Tues 12 January - 9 February - 5 classes

7.00-9.30pm

Tutor: Marion Haslam

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

This 5-week course is perfect for stitchers wanting to make their first patchwork quilt as Marion leads you through the entire quiltmaking process. You’ll be sewing a patchwork pattern called the Snake Charmer. Whilst there’s no magic (or snakes!) involved, you’ll learn a lot and have fun at the same time. Your quilt is ideal as a wall quilt, sofa throw or knee / baby quilt. Your quilt will also make a lovely one-of-a-kind present. Machine and hand sewing involved.

The workshops cover choosing fabrics and colours; preparing and sewing your patches accurately; block layout and sashing. You’ll learn how to use a rotary cutter and the different types of wadding and threads for your hand quilting. We’ll discuss options of hand quilting patterns. Finally, you’ll learn how to bind your quilt to give a professional finishing touch.

The quilt measures around 87 x 115cm / 34 x 45-in. By sewing at home between classes (if necessary), you can complete a quilt in a short time. This course also provides a good foundation for all our other quilt workshops.

This is a fun, yet comprehensive course. As you’ll be learning new techniques each week, it’s important to attend all the sessions.

This is an ideal follow-on course to students who have come to our Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine workshop. Note: students must know how to thread their machine and bobbin and be able to straight stitch confidently with an even tension. We’ll teach you the rest.

Equipment and material needed:

• Sewing machine. Make sure you know how to thread it, wind the bobbin and straight stitch with an even tension. Remember the foot pedal, a straight sewing or 1⁄4in foot, instruction booklet etc. If you haven’t used your machine for some time - do try it before the first class. Sewing machines can be hired, subject to availability

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

• Cotton thread to match 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 42 5x5-in squares. Florals, spots, geometrics, batiks are all fine to use. If using a Sweet Treat, save time and cut into 5-in squares before the first class

• 1 metre of a plain, tonal, textured or low volume fabric (112cm wide). Do ask if you need us to explain these terms before buying!

• (From week 2) Rotary cutter, cutting board and quilt ruler at least 12-in long. Or, we have some spare equipment for you to share. As a student you’ll receive a discount if you buy rotary equipment before or during your course

  For the 3rd class. Note we will discuss all the options before you choose and buy. 1.3 metres wadding; 1.3 metres of patterned backing fabric* (NB if making a wall quilt*, you’ll need 1.4m of the backing fabric); quilting thread to coordinate with your fabrics; 40cm fabric for binding

• For the final 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.