Quiltmaking by Hand: Simple Stitches, Exquisite Quilts

I am truly inspired by this book. I made my first couple of quilts by hand, but I didn't feel that I was a "real" quilter until I had bought the sewing machine. All the books and magazines seemed to be completely geared up to machime piecing and so I felt that hand piecing was seen as quaint and outdated. So it was a revalation to find out that Jinny Beyer, a reknown quilter and teacher whose quilts I had always admired, made them ALL by hand! Her explanation of how quilts can be advanced piece by piece in "found" moments has made me think that perhaps handpiecing is THE way to quilt for busy women today.
Her directions and detailed photographs make it easy for anyone who has never picked up needle and thread and her enthusiasm, on every page of the book, will build your confidence. Also, the photographs of her lovely silver needlework accessories and the insets about quilting history add to the inspiration.
If you think you haven't got time to hand piece, read this and think again.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I first saw this book title. I hadn't been able to find much about hand piecing and, though I was very interested in piecing my quilt tops by hand (for all the reasons the author goes into in this book!), I lacked confidence and know-how. No more. There is nothing I need to know about hand piecing and quilting that is not in this book.

Concepts and techniques of fabric choice, pattern drafting, all kinds of piecing, adding borders, preparing the quilt for quilting (including mounting on a frame or in a hoop), hand quilting, and binding the finished quilt are all given in exquisite detail. There are numerous extremely helpful photos showing each step of the techniques, as well as painstakingly written and very understandable text directions. In the chapter on pattern drafting, not only is there detailed direction on using graph paper and drafting tools, but also covered is using a computer drawing program to create grids and to draft and design blocks. (The author uses a program called Canvas and the detailed instructions are geared to this program, but the basic ideas are very adaptable to different software.)

If there is one aspect of this book that does not work for me, it's the chapter on using border prints within the quilt. I'm sure there are many, many quilters out there who would greatly appreciate the very detailed (and ingenious) directions on using specially printed border fabrics in multiple ways within the quilt, including mirror imaging and creating new shapes from border designs. It's not to my taste, but it is in line with the extremely high quality of the rest of the book.

The author seemed pretty opinionated about a lot of aspects of the design, construction and finishing process; however, I feel equipped, after reading this book, to try doing things different ways until I find the way that works for me.

Finally, the many references and sidebars about antique quilts and needlework greatly enriched the book, giving it a historical background that I found very inspiring.

My next project will be hand pieced!

I learned to piece my quilts by machine about 10 years ago, but after downsizing to a one-bedroom apartment in 2001, I lost my sewing room. Taking my sewing machine out of the closet isn't worth it, unless I have a 2 to 3 hour block to time available. I wanted to learn to piece by hand, figuring that with less equipment necessary, it would be easier to pick-up at a moment's notice. However, I couldn't find instructions detailed enough for my comfort.
I was overjoyed last summer when I found out Jinny Beyer was going to publish this book in November. After weeks of monitoring Amazon.ca, the book became available about one week before Christmas (which I ordered immediately!). True to form, Quiltmaking by Hand, just like other books by Jinny Beyer, is detailed and well-thought out. Piecing instructions are explained in detail as well as accompanied with lots of photographs, including how to hold your needle to speed up your running stitch. She also covers other aspects like making templates, pattern drafting, creating borders, hand quilting and finishing the quilt. There are also 10 quilts patterns at the end to practice your new techniques. The little tidbits from older quilting/sewing books are fun too. Jinny Beyer will also tell you up front why certain techniques, for example, cutting fabric with a rotary blade, aren't included in the book; however, she will give you good arguments on why she doesn't.
With the help of this book, I am now piecing by hand. Am I producing a quilt top faster by hand than by machine? I'd say yes. Oh, I'll never match by speed of sewing with that of a machine. however, by hand, I complete up to 4 or 5 blocks a week with 1/2 hour here, 1/2 hour there. One block from start to finish takes me about an hour. I don't need to press my blocks in progress until my block is completed (and then I have a marathon at the ironing board.) Curved pieces are easier by hand and less likely to be stretched. Your projects now become portable
I can't recommend this book enough and I give it a 5 star rating.

