Book Review: The Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide

If I could only have one book on quilting, this is the one I would choose. It covers topics ranging from how to choose fabrics and colors, piecing techniques, hand and machine quilting, and even how to set up a simple "design wall" to experiment with your quilt before you sew it.

The book is arranged in an alphabetical format, which at times can be a bit confusing if you are looking for a particular subject. But the Index at the back of the book is extensive and you can find the page number of the information you're looking for quite quickly. It is the depth of information that is so extraordinary about this book. Editor Ellen Pahl brought together a team of 60 well-known quiltmakers to assemble the book, including historians, technical writers, textile specialists, quilting designers and teachers, and even quilt show judges. Each one contributed sections of the book written from their own expertise and insights, and everyone contributed tips and tricks to making your quilting easier and better.

If you've never quilted before, you can learn step by step with well written directions and more than 700 beautiful illustrations, and definitions of quilting terms and terminology. If you're an experienced quilter, there are enough challenges here to keep you busy for years. The book covers not only standard quilt techniques such as one-patch, nine- path, cathedral window and crazy quilts, but also such Tahitian and Japanese Yukata quilts. You'll learn trapunto, string piecing and strip piecing, and even find out which way to press your seams. Scattered throughout are troubleshooting advice and suggestions for making your quilting more efficient and fun.

This book doesn't leave you in the dark about what equipment you might need. There are discussions about quilting frames and sewing machine feet, rotary cutters and templates, and even tips on organizing your workspace.

The book can be a little confusing at times, and the amount of information available is almost overwhelming, but it's a book you'll refer to time after time as you assemble your first, or your fiftieth, quilt.

Originally published in 1995 by Rodele Press, Inc. (ISBN 0-87596-710-8), The Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide is still in print and widely available. I found copies at Amazon.com in both their new and used sections. You're also likely to find it at your local bookstore. And the price is exceptionally low, usually around $17.95.
I have many quilting books in my library, but The Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide is my quilting bible. I have no doubt that it will be as valuable to you.