Hand-Stitched Quilts

Carolyn has written a gem of a book, great for those new to hand piecing and quilting but also a good reminder to those more experienced of the correct procedures in order to achieve precise results.

I found the section on piecing particularly useful as Carolyn shows you how to sew your seams so they are neat and match perfectly. There are a variety of blocks for you to create and a suggestion on how you can place them to make a quilt but also suggestions on how you can make the quilt your own.

I’m looking forward to using the book to refine my technique and make myself an heirloom quilt.

-- Sam Jones * Customer Review *

I have other Carolyn Forster books, so was hopeful of another good one, and this did not disappoint!

Right from the Introduction, I realised this was going to be such a relaxing book to follow. I've never made a quilt totally by hand, but this book really makes me want to have a go. Such a change not to feel rushed to produce a quilt, but to be able to totally enjoy the process!

I also like the fact that it takes you through the 27 blocks step-by-step, starting with the most simple, and that if you wanted to, could just use some of them for other projects, or do them all and make the quilt.

Of course, if you like, you could always do them by machine! A really lovely book!

* Customer Review *

Learn how to patchwork and quilt by hand in this accessible how-to book. Slow stitching and mindful crafting is more popular than ever and with just a few notions you can peacefully create a stunning quilt entirely by hand, in your own time and at your own pace.

* Machine Knitting Monthly, September 2023 *

Patchwork instructor Forster (Hand Quilting Techniques for Farmhouse Style) details how to sew quilts by hand in this cozy manual. To follow the block design templates included with the book, Forster recommends gluing each unique shape onto card stock or a thin plastic sheet, cutting it out, and then using the piece to trace and cut that shape from fabric, leaving a quarter inch all the way around for the seam allowance. Forster explains how to make 27 blocks that readers can mix and match to create quilts. The designs range from the relatively simple, including a four-square checkerboard and a “simple block of rectangles around a square,” to the more complex – the “sunburst” design features 48 angular pieces arranged around a circle to resemble the rays of the sun and the 60-piece “carpenter’s wheel” features interlocked concentric rows of squares and diamonds. The author also provides two “quilt sampler layouts” showing how one might assemble the various blocks in a quilt. The designs are visually appealing, and beginners will appreciate the comprehensive photo illustrations showing how to thread a needle, make stitches, and sew seams. Readers will warm to this. 

* Publishers Weekly *

Carolyn takes a lot of inspiration from antique and historical quilts, and she is truly interested in, and fascinated by, all aspects of quilt-making, both in knowledge and in practice [...]

Every step of hand-piecing is broken down with clear instructions, close up photos, written text and top tips. It makes it incredibly accessible, easy to follow and beautiful to read.

I adored everything about this book and it is another stunning and inspirational book for stitchers!

-- Naomi Clarke * naomialice.co.uk *

A super book with 27 block designs, including full-size patchwork templates.

An A4 size book printed on quality paper and well bound. Extremely clear layout with easy understandable instructions supported by clear, colour photographs.

I particularly like the choice of fabrics used for the blocks as it shows the piecing and pattern clearly.

 The beginning of the book has sections on equipment, technique to help you stitch, how to use templates and cut your fabric. Following the block patterns are sections on quilt layout, sewing the blocks together and how to sash, baste, hand quilt, bind and care for your finished quilt.

There is a super selection of block designs including some more unusual ones, but they are all very striking.

This is a beautiful comprehensive book, clearly presented and it would be a well received gift for both an experienced quilter and a beginner due to the very easy to follow guides.

-- Sandra Grey * Customer Revi