I bought this book because I was interested in learning hand quilting having had absolutely no prior experience at quilting. This is a fabulous teaching aid and resource book. Every aspect of hand quilting is covered, quilting essentials including stash, a basic pattern drafting how-to, piecing basics, beyond piecing basics, setting in angles and curves, borders for quilts, preparation for quilting, finishing quilts. The accompanying text is clearly understandable, enriched by the author's years of experience, and the photos are excellent quality, in a step-by-step sequence particularly in the chapters on hand piecing. One thing I would like to add is that this book is beautifully produced. The paper quality is velvety, the format (9"x 11") is spacious, and the sharpness of the photographs is excellent. As a bibliophile, I think it is a satisfyingly lovely book to own, and at approximately 260 pages of excellent instruction it is well worth its price of $22.42 if you are seriously interested in the art of hand quilting.

I recently decided to take up quilting as a hobby. I haven't touched a sewing machine since 7th grade, so I figured I'd give hand quilting a try. This book definitely gave me the confidence I needed to get started. The hand quilts Jinny has made are inspirational, and all the detailed instructions are perfect. I especially appreciate all the photographs that show stitches step-by-step.

I now realize that even if I was a pro with a sewing machine, quilting by hand would be the way to go for me. I am the mother of a toddler and I work full time, so doing piecework in "found moments" is very convenient. I can pin pieces together while my daughter eats a snack at the table, and I can sew while she sleeps. It is wonderful to spend evenings watching television and stitching at the same time, without it becoming a big production. It has taken me 3 months, but I am nearly finished with a twin size quilt (which I'll use on my daughter's first big-girl bed), and everyone is impressed that I've done it all by hand. I hope to make quilt-making a hobby I can enjoy with my daughter when she is older.

I only wish that this book included more instruction on actual quilt construction (attaching the backing, finish the edges, etc.) I've had to check books out from the library to get better instruction on these aspects, as this book mainly focuses on stitching pieces to make the blocks, and that is it.

I had never hand pieced or hand quilted before I purchased this book. However, after reading the first few chapters, I took the plunge and started the "Columbia" design at the back of the book. The author said that this design is less difficult than it seems, and she was correct! It really was relatively easy and I found that hand sewing is much more precise than machine sewing. I've constructed mariners' compasses on the machine before but never one as accurate as the one that I hand pieced. Now I hand piece anything that requires precision, all because of of the confidence this book instilled in me.

This book covers in detail the techniques required to create a patchwork quilt using the method of running stitch by hand to sew the patches together. Each chapter covers in the detail characteristic of Jinny Beyers's writing the techniques used for every stage of the work, whether it's what kind of knot to use for starting and finishing in running stitch or how to draft your blocks on the computer using a graphics program.

The book is beautifully presented with superb photos of Ms Beyers's work and also a collection of ten patterns ranging from pieces suitable for a relative beginner to patterns for more experienced needleworkers.

This is a book which will remain a treasure on your bookshelf for many years to come and I cannot recommend it too highly.

I have just begun to piece by hand after having a poor attempt several years ago. When I read that Jenny hand pieces all her quilts, I thought "There must be something I'm not doing right" because she is the 'Quilt Queen' in my estimation. I have found the book to be a clear, well thought out approach to handquilting and misses no detail of explanation.

I have just finished hand piecing a large Queen size quilt and am now quilting it. I took her advice and began carrying a small bag with quilting pieces, needle and thread with me and have been amazed at the amount of time I spend quilting in "lost moments!"

I used to dread getting the sewing machine out because I always felt so stressed to GET IT DONE! Now I can relax and find the same time of enjoyment in piecing as I have always found in quilting.

Excellent book.

I already knew a lot about quilting, but through this book I learned even more. I am now willing to tackle making a king size quilt by hand. I have a deeper appreciation for Jinny Beyer's creativity, talent, and skill. I am very appreciative of her willingness to share what she has learned over the years. Her techniques are clearly described, photographed, and simple when following her step-by-step directions. However, I do have one thing to share with those who might want to buy the folding scissors she has used for decades when traveling. They are quite small, light weight, take up almost no packing space, and have stayed very sharp without her having them sharpened. That's a high quality pair of scissors. I decided to see if they were available for sale on her web site. They were -- for $82, plus shipping. After doing a brief internet search, I found the identical scissors through Garrett Wade for only $57, with free shipping since my order was over $50. So, buy the book, learn more than you thought you would, but buy the scissors from Garrett Wade!

As someone who assembles and quilts by hand 90% of the time, I found this book wonderful. The patterns in this book are beautiful and the instructions are very well written. To think how prolific of a quilter Ms. Beyer is, and to think that all of her quilts are hand made completely is inspiring in itself. The book suits all levels of skill, a beginner could easily use this book successfully and the experienced quilter is bound to pick up ideas and tips. The book is wonderfully laid out, a lot of information, excellent quick tips, excellent graphics. If I could give this book 10 stars I would.