Sarah Payne’s Quilt School

A really useful book that takes you through what you will need to get started on patchwork projects. It teaches patchwork skills through projects which are well illustrated with plenty of ‘tips’ to help you on the way.

The book is mainly suitable for beginners, but anyone interested in patchwork would find it a worthwhile addition to their library.

-- Barbara Allan * Customer review *

I am new to quilting and found this book an excellent starting point. It clearly covers the basics of tools, fabrics, techniques, hand or machine sewing and even how to choose colours that complement each other for a lovely project. I really like the way this book leads you through all the quilting projects, with lots of colour photos showing step by step what your project should look like! There are 15 lessons and each lesson makes a new project, starting with a straight forward bag made up of squares and progressing and introducing more complex shapes.
I think this is a perfect book for anyone wanting to have a go at quilting. I can't wait to make a start on my first quilting project.

-- Lorna Cox * Customer review *

This is an excellent book to teach all the basics of quilting, especially if you don’t attend a class. Instructions are clear and well laid out, with helpful pictures throughout. Sarah takes the quilter through choosing equipment and fabric to building up skills gradually as you go through the book. There’s also plenty to interest a more experienced quilter, for instance the instructions on the various methods for making flying geese are brilliant.There’s a good range of different sized projects to make and a couple of fun ways to use up scraps. A really great introduction to patchwork.

-- Anna Wheal * Customer review *

Sarah Payne's Quilt School is a must have book for those wanting to start patchwork and quilting. She starts at the beginning and covers the essential tools - not forgetting to mention that fabric scissors should only ever be used for fabric! She guides the reader through the basics, with clear pictures showing the techniques for cutting accurately, sewing with a machine or by hand and pressing.

The projects are well thought out, with clear instructions, aided by clear photographs. Each project is presented in the form of a lesson, and includes tips to help you improve your technique. There are very clear examples of different methods for creating flying geese units, how to create a flanged border, bordered binding and flanged binding. One aspect that I particularly like in this book is the double spread about the disappearing 9 patch; it shows how different the block looks in the final layout, when different colour combinations are used.

If this were not enough, the book contains a section for using the scraps that the reader will have left over after finishing the other projects in this book. This is a genius addition, as patchwork and quilting will produce a plethora of scraps! Sarah Payne is my kind of quilter - finding ways to make things easier on the quilter.

This book should be on the bookshelf of everyone who wants to start or improve patchwork and quilting. It would not be out of place on the bookshelf of more advanced quilters, as it contains ideas and techniques (especially for binding) that I've not seen before.

-- Christine Hutchins * Customer review *

This is an excellent book for anyone new to patchwork and quilting, or for anyone looking for inspiration and new ideas. The instructions are clearly explained in step by step description and photos, with lots of top tips included. I've made a start on the cover quilt as it's a fantastic project that will help me to use up my scraps. I'd highly recommend this book.

-- Sazzie Jessop * Customer review *

I'm a great fan of Sarah Payne, she's a great teacher so I was looking forward to this book.

I had wondered whether it would be too basic, I'm not an expert, but equally not a beginner quilter, but was not disappointed at all.

A beginner would find it extremely helpful, but there's plenty in it to interest those of us who are past that stage.

The illustrations are photos not drawings and I find that much clearer to follow. For each technique there's a project, ranging from bags, cushions, quilts and more. Sarah also explains how to use rulers and acrylic templates for cutting and there's also a bit which tells you what you can cut from a fat quarter of fabric, very useful!

A lovely book to look through but also a very useful book too! Would definitely recommend!

-- Linda Jesuadian * Customer review *

I just love this book. It's suitable for beginners and beyond, something for everyone. Well set out with beautiful colour photographs to go alongside the writing. Very easy instructions for all the projects. I am certainly going to make the circles quilt. I would recommend this book to any sewer/quilter. 

-- Bev Hackleton * Customer review *

Sarah Payne's lovely book leads you through the very beginning, the tools you will need, fabric wadding, thread, right through to caring for your completed projects, with lots of things to make in between.

It is very well illustrated with lots of nice, clear photographs, including plenty of close ups. Much clearer than diagrams, I find.

Whilst this book is suitable for beginners, it will also grow with you so that you don't outgrow it too quickly.

-- Pat Darlington * Customer review *

An introduction to patchwork and quilting especially suitable for beginners. The introduction covers equipment, technical terms and rotary cutting.

