The true beauty of quilts lies in their democratic nature--anyone can make a quilt. This groundbreaking collection draws on the expertise of the Smithsonian's textile curator and their major and extensive collection at the National Museum of American History, covering quilts from the birth of the country in the 1700s to the new century of modern quilts. This inclusive look offers a scope beyond just chintz and wholecloth, but to exquisite, unexpected quilts with wild originality, the spirit of experimentation, and true artistic inspiration. Guides by quilting experts will help you to master the basic techniques, like the running stitch, basting, and hexagon piecing, as well as more difficult handiwork, like Victorian Crazy quilt stitches. This is not only a pattern book of beautiful quilts and encouragement to create your own quilt, but also a rich celebration of the heritage of quilts, the dynamic community behind them, and the patchwork of America's complex and diverse history.