porter. Both are great for every level of quilters. Good luck with you choice. I agree with the comment to just buy at store till you find your favorite.

There use to be a magazine called Quilts with style. But no longer sell subscriptions but can still get patterns on line.
I made so many quilts from this magazine. Really hated it when they stopped.

I like Fons Porter for instructions and good tips. I also buy a lot of Quick Quilts mag.

I am a newbie also so have been trying to read everything I can. I go to some of the local thrift shops and buy magazines for 25 cents and also find lots of books and magazines at estate sales or garage sales. I don't have any set favorite magazines yet but have a good collection of both old and new magazines to review. It is amazing how difficult the piecing must have been in the 80s and 90s or even before when everything was cut with templets and scissors. We have come a long way ladies!

I agree about looking at several that are out there; listen for them or just one to scream buy me, then get it. I treat myself to one or two every payday. I am still trying to pick one or two to order as well. I have been getting Sew News for 20 years. So once I find one I will be dedicated. Thanks for all the ideas. Teresa

I used to have a subscription to several differant mag. but when I retired I cut back to my favorites. American Patchwork and Quilting, McCalls and Fons and Porter are what I get now.

My new favorite is quilters newsletter, i like Easy Quilts from fons and porter, and i like the magazine Quilts. I like some of the foreign ones but they are super expensive

I'm from Australia but rarely buy the Australian patchwork magazines as they reprint the same patterns over and over.

I love US magazines, my favourites are Fons and Porter, The Quilter Magazine and I just love the Shop Hop magazines which come out 2-3 times a year. I read those from cover to cover, devouring the amazing quilt shops you have in the US.

I too miss the Miniature Quilts magazine, have never saw another minature quilt magazine as good. Is there even one now?

I have read a few magazines by Fons and Porter (not sure of the names of them), but the one magazine I absolutely loved almost every page of is Better Homes & Gardens American Patchwork & Quilting! I'm definitely getting a subscription! The quilt on the cover of the most recent issue is my new inspiration / big project!

Candace :)

I get the one from fons and porter love of quilting

I used to get alot of mags but have dropped most of them. Never made a quilt from one, they are just eye candy to look forward to every two months.
Still get Fons and Porter, and a couple of others that I cant remember the names of.
Make most of my quilts from online patterns and books by Eleanor Burns.

I have two shelves of magazines with pages dog eared and will probably never make but a fraction of them. There is so much stuff free on the internet that I let my subscriptions run out. Just with www.quilterscache.com and Bonnie Hunter's site - you could never run out of stuff to do and all the major fabric lines have free patterns ....

I like Quilting Celebrations by Pateick Lose. It is a newer one and only comes out a few times a year but I really like it.

My favorites are Quiltmaker, McCalls Quilting, Quilter's World and Fons and Porter. If I had to pick my favorite of these 4 it would be either Quiltmaker or McCalls. Really informational. I also like American Patchwork and Quilting.

For a new quilter I'd say Better Homes and Garden Patchwork and Quilting and/or McCalls.
Check out prices on line for deals
My Quilters Newsletter had expired and they wanted c. $22 to renew.
I found a site that offered it + Quiltmaker for $29.

A good way to decide is to look at lots of magazines and either try a small project or imagine yourself trying a project from the magazine. Our local library has many - including many Quilt Books, which I can look at for free.
Sally

I agree! I get several but Fon's and Porter and Quilter's World are consistently my favorites!!

My number one is Quilters World

AS a new quilter I try to look at the thrift store and online for patterns as well as get magazines at our guilds donation table. Find that each month you will find a certain magazine appeals to you as to what you will like.Since I also like art quilts I subscibed to quilting arts

i like QUILT

My recently subscripted to Quilter's World and chose to go digital so I don't have to store all of the magazines. I figured going this way would keep more "stuff" from piling up in my sewing room. So far I've really enjoyed it and it's very easy to navigate through the magazine. If I find a pattern I really like I'll just print it out and put in my binder with the others. Sure hope I live long enough to complete all of the beautiful quilts in my binder. LOL!!

I love them all. It is always such a happy day when I go to the mail box and find one there..........yea quilting.