The designs begin with squares (a simple tote bag), but progress to real projects. A shoulder bag with Flying Geese blocks and a quilt with several alternative layouts and interesting borders are introduced early. The final objects are a delightful elephant cushion and a scrap quilt using all the leftover pieces.

The final section gives clear advice on hand and machine quilting, binding, labelling and caring for the quilts. There are excellent photos and instructions throughout.

It is my Book of the Month.

* British Patchwork & Quilting *

I recently got the opportunity to get a look at Sarah Payne’s Quilt School: New ways to start patchwork and quilting. I have really enjoyed looking through this book and it even inspired me to make a table runner! With the holidays coming upon us I feel this book is perfect for anyone who wants to make some beautiful gifts that will not take weeks to make.

The book is set up with good introduction information for anyone interested in starting to quilt and it also has information that can likely be helpful to people who are already familiar with patchwork and quilting. The pictures are wonderful and detailed. In her Introduction she illustrates various tools and materials as well as basic techniques. Then with the different Lessons there is additional material that speaks to those particular lessons.

The lessons are broken down into types patchwork and quilting. There is a section on Squares, Triangles, Circles and then just basic scrap projects. In the section on squares the first project is a shopping bag which I love. Who doesn’t need more shopping bags! Throughout this section there are several projects that are generally quick and easy. She also presents a beautiful and simple approach to the disappearing none-patch quilt which is really fun. She has many beautiful photos that take you through what different layouts will produce. I am going to have to play with that on my next project.

She moves on to triangles and, again, there are numerous wonderful photos of different projects. There is a little quilted purse, a pillow, a wall hanging, a quilt and then this little placemat that spoke to me.

While I have quilted for decades I am no expert and generally have used paper patterns. I have never utilized a ruler to make 60 degree triangles! I am sure everyone else knew this but I was excited. I even used that trick on a construction project I was working on! I changed her suggestion for size to accommodate a piece of furniture I have. I made mine narrower and longer. Then I hand quilted with black in my very simple primitive hand quilting style.

With her section on circles she has that classic Drunkard’s path, which I always have loved. She provides a pillow pattern which is nice if someone wants to try simple circles. She demonstrates different ways to sew circles, with applique or sewing in, and has a beautiful circle quilt out of batiks.

The last section is about scrap use and there is a wonderful scrap quilt, also pictured on the cover of the book. I love the elephant, which appears in many pictures throughout Payne’s work.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and found many fun and simple projects that have inspired me. I really think there is a little something for everyone in this book. There are quilted items someone can make in one day or items that may test your skills and teach you something new!

-- Julie Rogers * Mr X Stitch *

This bright and colourful book is an ideal introduction for those starting out on their patchwork and quilting journey. The essentials about tools, fabrics and basic techniques are covered in the introduction. This is followed by sections on Squares, Triangles, Circles, and Beautiful Scraps. Guidance for layering, quilting and binding are given at the end of the book. Within each section there are a number of ‘Lessons’, which present instructions for a variety of projects that build on your skills – some of the patterns can be varied to use differentsized blocks or pre-cut fabrics. Handy tips to achieve the best results are scattered throughout. A range of construction methods are also introduced in projects that include bags, cushions, runners and wallhangings as well as full-size quilts.

* The Quilter *

In Sarah Payne's Quilt School (RRP £12.99), the well-known TV personality leads readers through a series of techniques to build up their skills. Each chapter has step-by-step projects for a range of items including cushions, tote bags and table runners. The author also discusses a variety of different shapes and methods.

* Craft Focus *

I have been watching Sarah Payne on TV for quite a while and love her zest for all things stitchy. So, when I heard that she had written a book I was very excited.

Ms Payne has not disappointed me. From beginner to advanced sewist, everyone will take something from this book, whether it be a new skill or a fabulous idea.

The book is sectioned in 'lessons'.  So from beginning to end, each project introduces a new skill. With simple language, easy instructions that are in written and visual format and brilliant hints and tips, there is no reason why you would not get a professional finish to your very usable project.

Quilts, bags, runners and cushions are all included, and each step is easy to follow. The bright glossy pages showcase the projects and the colours 'pop' giving you so much inspiration and they will definitely boost your creativity and imagination. 

I loved this book, it has a wealth of information of fabric, fat quarters, thread and gives expert advice on what you will need for your sewing journey.

-- Tracy Shephard * Amaz