Today’s Craft

Using patches of one or several fabrics applied to a background fabric, applique quilt designs allow the quilter to include natural, flowing curves – something impossible using ordinary patchwork. The downside of applique, as most needlecrafters know, has always been the significantly greater investment of time required to complete a quilt.

Today, however, modern techniques, tools and supplies result in quilts that rival the best in the tradition and require just a fraction of the time. Now it’s easy to learn this quick, expressive technique to create lovely quilts of your own.

What you need

A full-color, 33-page guidebook, “Learn to do Appliqué in Just One Weekend,” includes complete illustrated instructions that will have even beginners appliquéing in just a couple of days. Guides to appliqué stitches, supplies and finishing, plus a glossary of terms, make it easy to get started right away.

In addition, the book features full-size patterns and step-by-step instructions for four original quilt projects designed to help beginners learn appliqué techniques. Designs include “Forget-Me-Not Sampler” (pictured), “Teapot Quilt,” “Oak and Acorn Quilt” and “Cornucopia with Strawberries Quilt.”

How to order

The “Learn to Do Applique in Just One Weekend” guidebook, No. AN4179, is $7.95. You can learn another quick-quilting technique with the help of a 32-page guidebook called “Learn to Machine Quilt in Just One Weekend,” No. AN4186, also for $7.95. Please include $3.00 for postage and handling and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, 15241 Stagg St., Van Nuys, CA 91405. To order by credit card, call (800) 828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the Web at craftbook.com.