Book of the Month March 2014: All-in-One Quilter's Reference Tool - The Jolly Jabber Quilting Blog

Book of the Month, Fat Quarter Shop, Fat Quarter Shop Giveaway, Quilt Books

Book of the Month March 2014: All-in-One Quilter’s Reference Tool

333 Comments


It’s time again for a new Book of the Month! This month we selected All-in-One Quilter’s Reference Tool as our March 2014 Book of the Month. This book is a MUST HAVE for quilters, and is a great reference for designing your own patterns. We are giving a few away today, but do not forget the Book of the Month is 20% off all month!


The All-in-One Quilter’s Reference Tool has been on Kimberly’s sewing room bookshelf for years. When C&T Publishing decided to release a second edition, we couldn’t wait to feature it as a Book of the Month! This handy guide has helped many aspiring quilt designers get their feet wet, aiding them with the dreaded quilt math that you will eventually grow to love.

There are many measurements and calculations that go into a quilt. What are the calculations for a half square triangle? How big is a standard twin sized quilt? How much backing/binding/batting do I need? With this reference book by your side, you will never wonder again.

Today we are giving away THREE copies of the new All-in-One Quilter’s Reference Tool to three lucky winners. Are you a new quilter or a budding quilt designer? This book will help you along the way.

To enter, comment below on this post and let us know what quilt math calculations always trip you up. Winners will be chosen Monday, March 10. Good luck!

333 comments

  2. Hi Kimberly, I always struggle with Flying Geese, they are my nemesis without a doubt!! This book could be the answers to my prayers!!! Kerry x

  8. Binding! That's what I'm always trying to calculate. I'm also always trying to figure out how to use sets of fabric in the most economical ways.

  9. What an awesome tool! I'm thinking every quilter needs a copy! As for me, setting triangles always give me fits, although it sounds like I'll be referring to a multitude of information in this gem. Thanks so much!

  12. Always struggling with those hst's. this book would come in handy!
    cpoot at telus dot net

  16. I always have a heck of a time trying to get the backing squared off with an extra 4 inches on each side. I know it is probably easy for most but it makes me cry.

  18. I always have problems figuring my backing fabric This looks like the perfect book for me 😀

  27. Forget the mat., What really happens is…make a sample, then make a couple more resizes til I stumble upon the right size and find I didn't write it down so make another test piece to double check. lol C.

  28. I have a habit of forgetting to add seam allowances when calculating the strips needed to make a long stretch of plain (i.e. unpieced) border – I seem to forget that those three pieces need to be joined together before they can be attached to the quilt! I now draw a diagram and put arrows either side of the seam lines so I know to add 0.25" on for each arrow – sounds daft but it works!

  29. Forget the math. What really happens is…make a sample, then make a couple more resizes til I stumble upon the right size and find I didn't write it down so make another test piece to double check. lol C.

  30. Wonderful, need one of these for quick reference.
    debilohr at sbcglobal dot com

  31. How about everything! I need help! I just stumble my way thru right now and that really isn't good! I could really use this!

  32. To avoid having to do ANY math, I just chose a pattern and make one of the sizes included. I even ask the people at the LQS if the fabric choice I have made will look okay in the pattern.

  36. I'd love this reference book. I'm new to quilting but like trying new things with each quilt….it would certainly save me some time to have this handy reference guide

  37. Wow the book looks great. I always have trouble working put how much fabric I need for the backing. Thanks for the chance to win!

  42. This books looks like the perfect thing for me! I am new to quilting that usually call my friend but having this handy would help. I am a visual person and need to see the pictures!! It would be awesome to win!

  44. I'm a beginner and it's all still a puzzle! I tried making a pencil roll a couple months ago – and forgot to calculate in the seam allowances!

  46. My maths errors are calculating blocks when increasing quilt sizes. I usually add a row to the length and miss a row on the width. This book might just cure it for me

  47. I am in the growing stage and need all the help I can get. This sounds like a grand addition! Thanks for the opportunity and the information.

