Everyone loves a quilt those big, cozy hunks of fabric and filling have been warming cold toes and hearts for generations. And quilting is certainly not for squares it's a fun way to be creative, and make something that you and your family will snuggle up to for years! In days of yore quilts were made mostly from leftover scraps, but most quilters today are fabri-holics. Sure quilts are useful, but they 're also works of art, and you'll want yours to look really special. With tips for designing patches, quilt blocks, and putting it all together, Quilting For Dummies introduces you to the wonderful, colorful world of fabric and thread you'll be hooked! There are as many ways of making a quilt as there are quilters, and this book has something for you whether you're a beginner or a wiz with needle and thread. There are tidbits, tips, and hints galore that will nudge you along. The book will help you: * Come up with a plan of attack and charge ahead * Baste, stitch, and bind like a pro * Find projects to try * Use clever shortcuts * Shop online for great quilts * Display your finished masterpiece The down-to-earth advice in this book will bring you up to speed on all the key sewing techniques, and have you whipping out your own cool patterns in no time flat. Quilting For Dummies covers these topics and much more: * Finding the right fabric * Creating and using templates * The ins and outs of threads, needles, and other gadgets * Assembling the quilt sandwich * Quilting by hand and by machine * The wonderful world of mini-pillows and wall hangings * The secret life of lap quilts * Appliques * Finishing touches In addition, there 's a list of quilting resources, charts to help you with common yardage cuts, well-placed illustrations, and step-by -step instructions for each project that will ensure your future as a quilter unfolds with ease. Get your needle-nimble fingers ready your search for the ultimate quilting source ends here!