Patchwork: A Beginner's Step-By-Step Guide to Patterns and Techniques (Craft Workbooks)

Patchwork is a craft for people of all ages. There is such a variety of shapes and designs to choose from that everyone should find something to suit their tastes and capabilities. Like other titles in the series, this book has been prepared with the beginner in mind, taking them through the methods and techniques in easy stages. However, it also features plenty of templates and patterns to inspire more experienced stitchers to try their hands, perhaps at a dazzling Mennonite star or delicate Hawaiian appliqué.

You don’t have to make an entire quilt all at once. Piece together just one intricate block of patchwork and if you go no further, you have a unique cushion cover or a decorative panel for the side of a tote bag. Using scraps, young children can start on a simple cover for a doll’s bed or cheerful padded pan holders; the basic four- or nine-piece block makes an easy introduction for them.

Charlotte Gerlings is an expert in several art mediums, including needlecraft and fabric arts. She graduated in Publishing from Oxford Polytechnic (now Oxford Brookes

University) and since then has worked as a book designer, writer and editor. She lives in South West London and is currently studying at Wimbledon School of Art for her MA in Fine Art. She

is the author of several books, including Sewing, Patchwork, Cross Stitch, Knitting & Crochet, and 100 Great Artists.

Introduction

Part 1: Equipment and Materials

    Templates

Equipment

Fabric

The sewing machine

Graph paper

Curved templates

Part 2: Pieced Patchwork Methods and Techniques

Graphs

Making templates

Standard shapes

Cutting shapes from fabric

Seminole patchwork

English patchwork

PROJECT: Place mat

To sew by hand or machine?

Joining techniques

Blocks

Setting in

Putting blocks together

The patchwork quilt

Part 3: Assembling the Quilt

A basic border

Assembly

Finishing

Part 4: Applique and Quilting

Applique

Antique cut outs

Quilting

A piped [corded] edge

Sashiko

Display and aftercare

Terms and abbreviations