There’s nothing better than getting stuck into a good book. We’ve compiled this list of the best quilting books out there, so you can find one that’s just right for you!
We’ve got plenty of quilting books for beginners in this list, so if you’re a newbie, never fear. You’ll be able to follow step-by-step tutorials to learn new techniques such as Foundation Paper Piecing and curved piecing.
Plus, you can get to grips with designing your own unique quilts, thanks to sampler quilt books.
Make sure you check out our beginners guide to quilting to support you in your sewing journey! Our guide covers everything a beginner needs.
12 of the best quilting books
1. Urban Quilting by Wendy Chow
This one’s for you modern quilters who want to create ahead-of-the-curve, on-trend designs. Quilter and city-dweller Wendy Chow (aka The Weekend Quilter) wrote Urban Quilting, a comprehensive guide to modern quilting which we can’t get enough of.
Urban Quilting includes ten show-stopping quilt patterns inspired by architecture and cityscapes, each with three quilt sizes to choose from.
The content is all beginner-friendly, so you’re armed with everything you need to get started, no matter your ability level.
Plus, it’s accompanied by insightful information on the history of quilting and the background inspiration behind each design! (A win for the quilt history buffs.)
2. Quilt Your Own Adventure by Amanda Carye
Adventure awaits! You can explore all that quilting has to offer with this bold choose-your-own-style quilt book.
Quilt Your Own Adventure by Amanda Carye features 30 blocks to mix and match, plus seven different quilt top layouts, with all the maths done for you!
This offers you the perfect balance between having a helping hand with your quilt design, while also allowing you to go your own way and craft a quilt unique to you.
3. Quilting By Hand by Riane Elise
Keen to learn all about hand quilting? Sit back and relax with Quilting by Hand by Riane Elise, featuring a variety of projects to help you master the calming art of hand-sewn quilts.
Take your pick from 23 hand quilted projects, all with widely varied and thoughtful designs – not to mention stunning photography! With projects ranging from quick and simple weekend-makes to longer endeavours, as well as detailed instructions on various handwork techniques, there’s something for every skill level.
Riane’s method focuses on craftsmanship, tradition, and slow, purposeful stitching in order to prioritise making with intention and crafting that's kind to the mind. We can’t get enough of this cosy technique – especially in the winter months, when there’s nothing we want more than to curl up on the sofa with a quilt project.
4. Sew Sustainable by C&T Publishing
Hankering for some light reading that’ll inspire you with a wide range of eco sewing ideas, from gift wrap to produce bags? Well, wouldn’t you know it, we have just the thing for you.
Sew Sustainable from C&T Publishing features 22 projects to help you use what you have and avoid unnecessary waste. This green read is perfect for quilters who are trying to use up quilting fabric scraps from their stash, or those endeavouring to upcycle second-hand fabrics and textiles around the house!
5. Folk Art Garden by Erica Kaprow
Appliqué? Check. Folk art? Check. Portable projects for sewing on-the-go? Check.
You’ll stitch a stunning 30-block sampler quilt with Erica Kaprow's Folk Art Garden! We love the rustic, cottagecore style of these blocks: combine them however you choose to create the cutest folky quilt.
6. 100 Paper Pieced Quilt Blocks by Sarah Callard
Get your Foundation Paper Piecing skills up to scratch with 100 Paper Pieced Quilt Blocks by Sarah Callard.
Featuring tonnes of unique motifs, ranging from food and drink to outdoorsy scenes and adorable animals, the variety is astounding.
Plus, each block comes with a full-size template with seam allowance so you can get started on your exciting FPP projects right away!
Thanks to detailed step-by-step instructions on how to do FPP like a pro, as well as 10 bonus projects to try featuring FPP blocks, this book would make a great gift for a long-term FPP fan or, equally, a total newbie who’s keen to learn.
Want to learn more?
Make sure you check out our round-up of the best sewing books too!
7. Quilt Recipes by Jen Kingwell
This gorgeous new coffee table book by Jen Kingwell combines two of the things we love the most: quilts and baked goods! Yum.
Quilt Recipes is filled to the brim with lovely projects, featuring twelve scrap-happy, classically modern quilt and cushion patterns, as well as eight tried-and-tested baking recipes handed down to Jen by her mother.
Whether you’re after a calming afternoon of sitting back and relaxing with some hand-quilting, or you have a hankering to busy your hands with some baking and get some tasty treats at the end of it, this book has just what you need.
8. English Paper Piecing Workshop by Jenny Jackson
New quilting skill check! English Paper Piecing Workshop by Jenny Jackson is the perfect companion for any quilter out there looking to expand their knowledge on EPP.
This handy book contains 18 projects – plus 20 different templates! It also includes detailed instructions for patterns and techniques so you can feel like an English Paper Piecing pro in no time.
9. Quilt-As-You-Go for Scrap Lovers by Judy Gauthier
Play around with the quilt-as-you-go technique and use up scrap fabrics from your stash with this handy book!
Quilt-As-You-Go for Scrap Lovers by Judy Gauthier features twelve patchwork projects to help you practise this creative technique.
Judy runs you through colour theory and placement techniques so you'll feel like an expert in no time, and be able to transform your scraps into patchwork treasure.
10. Quilting Rhythm by Thomas Knauer
Quilting is the all-important final step in our beloved craft, yet sometimes it can be the most daunting, and the temptation is there to keep it simple with straight lines. While we have nothing against keeping it simple, we also love a bit of free-motion quilting!
Get into the rhythm of stitching beautiful free motion and digital quilting designs with this handy book by Thomas Knauer. Quilting Rhythm has a huge 98 modern quilting designs for you to try, so you can master the technique and finish your quilts with the detail they deserve.
11. Quilting With Curves by Daisy Aschehoug
Curved quilting can seem scary to beginner quilters, but it doesn’t have to be! Stay ahead of the quilted curve with this handy guide by Daisy Aschehoug.
Quilting with Curves is filled with all the tips and tricks you'll need to master curved piecing, plus 20 modern quilt patterns to practise with. A world of curvy, quilty possibilities will open up once you’ve mastered this technique!
12. Walk by Jacquie Gering
Introducing an icon of modern quilting: Jacquie Gering’s Walk is a modern masterclass for quilting, taking you through everything you need to know about using a walking foot.
It’s a fan favourite of quilters everywhere, and for good reason! She teaches all kinds of designs, from super-straight lines to tricky clamshells and everything in between.
Brush up your quilting skills with quilting books
Right about now, you may be feeling spoiled for choice, and a little bit stuck on which beautiful quilt book to begin with! Why not try narrowing it down based on which new skills you’d like to try?
This list has books which will teach total beginners new skills such as English Paper Piecing, free-motion quilting and more.
Whatever floats your boat, there’s likely a book that will help you sail it!
Find your next quilting project with Gathered
Now it’s time to use all your new knowledge to make something!
Head over to our free quilting patterns to explore our incredible range of projects.
