Quiltmaking by Hand: Simple Stitches, Exquisite Quilts

by Jinny Beyer

Celebrating today’s surge of interest in hand crafts, this book introduces new quilters to a simple yet versatile set of techniques that allows them to create sensational quilts entirely by hand. A world-class designer and extraordinarily skilled quilter, Jinny Beyer demonstrates everything from threading a needle to piecing perfect points. Beginning with the basic running stitch, quilters quickly move on to joining two, then four patches, making stars and compasses, setting in pieces, and stitching curves. With each new skill, quilters are invited to begin the next section of a quilt designed especially for beginners—encouraging a “sew-as-you-learn” approach with each of the 10 quilting projects. The quilting stitch is simply and clearly explained, and detailed photographs illustrate how neat, even lines of stitching are achieved.

Genres: Quilting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Sewing, Reference

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[Bethany Witemeyer]

This seems like a really good reference book for learning how to fully hand sew a quilt. Granted, I have never quilted before, and I am reading this book in preparation for making my first quilt, so I can't really comment (yet) on how effective those instructions are in practice. But, when reading through this book, I found the instructions to be clear, detailed, and well illustrated with the pictures available. Add to that a little bit of prior knowledge from watching YouTube video (not related to this book, that was just where my interest in quilt making started), and I feel adequately prepared to start tackling my first quilting project and seeing how well this book translates to experiential learning.

There were two "issues" I had with this book (issue in quotes because they were really trivial matters of personal preference). The first was with the formatting. As is common with books like this, there were quotes from older books/references about the art of quilt making throughout history. And while I found those part of this book really interesting, there were several times where a page would end in the middle of a sentence and the next page would be a historical aside. It's a relatively minor formatting thing that doesn't affect the quality of the material in the book at all, but it disrupts the reading experience to have to either flip two pages forward, finish the sentence/paragraph/section, then go back or remember what the cut off sentence was talking about after mentally switching gears. This is somewhat of a pet peeve of mine, and I shall now get off my formatting soap box.

The second "issue" I had with this book was that the author's preferred style of quilt just doesn't match with my personal style. While this doesn't impact the quality of the instruction in this book, it did make it hard for me to get really excited about trying the patterns available in the back of the book (and, admittedly, I only skimmed those patterns because of that). I wish this book had talked a little bit more about how color/pattern choices can impact the overall look of a quilt to help my brain get out of the rut of "I don't like those fabric choices" and more into a mindset of "this pattern would look really cool with these colors." It's just hard for my brain to do that naturally, so I wish this book had gone into it a little more. But, I don't really think that was the purpose of this book, either.

Okay, minor grievances aside, I am really looking forward to diving into my first quilting project, and I think having this book as a reference will be a big help. Now I just have to find time to start a new craft project...

[Teri-K]

I really enjoyed this deep dive into making a quilt entirely by hand. I've made some before with my machine, but I don't actually enjoy sitting at the machine for hours. I do like hand sewing - quite a lot. So I picked up this book from the library when I decided to start English Paper Piecing this winter. It has lots of useful information, and those photos of gorgeous quilts that all such books should include.

I'm downgrading it by one star because in the entire book she only has one page on EPP - and she calls it "a waste of time when sewing with cotton fabric"! I think she could have been a bit kinder than that. LOL I like it because I don't have to fiddle with precise cutting or constantly checking the back of my fabrics to see if I'm piecing exactly on the line. To each his own; I just wish she'd been a little more open minded about EPP.

[Tilden]

I have a queen size pieced quilt top that my grandmother Brailler gave me. I do not know how to quilt so I borrowed several books from the library. This book was the only one that explained in detail how to put together a quilt and how to quilt the top by hand. The top of my quilt was mostly hand pieced, so I thought I would hand quilt the top. Plus, the fabric pieces look like they are from the 1940's and 50's and machine quilting I think would not look right.

Anyway, Jinny Beyer's book is very detailed on all aspects of piecing and quilting a quilt by hand. It discusses the tools you need and has lots of photos. An added plus is drawings and photos of antique items used in quilt making along with photos of antique quilts.

The book is very comprhensive and should belong on any quilt maker's bookshelf.

[Amberwench]

Whoa. Do you want to make a heirloom, hand pieced, extravagant quilt? This is the book for you! Fantastic patterns and good photo tutorials, this is the absolute best source in hand piecing exquisite quilts I've found.

[Susan Kendrick]

If you want to get started with hand piecing and hand quilting your own quilts, this is a very helpful resource!

[Bobbie Grob]

This is an excellent book and guide for the beginning quiltmaker. I would imagine it would be helpful for others, as well. I bought this book because I'd been having a strange desire to make things entirely by hand, and not only because it got tiresome to drag out the sewing machine and then find blocks of time to use it.

I was half expecting to read this book and be terrified at the thought of sewing a quilt by hand, and instead I am entirely inspired. I understand what a long undertaking this will be, but other than the time factor, this doesn't seem difficult at all. I bought myself some practice fabric, and I'm ready to go!

[Robin]

I haven't "read" this book exactly. Rather, I go to it every time I have a question about hand piecing (and, no doubt, when I start hand quilting something, I'll reference it then too). I love that it is so visual, illustrating every step, and also that she offers so many different piecing scenarios so that no matter the shape, you know how to approach it. This is the only book I've found that offers such depth and breadth concerning handwork. It is an invaluable resource!

[Debra]

This book, written by THE authority on hand piecing and quilting is a good primer on quilting. I especially love the instructions on hand piecing. I would like to own a copy for my personal collection, but it's a pretty pricey book. Jinny Beyer includes quilt patterns and other information that I really have no use for, so I only gave it four stars. But, for the hand piecing information: highly recommended.

[Leslie]

Borrowed this book from my local library, and actually read it cover to cover. I have since tried to borrow it again, but some other patron has NOT returned it and it's been over a year. I would love to have a copy of my own one day, it's great for reference, the step by step photos really help, and there's a quilt pattern that is on my 'someday' list.

[Nonnie]

I wish I had read this book before I started my Dear Jane quilt... it would have looked nicer and gone together easier. Knowing how to do something correctly allows you to create on your own and grow as a quilter.

Hand work gives you freedom to leave the machine.

Nonnie


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[Judy]

Read this book through from beginning to end like a novel. Savor every page. Jinny Beyer is the godmother of modern day quilting. Learn what she has to teach you.

[Heidi]

Let me just say that this woman is amazing. She hand pieces and quilts. Beautiful and amazing work. Her chapter on borders was especially enlightening for me.

[Amy Turner]

Hadn't thought to add this because it is reference rather than something to read right through. I have learned SO much from this book.

[Amber]

Great reference for hand quilting. Very good explanations and pictures. I am excited to make some of the patterns she provides.

Thanks for the gift, Mom!

[Viv JM]

Thorough and beautiful guide to making quilts by hand.

[Katherine]

Excellent book on hand sewing and quilting. A wonderful source for any quilter or anyone who loves quilts.

[Jennifer Mitchell-Shirley]

My favorite book about learning to hand quilt. The only book you would ever need to read about quilting.

[Jackie]

This is a very well-done instructional book for anyone interested in hand piecing and quilting.