Big Stitch Quilting

I am a fan of Carolyn Forster's books, and this latest book did not disappoint. As with all my other Search Press craft books, the book is really well illustrated with good photographs. The projects succeed in meeting my need for something more than very basic, but not super complicated either, something I often find difficult in quilting books. Although I do machine quilt, I would like to do more hand quilting and this book provides just the inspiration I was looking for.

-- Linda Jesuadian * Amazon Customer Review *

The perfect guide for those interested in hand quilting, Big Stitch Quilting unveils 20 pretty projects - from wrapping cloths and a Japanese knot bag to a pillow cover and coasters. You can choose from a combination of quilts and gifts, inspired by Boro, Kantha and Sashiko. This title also explores the most suitable materials, fabrics and methods to use, and also guides you through the process of assembling and finishing quilts.

* Sew Magazine *

Good well-written instructions with plenty of photos and pictures to follow as you learn to quilt either by hand or using a machine. I'm looking forward to using this book to guide me on my journey as I learn to quilt.

-- Sara Hawkins * Amazon Customer Review *

As someone who's been quilting for 45 years, I mostly buy quilt books for ideas not techniques, so it is pretty rare that I open a book and say 'that's interesting, I didn't know how to do that!' This was one of those times. Good historical explanations of the 'big stitch' tradition (enough to silence even the fiercest of the traditional quilt police); techniques to speed up piecing, 'big' stitches that were new to me (i.e. not just running stitch), very clear explanations and good, close-up photos that really show what is being explained. An excellent book and one that is destined to be returned to time and again. But then of course it is by Carolyn Forster, I should have expected no less. I heartily recommend it.

-- Ginnie Willis * Amazon Customer Review *

Big Stitch Quilting is an informative introductory book, full of lovely examples and projects to help get you started with your own big stitch work. I'm really looking forward to trying out the various techniques on my own quilts and gifts. It's accessible to both beginner and more experienced quilters, Forster takes you through basting and binding techniques as well as the quilting itself. She also offers a brief overview of historical and cultural examples of big stitch quilting techniques from around the world, such as sashiko and Great Depression era utility quilts.. There are a range of projects, from larger quilts through to doll-size quilts, Japanese-style knot bags, coasters and sewing rolls, which I feel make it very accessible to a range of abilities and for quilters who don't have time for larger hand-quilting projects. The photography of the various projects and examples is beautiful, making for a book that's also pleasant to flick through.

-- Leanne Marie * Customer Review *

I've been sewing for years but I'm quite new to quilting so this book is most informative. I'm not good at reading instructions, I like to jump in and start a project then go back and find out why it went wrong! So I started with the pincushion on page 128 (see pic) Carolyn's method and pictures were so easy to follow. After trying a few projects I went back to check out the history of these quilts which is an interesting read in itself. I found that I already had most of what I needed in the Tools and Materials section, never heard of a Hera marker but I have something else that will do the job when necessary. The templates are a bonus, it means you can just pick a project and get on with it without much fuss and there are 20 to choose from. This book will be my companion while I perfect my 'big stitch' technique and will be a great addition to my sewing library for future quilting reference. Thank you Carolyn Forster for introducing me to this form of quilting.

-- Lisa Hemstock * Customer Review *

Hand stitching lends a tactile quality and visual style to any item, as well as being meditative and relaxing to sew. Step by step photos and illustrations make everything easy to follow and the nine quilts and eleven gift projects including wrapping cloths, a Japanese knot bag, pillow cover and coasters.

* Machine Knitting Monthly *

A practical guide to sewing and hand quilting twenty projects using big stitch quilting. Nine quilts and eleven gifts which include coasters, a sewing roll and a pillow amongst other ideas.

Big stitch quilting, usually using thicker thread, has been utilised throughout history around the globe and Carolyn has taken inspiration from these different sources. A section on tools and equipment is followed by fabrics and wadding. Simple piecing is covered briefly with a good section on layering and basting your quilt, which is essential when hand quilting. There is a good example of a table top quilt tacking method. 

Quilt designs are kept simple, Baptist Fan is an example. A selection of different quilting stitches are demonstrated. There is a good selection on various binding options. 

Th quilts are simply pieced, excellent for using up scraps, with one quilt using applique flowers on a plain background. The gifts are a lovely selection of projects. Templates are provided to copy. 

This is a good choice for a beginner quilter as all basics are covered but has some interesting background on the different big stitch techniques which would be of interest for the more experienced. 

-- British Patchwork and Quilting * British Patchwork and Quilting *

‘Big Stitch Quilting‘ is the 2021 book by the amazing Carolyn Forster. Carolyn is an internationally renowned writer, designer, maker and teacher with a multitude of publications – all of which are superb! This book is another incredible addition to the Carolyn bookshelf!

‘Big stitch quilting’ is absolutely packed with beautiful photography, detailed instructions, a multitude of inspiration and more alongside 20 projects for you to explore big stitch quilting with. [...]

Carolyn starts the book by exploring big stitch quilting in historical makes as well as in different cultures. The level of details in the photos is astounding and I love learning the wider context of big stitch quilting and how it has been used.

Carolyn then moves on to talk about the tools and materials that she uses for big stitch quilting. Again, I really liked the level of detail and how the tools and materials are broken down into subsections. This really helps the reader to make informed choices about materials, their uses, and considerations to take into account.

Each section has a clear heading so you know what it is about. In this section, Carolyn discusses the actual act of stitching the patchwork pieces and covers stitch length, pressing, chain piecing, and techniques.

Nothing is taken for granted and I really like that. Carolyn does not presuppose our knowledge as the reader and so all bases are covered with instructions that are all clear, understandable, easy to follow and have high-quality instructional images. There are instructions and clear images for tacking, basting, quilt designs, quilting stitches, binding, and more.

Then come the projects and they are all amazing!! Sometimes, a book has a handful of projects that may inspire you. This book, however, is inspiring from start to finish. All 20 of the projects are amazing and ones that I absolutely want to try! There are 11 home items projects (bags, coasters, wrapping cloths etc) and 9 quilt projects. Each project is titled and has clear information about the sort of project it is, the measurements, the requirements (fabric and notions), how to cut the fabric, and a digital image of the design as well as styled photography.

The photography truly is sublime! Following the above information, there is then a step-by-step for how to make the project with digital images to guide you alongside written guidance. The book also contains the templates that are needed for the projects too so you can start stitching straight away!

I truly, truly love this book. It really is jam-packed with sumptuous images as well as clear and easy-to-follow instructions for a whole range of methods, stitches and quilting approaches as well as the 20 projects. It is absolutely a book that I’d highly, highly recommend!

-- Naomi Alice * naomialice.co.