Quilt Book - Three Must Have TypesLooking for a quilt book to start or add to your quilting library? There are three types that you'll need - reference, pattern and inspirational. The Reference Book or How do I Do That Again?Most quilting books of any kind will include basic instructions on how to quilt. But, unless they are a beginning quilting book, that is all that they will contain.Even beginner quilting books will not contain a lot of information because they want to make things as simple as possible for the beginning quilter. You will usually only get one way to perform a quilting technique such as binding a quilt with a minimal amount of pictures. So, what's the solution? A reference quilt book. A reference book will give you options. Instead of one way to baste a quilt, for example, you may get three with step-by-step instructions. Sometimes even a pattern book can be used as a reference book if the General Instructions section is good enough. The thing to remember about reference books is that you pull them out when you want to know how to do something. That can be a quilting technique or even how to complete a quilt in 90 minutes. It's a good quilt book to have in your arsenal. The Pattern Book or The Good StuffThis is what most folks think of when they think of a quilt book. A pattern book is just that - a book of patterns. When looking for this type of book, look at what techniques you are familiar with.If you a strip quilting type of person, look for a book that contains strip quilting instructions . Do you love fat quarters? There are plenty of fat quarter specific books out there. Want to try scrap quilting? There's a book for that. It's also a good idea to have a pattern book that is just above your current level . This book should should stretch you and force you to try new techniques or develop the patience that it takes to make a beautiful quilt. I usually have a rule of three when it comes to pattern books - I've got to be interested in making three quilts from the book. That makes the book cost effective when it comes to purchasing a book versus individual patterns. The main piece of advice that I can give you to make sure that either you are comfortable with the techniques in the instructions of the pattern quilt book or you are ready to make the next leap in your quilting development. Inspirational Book or Ooh and AahSome may call these coffee table books. They are usually huge and oversized. I like just looking at them and getting inspired to quilt and also for quilt designs.Some books, like Quiltmaking by Hand by Jinny Beyer are supposed to be instructional/reference books, but I get inspired by flipping through them because of their intricate quilts. I also have the book from the Gee's Bend museum exhibit that traveled the country. That book reminds me that you can make art out of anything. Those women used what they had, they broke the rules and in the process of making a functional quilt to keep them warm, they made art. If that isn't inspirational, I don't know what is. So, if you are looking to start or add to your quilting library, consider a good balance between reference, pattern and inspirational books. A good mix will allow you to get more quilts finished, while still pushing you to become a better quilter. And isn't that what we all want?
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