Over 689 colour photographs
Over 205 illustrations
Over 142 projects

• Over 140 quilting, patchwork and applique projects for beginners and experienced needlecrafters



• Easy to follow step-by-step instructions with 900 specially commissioned photographs and diagrams, including helpful charts and templates



• Clear advice on techniques, using and creating templates, planning designs, and tools and materials



• Inspirational designs for quilts and throws, bedlinen and tablelinen, clothing, and accessories for every room in the house



• Featuring four popular themes and styles: Country, Historic, Ethnic and Contemporary

The needlework techniques of quilting, patchwork and applique have been with us for centuries. Quilting is the oldest of the three crafts with its derivations in the East, where ancient civilizations used quilted fabric for their padded winter clothing. Brought to the West by the Crusaders, medieval women adapted the idea to bedcovers. As the technique spread to the New World, quilting became essentially a thrift craft, with settlers recycling their outworn clothes, cutting the fabric smaller and smaller, and patching it together . . . and so the patchwork quilt was born.

These timeless, ever-popular and closely related crafts are brought together here in one volume. The projects, over 140 in total, have been divided into four themed sections, presenting different styles of work: Historic-style, featuring traditional designs and techniques; Country-style, with an emphasis on homespun and small-print fabrics and folk-art motifs; Ethnic-style, with bold, colourful designs based on Hawaiian applique, Seminole patchwork and San Blas applique, to name but a few; and Contemporary-style, typified with dramatic designs and quirky motifs translated into the most modern of items, such as rucksacks, T-shirts and nursery accessories.

The items featured are just as wide-ranging, with full-size quilts, decorative throws for beds and seats, bags of all types, cards, pictures and wallhangings, waistcoats, hats and children's clothing, beautiful curtains, bedlinen, tablelinen and towels, accessories for the home, and gifts and keepsakes to treasure. With its comprehensive content, new and exciting ideas, and both practical and inspirational approach, The Ultimate Quilting and Patchwork Companion is the only book the beginner and practised needleworker will need to while away many hours, if not a lifetime, of creative pleasure.

About the Authors

Isabel Stanley - Author

Isabel Stanley trained in textiles and embroidery at Goldsmith's College, London. Her use of colour and fabrics and distinctive style make her highly sought-after as a contributor to craft publications. She is the author of Step-by-Step 50 Curtains, Cushions & Covers and New Crafts: Machine Embroidery.