The Easy Guide to Machine Quiltmaking

The complete beginner’s guide to machine quiltmaking, from best-selling author and trusted teacher, Carolyn Forster.

Discover 1 classic quilt block worked 30 different ways, for a cohesive range of inspiring, beginner-friendly designs!

Carolyn has taught hundreds of beginners to quilt, and this book follows her tried-and-tested method for getting started. Using one classic block design (the Sawtooth Star), a multitude of inspiring techniques and a clever use of fabric, discover how to sew over 30 different star blocks with ease. Build up your skills as you go, and create a stunning and unique heirloom quilt to be proud of.

SKILL-BUILDING STRUCTURE: As you work through the 30 blocks you'll discover new patchwork techniques to build your skills gradually. From the simple Four Patch and Flying Geese units through to the stunning Split Quarter Square Triangles, you’ll cover core patchwork methods that are essential for making your first quilt, and all your future projects too.

COMPLETE QUILTING GUIDE: Once you’ve made up your star blocks, discover how to put them together. There’s advice on different layout options and adding sashing, coping strips and posts, plus a complete guide to quilting, binding, labelling and more.

MIX AND MATCH DESIGNS: All the blocks in the book are 12-inches (30-centimetres) square, so it’s easy to mix and match your favourites to create your own unique quilt. Plus, with just a few quick-to-learn sums, Carolyn shows you how to turn the blocks into any quilt size you like.

Carolyn’s friendly, tried-and-tested techniques make this the perfect beginner’s introduction to making quilts.

Book Contents

Introduction

Choosing a sewing machine

Tools for cutting and piecing

Choosing fabrics

How much fabric do I need?

Fabric grain

Quilt sizes

Cutting fabric

Sewing and pressing patchwork

The blocks
How to read this chapter | Unit 1: Flying Geese | 01: Sawtooth Star | Basic Stars 0206 | 07: Not Perfect Star | 08: Rising Star | Unit 2: Checkerboard Patchwork | 09: Four-Patch Star | 10: 16-Patch Star | Checkboard Stars 1113 | Unit 3: Half Square Triangle | 14: HST Corners | 15: Checkered HST | 16: HST Pinwheel | 17: HST Broken Dishes | HST Stars 1821 | Unit 4: Squares on Point | 22: Star of Virginia | 23: Mosaic 19 | Squares on Point Stars 2430 | Unit 5: Split Quarter Square Triangle | 31: Martha Washington Star | Split Quarter Square Triangle Stars 3234

Joining quilt blocks

Framing blocks

Sashing and posts

Adding borders

Making quilts from basic units
Flying Geese Quilts | Square on Point Quilt | Frame Squares Quilt

Necessities for basting/tacking and quilting

Backing fabric

Wadding/batting

Layering and tacking/basting

Quilting

Practice quilt projects
Coasters | Pincushion | Tablemats | Sewing Book

Binding

Labelling and laundering