  48. I would love to win this great book. I know it would help me with pattern design
    Thanks for the chance to win.
    Shawn

  51. I've only used tutorials and pre-cuts so far. I would feel like I could tackle my own design if I had this book. Thanks for the chance.

  53. If quilting didn't have so much math it would be perfect! It's the second-guessing measurements that gets me every time!! I think it's right, I make a plan to cut… And then re-work the calculator again! Thanks for the chance to enter – this book I'm sure will help with quilting perfection! Keera x

  54. Sounds like a great book. I get confused with half square triangles and binding, so I just go go go and then sometimes wrong.

  68. When the measurement is 3 7/8 or 2 7/8, something with a 7/8 on the end and I have to cut that or whatever. I usually just go up 1/8th and then cut off the excess.

  70. This looks like a wonderful reference for quilt making. Triangles are usually a nemesis of mine ;^)

    Thank you for the chance to win this wonderful book.

  73. I am just a beginner… So I need help with everything. I have to run to the computer all of the time to google how many squares I can get or how much yardage I need. This book will put everything right at my finger tips.

  76. Triangles! I'll design a design on graph paper and then get tripped up figuring out how big I actually need to cut the triangles (or really, anything that's not a rectangle or square)

  78. I must have math anxiety… triangles, geese and the like give me heartburn but o do I love them;)Any help would be awesome:)

  79. I am an engineer so math isn't the issue…but sometimes having a reference just in case. I am always in the market for a good reference tool.

  80. Hi!!! This is my second year in quilting and the bindind is very difficult for me…but so far so is so many other things!!!! Would be great to have this book!!!! Thank You

  82. Wow, I can't think how many times I've wished I had something like this! For setting triangles, half-square triangles, quilt sizes, etc! I'd LOVE to have this! Thanks for the chance to win.

  83. This would be very helpful!! Having a BA in English,
    I was never great in geometry which causes problems when I quilt. Thanks for chance to win!!!

  88. I struggle with figuring out how to turn a small quilt pattern (like baby sized) into a large quilt (like king or bigger!) and how much fabric to buy for the larger size. I also struggle with figuring out how much backing I need.

  89. Oh my yes! I need! Setting triangles are the worst! Never can figure out what size triangle I need to fit with squares on point.

  92. I always get stumped when I need to do the triangles for settings or for square in a square! Usually I cut my triangles overly large and trim to size. Thanks for the chance to make life easier by giving us the answers!

  98. This month marks 1 year since I started to sew 'blocks' and…I can't stop. I've already filled 4 binders with patterns and pictures for future projects.
    Calculating diagonals are my hardest so far.

  99. I have a hard time on how to figure out how much fabric I would need to make a quilt bigger than the pattern is written for, I always seem to want to make them bigger!

  105. I am hoping this helps me with my triangle piecing. Plus I always seem to end up short in buying the right amount of fabric. Can't wait to check it out.

  107. While math rarely trips me up (I have a degree in a Mathematics), it definitely saves time to not have to calculate everything yourself.

  110. With a degree in math, I would be loathe to admit that I could not figure what I need. I can and do but always add a "chunk" more of fabric to be sure!

    Would love to own a copy and not have to scratch it all out on the back of an envelope.

  115. What an awesome book to have. I only work with patterns that I don't have to do the calculations. This would help in doing my own designs. I'm a regular customer so while I would love to win it I will also buy it if I don't win.

  116. I have trouble with flying geese,this would be a wonderful reference book for when I am just not sure of my figures,Thsnks for a chance to win one

  117. Math has always been a nightmare for me. I squeaked through college math and then became a mom whose kids had to stop asking math questions by the fifth grade. Now with quilting, I often need help. This book would be a great help for me.

  120. I tend to cut a little larger than needed and trim down to the correct size – like with HST. Looks like a helpful book.

  122. I like to make bias bindings, and keep misplacing the dog-eared photocopy of a friend's book page that she gave me years ago. It has a chart on it telling you how much fabric you'll need for the length and width of binding you want. This book would be a lifesaver! Ruth in FL

  123. That whole 7/8" thing for triangles throws me every time! I just don't understand it. Why not add a whole inch and then trim down? That's what I always end up doing. 🙂

  124. The 3/8 and the 7/8 get me. I would love this book and then I could leave my friend Gail alone!!!!

  128. Flying geese are the bane of my existence, at least that is the way if feels sometimes. Thanks for the chance to win this fabulous resource!

