Tues 6 -27 January 2026 (4 sessions)

7.00-9.30pm

Tutor: Marion Haslam

Level: complete beginners

NOTE: Students must know how to use a sewing machine before signing up for this course (thread your machine and bobbins and be able to stitch straight with an even tension).

Start the new year with a satisfying new hobby and learn how to make a patchwork quilt. Perfect for stitchers wanting to make their first patchwork as this course leads you through the entire process. Your finished quilt is ideal for using as a lap quilt or baby quilt, or for hanging on the wall. Your quilt will make a lovely one-of-a-kind present (that is, if you can bear to part with it)! Machine and hand sewing involved.

The 4 classes cover preparing your quilt layout and sewing your patches. You’ll learn about the different options of wadding and threads for your quilting and how to prepare your quilt sandwich for quilting. Finally, you’ll learn how to attach binding and a sleeve (optional) 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.

We have made it as easy as possible for you by preparing kits of pre-cut fabric squares for your quilt top in a variety of fun coordinating patterns. This means you can start to stitch without any delay - no having to cut patches or decide which patterns and colours work with each other. The fabrics are all chosen from our lovely collections of quality quilting cottons. The cost of the kit is included in the workshop fee. The finished quilt measures approximately 81 x 91cm / 32 x 36-in). This size ensures that you’ll soon achieve the satisfaction of a finished quilt. As everyone stitches at different speeds, 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.

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 use it again before the first class. Sewing machines are available to hire, subject to availability. Add to your basket if needed

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

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

• Please state which quilt top kit you would like, when prompted, on your booking: A - Bright/Pastels, B - Nautical or C - Dots and Spots. Please note, that availability is on a first come basis, so book early!

• Note we’ll discuss all the following options you’ll need to buy to complete your quilt in the 2nd/3rd classes - 1.0m wadding; 1.0m of patterned cotton backing fabric* (112cm wide); quilting thread; 30cm cotton fabric for binding. NB if making a wall quilt*, you’ll need 1.2m of the backing fabric

• For the 4th class fabric clips are very useful

Your kit will be prepared for you for the first workshop. 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.