A Quillwork Companion by Jean Heinbuch

Since its publication, Heinbuch's A Quillwork Companion: An Illustrated Guide to Techniques of Porcupine Quill Decoration has become the definitive work on the art and craft of Native American quilled decoration. Heinbuch describes all of the basic and advanced techniques using plain, easy-to-understand language. Each step is fully illustrated with photos and line art drawings to assist the reader in recreating this beautiful art form.

Beginning with a description of tools and materials, the author proceeds to cover the basic stitches, including zigzag, simple band, single thread line, quill wrapping and quill plaiting techniques. Advanced techniques covered include two-quill zigzag, two-quill triangle, two-quill diamond, three-quill double diamond, multiple quill plaiting, checker weave, single-thread sawtooth, zigzag edging, wrapped-fill edging and the creation of rosettes. The techniques of birchbark and loom quillwork are also explained, and extensive appendices cover the topics of the preparation of rawhide and brain-tanned leather. Finally, Heinbuch includes a discussion of the use of natural dyes, both botanical and mineral, for the quills.

With over 200 illustrations and photos and over 90 pages of descriptive text, this is a complete resource for the beginning craftsman on the beautiful and historic Native American art of quilling.