Tues 21 April - 2 June (break on 26 May) - 6 classes

7.00-9.30pm

Tutor: Marion Haslam

Level: complete beginners

This 6-part course is perfect for stitchers wanting to make their first patchwork quilt. We lead you through the entire process. Your finished quilt is ideal for hanging on the wall, as a sofa throw, knee quilt or baby quilt. Your quilt will also make a lovely one-of-a-kind present. Machine and hand sewing involved. Note: students must know how to use a sewing machine before signing up for this course (that is threading your machine and bobbin and straight stitching with an even tension). We’ll teach you the rest!

The 6 classes cover choosing fabrics and using colours; sewing your patches; block patterns 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 have a finished quilt. Some sewing at home between classes may be necessary depending on the speed at which you sew in class. This project provides an excellent 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. Please note the course is structured with 5 classes, then a 1 week break on 26 May and then the final class.

Equipment and material needed:

• Sewing machine. Remember the pedal, a straight sewing or ¼in foot, spare bobbin, instruction booklet etc. If you haven’t used your machine for some time - do take time to try it out before the first class. Sewing machines are also available to hire. 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 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 use fat quarters or a Sweet Treat, you must pre-cut 36 5x5in squares before the first class

• For the 3rd class, 50cm of fabric for inner sashing

• For the 3rd class, 75cm fabric for outer borders

• Note we’ll discuss all the following options in the 4th class - 1.2m wadding; 1.2m of patterned backing fabric* (112cm wide); quilting thread; 40cm fabric for binding. NB you’ll need 1.4m of backing fabric if making a wall quilt*

• For the 6th class, fabric clips (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 supplies during each class. All students receive Loyalty Card stamps on qualifying purchases.

Refreshments are provided at each workshop.

If you have any questions, please look at our FAQs or 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.

Please check dates carefully before booking as we do not offer refunds on workshops. For full booking terms, please read here.