Many of the skills art quilters use every day can be traced back to the basics. Kestrel Michaud shares drawing techniques she learned in art school that will help every quilter hone their skills of observation and explore their options when designing a quilt. Next, Lisa Thorpe uses stamped and colorized designs in repeating patterns to create focal points, borders, and even printed yardage. Creativity abounds in this episode of QUILTING ARTS.

Applique quilts are always in vogue, and this episode offers two approaches to this style of quilting. Artist David M. Taylor shares an overview of his process for creating representational art quilts that incorporate his unique applique technique. Next, using a longarm machine, Satomi Hoar introduces us to using invisible thread to hide stitches and create a beautiful tulip applique design.

Forget the rulers and the rules... today's theme is improv, by hand and by machine. Teresa Duryea Wong starts off with making an improvisational quilt complete with thin strips and odd shapes. Next, Heidi Zielinski adds a touch of free-motion machine quilting and hand embroidery to her abstract art quilts. On this episode of Quilting Arts, free your creativity with a little improvisation!

Finishing techniques can make the world of difference to how an art quilt is displayed. Diana S. Fox shows her technique for creating a double hanging sleeve you won't want to miss. Next, David M. Taylor shares his blue-ribbon binding method and tips to get precise mitered corners in a binding. It's all about fine finishes on this episode of QUILTING ARTS.

Fussy cutting, raw-edge applique, and collage all start with cutting fabric in pieces. Learn tips from expert Kestrel Michaud about how she prepares fabric for cutting and creates intricate pieces for her amazing artwork. Artist Lisa Thorpe also works in collage and has her own tips for working with cut fabric. Two artists share their techniques using bits and pieces on today's QUILTING ARTS.

There are many ways to add depth, texture, and design to fabric. Host Susan Brubaker Knapp starts with white cloth, then paints, stencils, and stitches to create a textural piece of art. In contrast, Margaret Abramshe works her artistry with paint on a grayscale print. Each technique is unique in its application and results!

Shadowing is a 'no-no' in applique, and David M. Taylor will lead you out of the shadows with his exceptional techniques. On the flip side, quilter Jenny K. Lyon layers sheers in her project to create unexpected results. Learn something new from these incredible teachers who both explore the limits of fabric and thread.