  132. Changing block size to something different than the pattern; especially blocks with numerous pieces.

  137. there are a couple of calculations that I always have to look up – half square triangles in particular ! thanks so much for the chance to win this handy book and for the special for those who don't win !!

  138. How many strips or squares of a certain size I can cut out of a specific fabric size(yardage, jelly strip or fat quarter). Would be nice to have a one spot go to source. How many five inch squares can I cut from a yard of fabric!

  139. Oh many as metric is my countries system but many patterns are in English measurements. And I love designing quilts and give them away as free patterns. But it is more difficult to design both ways and still be accurate. I always rewrite my patterns so English speaking people can use it too. I am from the Netherlands. Hugs,
    Marianna B.

  141. All to a certain degree give me pause, but the three that really cause me problems are the half-square and quarter-square triangles and then the square in a square. I may never design anything, but I sure would love to know how to figure the math! Thanks for the chance to win a great helper!!!!

  142. Oh my, a book that would help me with flying geese? Wonderful!! Of course, I'm sure this book is chock full of great quilty things!

  144. Well, as a new quilter, I am relying on someone telling me the measurements, but I just learned about the magic 8 for HST, now if I could just figure out how to figure those out! 🙂 this book looks great!

  146. I don't mind doing the math…most of the time..however, having it all laid out in a book would be fabulous!

  154. Math is definitely not my forte, so I would have to say all calculations. LOL I would call myself an intermediate quilter.

  155. Math was most definitely my weakest subject in school, so I struggle with just about all aspects of quilt math. This book would really be a great reference for an arithmetic anxious person as myself. Thanks so much for the giveaway opportunity!

  157. I have trouble when I want to put on strange borders like braids or on point squares. I know I will need a spacer but can't figure out how wide to make it. I'm usually off so I make it bigger and cut it down.

  161. Setting triangles always leave me wondering,and quarter square triangles! This book looks very helpful. We all need help!

  163. The challenge for me is to reduce a block so that the quilt will not be "huge", which would be difficult for me to piece at the kitchen table. Geometry was not my best subject. Thanks for the giveaway, Fat Quarter Shop!!

  166. I am new to quilting, so this book would be perfect to me! I have soooo many questions!

    jachelno at gmail dot com

  168. I can do most of the math, but it is easier and quicker to have a book or pattern do it for me. Probably more accurate too.

  171. A quilter's all-in-one guide, if only I knew it was available sooner. I am always ending up with too much, or not quite enough fabric and working out those triangle calculations sets my head spinning like a pinwheel.

  174. What a great book and am sure this would be quite useful. Yes, I am one of those who can not remember what to add to make certain blocks and would be very good to have……

  176. My biggest challenge is calculating the correct size half triangle to pair up with a square……..always stumps me. This is an awesome little guide offering lots of information in one handy reference. Thanks for the opportunity to win one!

  178. I'm so new to quilting, I didn't even know we have to calculate anything! Yikes! I REALLY need this book!! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!! 🙂

  179. Thanks for the chance to win. I'm a relatively new quilter so I've been sticking to patterns mostly but this would help me jump off and take a little bit of this and a little bit of that and turn it into something new for me. Thanks!

  183. Alrighty!! This is a book that I know would be my bible… I am always going to google to figure things out especially calculating triangles!! Thanks for the chance… crossing my fingers!

  184. I would love to win a copy of this book! Thank you. I know that getting that 1/4" seam exact can make a difference in your quilting…I guess that is what trips me up most.

  185. Sometimes I like to resize a quilt pattern and figuring out those triangles are always a problem. With this book I'd save lots of money by buying only the fabric I need.

  186. oh my, HST and flying geese for sure…..this book looks so helpful to new and old quilters alike…thanks for the opportunity to win one!

  188. Setting triangles can keep me from setting blocks on point…..there are some days that the math can take away the joy in sewing!

