To pick the perfect gift ideas for quilters you know, it's important to know what kind of quilting they enjoy. It's easy enough to ask if you don't already know.

Some quilters prefer appliqué, which is a sewing technique in which a design is stitched on top of a fabric block or panel using a zig-zag, satin or blanket stitch. All three applications may be done by machine. The blanket stitch method may also be done by hand.

Nice gift ideas for appliqué quilters would include a gift basket with supplies such as needles (machine or hand sewing), transfer paper, a good pair of scissors, and an appliqué design book.

Other quilters prefer to piece quilts. This is a quilting method in which pieces of fabric cut in various shapes or strips are sewn together to create a quilt top. Many popular traditional designs for pieced quilts include a 9-Patch, Double Wedding Ring, and Monkey Wrench.

Quilters who like to piece quilts use hand and/or machine sewing methods. Gift ideas for quilters who piece quilts are easy!

These quilters would enjoy gifts of fabrics, quilting threads, needles (machine or hand sewing), and books that feature a variety of quilt designs.

Another quilting technique is called foundation quilting. It's a technique in which fabrics are pieced together by sewing them onto a temporary paper foundation. Gift ideas for quilters who enjoy foundation quilting can be quite fun!

Ask what type of paper foundation they use. If it's newspaper, save several back to include with his or her gift. Remnant fabrics are always appreciated because they increase the fabric stash the quilter has on-hand!

Quilting software would make a great gift idea for quilters who like the age of technology in which we live! You'll need to know your friend's personal computer operating system to make sure the software will be compatible.

Buying quilting software will take a little research. Read about your options online and talk with sales representatives at your local craft, hobby or sewing stores before making a purchase.

Another way to select gifts for quilters is to examine your friend's market. Does he or she quilt for fun or for profit? Some quilters concentrate solely on baby quilts. Some like to quilt wall hangings. Others create bedspreads. Some quilters create clothing.

A hobby quilter would love to receive any of the quilting necessities and notions, such as threads, needles, thimbles, sewing books, etc. A quilter who sells his or her creations might also appreciate customized labels or ribbons to be used in packaging.

Quilters who create clothing would enjoy books that offer lots of photos for inspiration and how-to advice. If they embellish their quilted clothing with rhinestones or studs, those would make a nice gift idea for clothing quilters. Check to see if your quilting friend uses iron on rhinestones or uses a small apparatus for attaching them. It will make a difference in the type of rhinestone you should buy for his or her gift.

A perfect gift for any quilter would be an Internet quilting club membership. The best quilting website memberships offer videos of various techniques and software programs, a good range of frequently asked questions, and lots of inspiration and encouragement!

If you're giving an Internet club membership as a gift, make a nice card with the membership information on it and place it in an envelope. Finish it up by attaching a cute bow you've made from a scrap piece of fabric!