How do you match different fabric types together? How much backing fabric does a quilt need? Which fabrics are likely to cause allergies, run in the wash, pucker, or skip stitches? How do pattern styles work? What shapes complement one another? What are warm and cool colours and how do you pick accent colours from prints? Much more than just a book of designs and projects to follow, Quiltessential is a quick-reference directory of fabric types, colour combinations, block settings, and piecing styles that shows you how to design your own quilting patterns from the limitless combinations on offer.The book is divided into sections on fabric, colour, design, and assembly. Each section offers clear advice accompanied by illustrations, photos, charts, and tables, arming you with everything you need to know to design your own quilts. Profiles of contemporary fabric designers, quilters, and sewing virtuosos provide insights, advice and stunning inspiration to demonstrate how this traditional craft is being reinvented by a new wave of artisans. Tapping into the aesthetic of designers such as Amy Butler, Marimekko and Cath Kidston, Quiltessential acknowledges the highly design-savvy audience that is taking over the quilting world and provides an indispensable worktop reference for modern quilters, sewers, and crafters.