Quilting is a fun hobby -- but where do you begin? Get the know-how you need to create beautiful quilts and decorative quilted itemsIf you're interested in taking up quilting as a hobby or simply looking for new project ideas, Quilting For Dummies is for you. From selecting fabrics and designing a quilt to stitching by hand or machine, this friendly guide shows you how to put all the pieces together -- and create a wide variety of quilted keepsakes for your home.You may think you need some sewing experience before you can start cutting and piecing, but that's simply not the case. You can use this book even if your sewing expertise stops after threading a needle. Quilting For Dummies starts at the beginning, helping you to gather the right quilting tools, fabrics, and thread. From there, you'll design your quilts and sharpen your sewing skills. Finally, you'll see how to piece your quilt together and add all the finishing touches.The book contains illustrated examples, step-by-step instructions, plenty of projects and patterns, plus helpful advice on Performing simple stitching maneuversSelecting the right quilting fabrics and threadsCreating new templates to produce original patternsDesigning your masterpieceLearning new sewing techniques and quilting fundamentalsMaking sense of quilting softwareSaving time with rotary cutters and other cool toolsQuilting by hand or machineGetting creative with appliqueChoosing new sewing machines and materialsQuilting For Dummies also features more than a dozen patterns for projects to get you started and information on quilting software and internet resources. Discover quilting timesavers, ideas for displaying your creations, how judges of quilting contests review the quilted art, and so much more!