If you’re wondering what to get a friend who loves quilt-making or a book about quilts to buy for yourself, then this selection of quilt-making books make great gifts. I sifted through a range of gift books at the local bookshop and also the library to come up with the following quilt selection (in no particular order). They all look excellent, so enjoy.

1. Stitching to Dye in Quilt Art, by C. June Barnes: 8/10
A very innovative way of looking at quilt-making, Stitching to Dye begins by stitching neutral fabrics and then dyeing them. A great book for students wanting to push the boundaries.

2. Quilt Artistry: Inspired Designs from the East, by Yashiko Jinzeryi: 7/10
A minimalist approach to quilting, influenced by the aesthetics and spiritual aspects of the author’s native Japan.

3. Quilting, Patchwork and Applique, by Caroline Crabtree: 7/10
A guide to three quilting techniques that looks at examples from all over the world. It illustrates: quilting, where layers of fabric are stitched together, patchwork, where fabric pieces are joined to produce a new textile; and applique, in which old or new fabric pieces adorn another fabric. A great book for inspiration, although it doesn’t include step-by-step instruction.

4. Revised Learn to do Hand Quilting in Just One Day, by Nancy Brenan Daniel: 9/10
This is a well-known guide to quilting and was first published in 1996. Thankfully, it has been updated and contains the same easy-to-follow and clear explanations of traditional techniques. You’ve got to get this classic book, especially if you are new to quilting.

5. Simple Shapes, Spectacular Quilts, by Kaffe Fassett: 8/10
In this book, Kaffe Fassett inspires the maker to use geometric shapes as a starting point to create the best quilts you can imagine. Not sure that this book is for a beginner, but for those who have some experience and want to be inspired.

Readers in the US can order from Amazon US

Readers in the UK can order from Amazon UK