  189. I have trouble with half square and quarter square triangles, but I would love to win this book to give to a niece who is getting into quilting and is having trouble withal the calculations required. I think this book would be a blessing for her.

  191. I am a new quilter as of 2013 and have limited myself to precuts and beginner patterns because I don't know how to figure the yardage needed. Would love to expand my learning!

  192. It's calculating the HST that is challenging for me, because I never feel confident that I've calculated the correct size.
    btw, I really enjoy your Snippets videos. Even though I've been quilting for awhile, I often learn something from these videos.

  195. I would love to be able to figure out what size triangles I am going to end up with instead of guessing and it would be wonderful not to end up with enough fabric to make two more quilts after I finish one. Wait a minute, that's not always bad my stash looks great.

  196. I am always trying to fit together odd sized blocks and when piecing I have just been making things bigger and them trimming them to the size I want. This book would save on fabric!

  197. Good to have a quick reference when doing something I haven't done in a while or something new to me. This book sounds great.

  199. I'd love help to calculate fabrics for 60° block quilts
    sure the reference tool will come in handy any way
    Peggy

  200. I am so new to quilting that I don't know what trips me up the most yet. I can use all the help I can get and this looks like a great resource!

  201. This book looks like a wonderful reference to have and use! How great to be able to know how much material you'll need while in the fabric or quilting shop!

  203. I always have a brain freeze when it comes to any fractions other than 1/4 or 1/2…I would like to be able to expand my skills and this book would help tremendously

  206. I struggle with a lot of the math in figuring quilts! Flying geese always trip me up. Could be that I avoided Math in school, and that my brain is almost 68 years old too! This book would be a lifesaver.
    Thanks so much!

  207. ANY math at all is challenging to me…every day, I thankfully check my good friend Google for whatever calculation or conversion I need for the next step. It would be so cool to have a printed reference manual to refer to on those road trips when we don't have an internet connection.

    I can still remember the day I tried to learn that 1/3 was less than 1/2….still catch myself trying to figure that one out on occasion. Luckily, I've learned to bake by touch and sight! And when it smells done, it's done! (no math required, love that!!)

  208. I struggle with a lot of the math in figuring quilts! Flying geese always trip me up. Could be that I avoided Math in school, and that my brain is almost 68 years old too! This book would be a lifesaver.
    Thanks so much!

  211. I struggle with anything having to do with numbers. But wait quilting is loaded with numbers so this book could be just the help I need.

  212. Setting triangles & hourglass blocks can really trip me up. This book would be a lifesaver!

  213. There is so much I need to learn about quilting! I have been quilting almost 3 years, and the amount of things I don't know is mind boggling. I have designed 3 very easy quilts, and what I've learned from that is how much more I need to know. It's so much more satisfying to make a quilt you've designed yourself.

  215. Hi. An absolute God-send to help me avoid brain freeze when figuring out triangles, binding quantities and general measurements. This book could help save me money. (Who am I kidding?) I am brand new to quilting and would so appreciate this book. Thanks so much for the opportunity to enter!

  217. I have this info but in lots different places – it would be great to have it altogether in one easy to find spot.

  220. When I change the size of a quilt and therefore have to adjust things like the corner triangles I have a lot of problems.I think this book would be a great help. I had never heard of it.

  221. Figuring backing and border fabrics. I work in a quilt shop and people always want you to figure it for them and I am terrible at it.

  222. I am a new quilting and would love to have this book! Math stresses me out and this would definitely help me figure out yardage. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
    Barb in Vancouver, WA

  223. I am a new quilting and would love to have this book! Math stresses me out and this would definitely help me figure out yardage. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
    Barb in Vancouver, WA

  227. It all drives me crazy…I usually just wing it until I get it figured out….sounds like the book would be a great reference. Thank you for the giveaway!

  228. I've been a traditional quilter for many years – very amateurish – and always hand-pieced and hand-quilted. The new world of quilting with rotary cutters, precuts, chain-piecing, etc is so exciting, and I've just machine-pieced a quilt top for the first time. When I think of developing my own patterns, the most intimidating thing for me mathematically is to figure out where to start. Which pieces will determine the cutting size of all the other pieces? How do I make the most of the precuts without waste? Thanks for showcasing this book. It looks like an amazing reference.

