Wed 16 July 10.30-3.30pm with a break for lunch

Tutor: Kate Higgens

Level - Complete Beginners

If your stack of patchwork tops is growing ever larger, learn the art of machine quilting and get your quilts finished! Join us on this popular workshop to learn the skill of free motion machine quilting (that’s quilting without a marked pattern). Kate is an expert at machine quilting and during this practical class you’ll sew many different patterns. You’ll also learn tips and tricks about threads, tension and design to help your quilting. After lunch you can continue with samples, or start quilting a cushion or quilt top you’ve prepared earlier.

Suitable for complete beginners, plus you don’t need a fancy sewing machine, just the ability to drop or cover your feed dogs. (Call us if this needs an explanation)!

Materials and equipment required:

• Sewing Machine. A basic sewing machine is fine for this workshop. You will need a free motion quilting foot (also known as a darning foot or open toe embroidery foot). See the photo above which shows a free motion foot. Note - this is NOT a walking foot. Alternatively you can hire a machine subject to availability (just add to your basket with your workshop booking).

• Spare machine needles and bobbins

• 50cm plain quilting weight cotton (any colour)

• 50cm cream / white quilting weight cotton or pre-shrunk calico

• 50cm of 112cm wide wadding (either 100% cotton or Eco)

• 100% cotton thread in a contrasting colour to your fabric

• Basic sewing kit - fabric / thread scissors, pins, stitch ripper and a large needle, 505 spray (if you use this)

• Quilting Gloves* (optional) we have 2 sizes of these available instore

• If you wish to quilt a finished piece of patchwork in the afternoon, eg a cushion front, but nothing bigger than a small cot quilt; bring the fabric, wadding and backing pre-tacked.

Refreshments will be provided during the day. There will be a break for lunch. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch, or there are a wide variety of coffee shops, tea rooms and delis and in the high street.

It’s advisable to sort out your materials beforehand to make best use of the workshop time. However, if there’s anything you’re missing, you can buy supplies in store during the day.

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