How to identify a first printing
- 1983-present (independent, founded by Carolie & Tom Hensley): Quilting, sewing and fiber-craft specialist. First printing is identified by a descending number line, commonly '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1', with the lowest digit present giving the printing. C&T also frequently prints a 'Printed in [year]' and a 'First Printing' or edition statement on the copyright page. Spiral-bound and lay-flat formats are common but do not affect first-state identification.
- 2010-present: Added Stash Books (modern sewing, launched 2010) and FunStitch Studio (children's craft) sub-imprints, and acquired the Kansas City Star Quilts list in 2015 (with its My Stars and Star Stitch imprints). The number-line convention is unchanged; revised editions carry an explicit 'Second Edition' or similar statement and a new number line.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1983 by Carolie and Tom Hensley (the 'C' and 'T'), owners of The Cotton Patch quilt shop in Lafayette, CA; their first book was An Amish Adventure. Sons Todd and Tony Hensley bought the company in 1990; it remains independent.
- Launched Stash Books (2010) and FunStitch Studio sub-imprints, and acquired Kansas City Star Quilts (2015).
- Pattern and technique books often include tip-in or pull-out pattern sheets — confirm the pattern sheets are present for a complete first state.
- Explicit printing and edition statements make first printings relatively easy to confirm.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: C&T Publishing, Stash Books, FunStitch Studio, Kansas City Star Quilts (acquired). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my C&T Publishing book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1983-present (independent, founded by Carolie & Tom Hensley): Quilting, sewing and fiber-craft specialist. First printing is identified by a descending number line, commonly '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1', with the lowest digit present giving the printing. C&T also frequently prints a 'Printed in [year]' and a 'First Printing' or edition statement on the copyright page. Spiral-bound and lay-flat formats are common but do not affect first-state identification. 2010-present: Added Stash Books (modern sewing, launched 2010) and FunStitch Studio (children's craft) sub-imprints, and acquired the Kansas City Star Quilts list in 2015 (with its My Stars and Star Stitch imprints). The number-line convention is unchanged; revised editions carry an explicit 'Second Edition' or similar statement and a new number line.
Does C&T Publishing use a number line?
2010-present: Added Stash Books (modern sewing, launched 2010) and FunStitch Studio (children's craft) sub-imprints, and acquired the Kansas City Star Quilts list in 2015 (with its My Stars and Star Stitch imprints). The number-line convention is unchanged; revised editions carry an explicit 'Second Edition' or similar statement and a new number line.
Is a book-club edition a C&T Publishing first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1983 by Carolie and Tom Hensley (the 'C' and 'T'), owners of The Cotton Patch quilt shop in Lafayette, CA; their first book was An Amish Adventure. Sons Todd and Tony Hensley bought the company in 1990; it remains independent.
What era does this cover?
This covers C&T Publishing (1983-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.