  230. I started quilting 3 years ago…in my "old" age of 57, basically learning as I go. But a reference book might be the way to help me figure out a better way to do things!

  233. I am new to quilting so I struggle with most everything still! 🙂 This book would be a huge help for me!!

  234. I would love to have such a wonderful reference at hand rather than constantly going to 'google' to answer my questions! The math of binding always challenges me, but so does being exact with my quarter inch piecing seams. Thanks for this opportunity to win the book.

  235. All of them trip me up! Ever since I had cancer and chemotherapy, I cannot do math in my head – no matter how much I draw up my blocks, plans, etc, adding seam allowances, or whatever, I always mess them up. Even WITH a pattern or tutorial. Ugh. So I just figure out a way to go with the flow and adapt! 😉 "Chemo Brain" drives me nuts!

    This book looks fabulous!

  236. Yes, I am a brand new quilter! I have my first quilt cut out and I am ready to sew. It kind of intimidating at this point. I hope it goes together as planned. I don't know at this point what will give me the most problems but with this book I may not have any issues! Please pick me!!! ????

    Paige Gonzalez

  238. I design all my own quilts, and the math is horrible! I use EQ7, so the stuff for the top/front is done for me (yay!!) but backing & binding are nightmares to figure out, and anything with triangles. Sounds like this is the book I need!!

  241. I'm a fairly new quilter, so I guess HSTs and Flying Geese would be the ones I can think of. Thanks for the chance to win this awesome book!

  242. Triangles. I usually pull out my notes on how to figure them out. This book sounds like a great resource.

  243. What trips me up is not being able to figure out how much fabric to buy to make a quilt out of a block I like. A tutorial says how much for one block. But how much for 15?

  244. Hello, well HST are my biggie, if I do not do the math right, then of couse, if I want them to become 4 sqrd. I am wrong, I do not know how many times I have had to stop and take apart, seam ripper is my middle name……..

  249. How wonderful to have all calculations and formulas at hand in one source. Always have to look up how to do the half triangle squares when doing blocks on point. Thank you for the opportunity to win a great prize.

  250. I choose and draft a block of the month for our local chapter of Project Linus-this book sounds like a perfect companion to have while I design! Count me in! Thanks, Fat Quarter Shop!

  255. I have always just followed the directions. My daughter wants to design fabric and pattern. So I think this tool is a must have!!

  256. What a brilliant book, I so need this one!! I get stuck once I've made a quilt and someone asks 'how many fat quarters did you use?' Hard to know when I just used my stash!!

  257. Borders and backing…and then there's binding. Even though I'm a fairly new quilter and pretty much always follow a pattern, seems I, also, always tend to get a bit improvisational before I'm done. as a result, I'm never quiet sure how much yardage I need finishing and tend to way over shoot for fear of running out. Luckily for me, I , also, like the look of scrappy quilts with my 'extras'.

  258. Half square triangles for sure. Have a great day, and thanks for the chance to win. dawnm1993 at gmail dot com

  260. I need to calculate how many diamonds I get out of a yard of my favorite fabric or how much do I need for this applique background for the whole quilt? I'd love to have this tool for figuring all this out.

  261. It's not the calculations that I have trouble with, it's the measuring accurately. (hanging head in shame).

  262. Definitely flying geese! Would be nice to have a little reference tool like this around.
    Thanks for the chance to win!

  263. I find degrees are an absolute problems for me. The only ones familiar are 90 degrees and 360 degress. LOL. This refence tool would be a big help. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Janet

  265. It seems figuring out setting triangles and piecing the backs of quilts is the reason I'd love to have this book. Thanks for the chance!

