An Introduction to Patchwork and Quilting

Try patchwork and quilting for the first time and discover the modern way to make timeless heirlooms.

This 5-week course starts on Wednesday 15 May and ends on 12 June 2024. Each weekly session starts at 10am and finishes at 12.30pm.

This introduction course will teach you the essential techniques to start making modern patchwork quilts.

You'll create a patchwork quilted cushion cover using the tutor's pattern which was published recently in Love Patchwork and Quilting Magazine. After the course, you'll have all the skills you need to make a quilt of any size, from start to finish.

The course is suitable for absolute beginners and more experienced sewists trying patchwork and quilting for the first time. You'll use equipment provided by the tutor in class but will need to bring your own choice of cotton fabrics (full details will be provided after booking and fabric kits are available to buy).

Each weekly session focuses on a key stage of the quilt-making process, using modern techniques and equipment:

Prepare and cut fabric for patchwork using a rotary cutter, acrylic rulers and self-healing cutting mat.
Create patchwork triangles and learn how to sew patchwork pieces together accurately using a basic sewing machine.
Complete the patchwork 'block' and make the cushion pieces.
Add quilting stitches to hold the layers of a quilt together using a basic sewing machine with a 'walking' foot.
Make and attach binding to complete a quilt using a combination of machine and hand sewing.
Students will be guided through each stage and apply their learning to a small, quilted project which they will turn into a cushion cover.

After the course, students will have gained:

The skills and confidence to make another patchwork quilt of any size.
Experience of the tools, equipment and techniques used by modern quilters to cut, piece and combine layers of fabric to create patchwork quilts.
An understanding of the resources available digitally to inspire and encourage modern quilters.
An appreciation of the social and personal benefits of sewing and quilting as part of modern life.
Kathleen Anderson is a quilter, quilting teacher and quilt pattern designer based in East Leicestershire. Kathleen founded Cowden Quilt School in 2016 and her classes have been transforming beginners into quilters ever since. Kathleen's quilt patterns keep new quilters making and learning and she is a regular contributor to Love Patchwork and Quilting Magazine. Kathleen's classes are friendly and supportive, giving students the time, guidance and practice they need to create their first patchwork quilt and many more.