Machine Quilting: A Primer of Techniques

by Sue Nickels

Getting ready for your first machine quilt project could not be easier. This must-have book will provide everything you need to know to start your journey. This reliable resource covers all aspects of beginning machine quilting. The author walks the reader through how to begin the process, no matter what kind of sewing machine you may own. In this book, you will find full definitions of all the supplies, complete explanations of techniques, help with quilting decisions, information on marking quilt tops and basting, tips on handling the bulk of quilts, and finishing options. Four practice projects will get you started.

Genres: Quilting, Reference, Crafts, Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Nonnie]

At the next guild workshop (OCTOBER, 2011) I am going to have the opportunity of taking a class from Sue Nickles, let me say I am really looking forward to it. I am reading this book as preparation for the class. She does have a class supply list on her web site but I thought it best to read the book first. I plan to read in depth then skim it. I have read it before as it has been on my shelf for several years and it is a great reference book on machine quilting.

Ms Nickles has won many quilting awards at Huston and Paducah Kentucky Quilt Shows. She does all her quilting on a domestic machine. Her sister Pat Holly is also a renown quilter and they frequently collaborate on their quilts.

CHAPTERS:

MACHINE QUILTING HISTORY
LONG ARM QUILTING
SUPPLIES
CHOOSING DESIGNS
MARKING DESIGNS
STRAIGHT LINE QUILTING
FREE MOTION QUILTING
MARKING
BASTING
BACKING
HANDLING BULK
STITCHING ORDER
FINISHING


MY FAVORITE TIP: CUT the ends off of kitchen gloves and use those to grip your quilt with. Your hand will not get hot by wearing full gloves. The finger tips work as good or better than the minnesinger gloves.

I recommend this book for any newbie who wants to quilt her own projects. I would buy this book again as I believe it a great starter book. I would then recommend Karen Mc Tavish's books and DVDs to kick up their skills to the next level.

Ms Nickles recently released a DVD that also teaches you how to free motion quilt. It has to be purchased separately.

[Robin]

In 2005, I took a class from Sue Nickels at the Houston International Quilt Festival. It was eye-opening and really boosted my machine quilting skills and confidence. This book offers much of the same information that she provided in the class, as well as similar practice sampler projects. It's almost like having her with you. She addresses everything from needles and thread to deciding what quilting designs to use on your project. I also love that it includes not just free-motion info, but also valuable wisdom on stitching in the ditch which is often completely glossed over in many machine quilting books (though it sounds so simple, it can in actuality be very challenging). This book is a great resource for anyone interested in growing or enhancing their machine quilting skills.

[Sharon]

So good I added this one to my sewing library.

[Sheila]

Machine Quilting: a primer of techniques by Sue Nickels, 2003, American Quilter's Society, read June 2019.
In this book Sue Nickels details straight line quilting and free motion quilting, including the history of quilting with sewing machines, tools, techniques and sewing an actual quilt. She has included patterns for making sampler quilts.
An excellent comprehensive quilting instruction book. Sue's preferences align with many of mine.

[Rebecca]

My mother gave this to me for x-mass and it was the perfect gift. It is a great resource.