  268. Triangles! Figuring triangles to translate to square shapes just slay me. As many times as I see the calculations. Maybe i need to paint it on the wall….
    ramona

  269. Finding out exactly how much fabric I need, I always have too much – and then I have to make a new quilt 😉

  270. Hi Kimberley, Anything to do with triangles does my head in but especially quarter square triangles – math was never my strong point. Sue-Anne

  271. Am pretty new still, to Quilting World….harder to figure things than following sewing patterns. Had rough time with HST at first….not very good at figuring how much backing fabric I need, or how to do most all the things like flying Geese, Hexie's,etc. This book would definitely raise my Quilting confidence! 🙂

  274. The Quilter's Reference Tool would give me answers to a lot of my questions. I'm not a beginner quilter but I'm learning new things about my hobby all the time.
    wlinda_ca@yahoo.com

  276. I am a fairly new quilter and I get confused most with triangles and when I want to change the size of a block.

  279. This sounds like exactly what I need. I consider myself still being new to quilting. What quilt math trips me up? Well, considering math in general trips me up, I'd say all of it!! Right now I can only quilt with complete and precise instructions. Thanks for the opportunity to win this great reference book!

  280. Half square triangles and setting triangles have always given me trouble. Would love to have this reference book!

  286. Regardless how long you have been quilting, there is always something new to learn. Things that you have never done before make you just stare at the instructions with a glazed look. Would love to win this book to learn new things.

  287. Working out measurements for any kind of piecing fills me with angst and stress. This book sounds a wonderful go to guide. Thanks for the opportunity to win one.

  288. When I try to make a block in a pattern larger or smaller, I have to admit I sometimes can't figure out how to get it to the desired size.

  289. I sure would like to know how to make blocks larger or smaller and how to make a quilt made of on point blocks larger or smaller. I guess I could get out some graph paper but…….a book would be great

  290. When it comes to math calculations…I am definitely trippable! I would say getting the calculations for setting triangles for on point blocks right would be my biggest challenge…that, and the formula to add seam allowance calculations for making multiple HST's at once from two simple little squares.

  292. Any calculation or measuring on an eighth of an inch usually ends badly for me. 🙂 This book looks like a great source of information. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  293. This book sounds like a fabulous tool every quilter could learn from. I am a beginner and have always had a problem with math. I would love to do something right the first time. I have too many "scraps" from past mistakes.

  297. I am just starting out quilting and in a lot of ways everything is confusing so it is nice to have a handy guide so I know how much fabric to buy!

  300. wow! Could I ever use this book! I am just starting to design my own quilts…sometimes improv and sometimes using and combining traditional blocks. Getting everything to line up and size up correctly is definitely a challenge. Good luck to all and thank you for the chance to win!

  302. I am sitting here rehabbing from knee replacement surgery and dreaming about what I will do as soon as I can bend and move again. I had just started to quilt before this surgery – and now that I am retired too I have big ideas. What a great help this book would be. kathleendotlutzatcomcastdotnet

  303. I always have to look up the formula for figuring out the size square I need for bias binding. Then I have to steal my daughter's scientific calculator to calculate it.

  304. I have math problems when I'm piecing a quilt back. I know the overall dimension I want, but the more complicated my piecing on the back, the more math issues I face.

  308. Looks like a wonderful and helpful book! I'm sure it'll come in very handy. Thanks so much for the chance to win!

  309. I am new to quilting and had my first class Thursday night. I need all the help I can get with calculations and anything else so maybe one day I can make some gorgeous quilts.

  310. Oooh *fingers crossed* this is such a great reference and I could so use it! I have a hard time with scaling. I always mistake the seam allowances, and scaling triangles is a tricky one. Thanks for the giveaway chance!

  311. At this point most of them math calculations for quilting give me a problem. This would be a great reference book to own.

  315. If only I could narrow it down to just ONE thing that stumps me… Just trying to figure out the joining strips gives me a headache. I need ALL the help I can get!

  319. Coming up with an accurate amount of backing fabric without going overboard! I always buy more than I need. Usually because I'm worried I wont have enough! LOL!

  323. I'm new enough to quilting that I didn't know there were calculations! Thanks for the chance to learn something new!

  327. I love math. I have not run into much trouble while planning a quilt. That said, I would really benefit from this reference book for everything else!