Tues 7.00-9.30pm 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 April and 14 May

Tutor: Marion Haslam

Level: complete beginners. Students must know how to use a sewing machine before signing up for this course.

Perfect for sewers wanting to make their first patchwork quilt as this course leads you through the entire process. Your finished quilt is ideal for hanging on the wall, as a sofa throw, knee quilt or baby quilt. Or, if you can bear to part with it, your quilt will make a lovely one-of-a-kind present. Machine and hand sewing involved.

The 6 classes cover choosing fabrics and using colours; preparing and sewing your patches; block layout and sashing. You’ll learn how to use a rotary cutter and the different options of wadding and threads for your hand quilting. Finally, you’ll learn binding techniques to give your quilt a professional finish. Marion has been quilting for more than 30 years , so you’ll also benefit from lots of hints and tips learned over the years.

The size of the quilt (approximately 110x110cm / 43x43-in) ensures that you’ll soon achieve the satisfaction of a finished quilt project. Some sewing at home between classes may be necessary. This project provides a good foundation for all our other quilt courses.

This is a fun, yet comprehensive course. As you’ll be learning new techniques each week, it’s important to attend each class. Classes are from 7.00-9.30pm. Please note the course is structured with 5 classes, then a 1 week break and then the final class. The class dates and times are:

Tues 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 April and 14 May. Course break on 7 May 7.00-9.30pm

Equipment and material needed for the classes:

• Sewing machine. Make sure beforehand that it works and you know how to thread it, wind the bobbin and straight stitch with an even tension. Remember the foot pedal, a straight sewing or ¼in foot, spare bobbin, instruction booklet etc. If you haven’t used your machine for some time or you’re borrowing a machine from a friend - do take time to try it out before the first class. Sewing machines are available to hire, subject to availability. Simply add to your basket if needed.

• Basic sewing kit containing sharp fabric scissors, pencil, pins and a stitch ripper.

• Rotary cutter, cutting board and quilt ruler at least 12-in long (if you have them). We also have some spares for you to share. As a student you’ll receive a discount if you buy rotary equipment before or during your course.

• Cotton thread to coordinate with your fabrics or a neutral colour such as grey or cream.

• A Charm pack or a Sweet Treat pack of patterned 100% cotton fabric with at least 36 5x5-in squares. Florals, spots, geometrics or stripes are all fine. Or you can buy at least 6 fat quarters (50x56cm) of coordinating patterned fabrics. If you buy fat quarters or a Sweet Treat, you must accurately pre-cut 36 5x5in squares from the fabrics before the first class.

• For the 3rd class, 50cm of a coordinating plain fabric (115cm wide) for inner sashing.

• For the 3rd class, 75cm patterned fabric (115cm wide) for outer borders.

• Note we will discuss all the options for the following in the 4th class - 1.2m wadding; 1.2m of patterned backing fabric* (115cm wide); quilting thread to coordinate with your fabrics; 40cm fabric for binding. NB if making a wall quilt*, you’ll need 1.4m of the backing fabric.

• For the final class fabric clips are useful (optional)

It’s advisable to buy your Charm Pack / Sweet Treat before the first class to make the best use of the workshop time. (Items for the later classes are not needed for the first session). However, if there is anything you’re missing, you can buy fabrics, haberdashery, threads etc during each class. All students receive Loyalty Card stamps on qualifying purchases.

Refreshments will be provided at each workshop.

If you have any questions, please phone us on 01634 838880 before booking. Please note that we do not send out reminders before courses, as all the information that you need is here. For car parking details, please look at the Visit Us page.