Brief Description:

This course is aimed at anyone completely new to patchwork and quilting and those who may have attended before and wish to pick up where they left off.  The tutor has put together some ideas which combine the classic and not so classic patchwork units and to create a more modern look. We will be making a sampler quilt.  

You will be advised on where to buy fabric and the best equipment, without breaking the bank. The centre has a number of sewing machines, and the tutor will provide some basic equipment to start you off.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Basic experience in using a sewing machine is essential; such as being able to wind a bobbin, thread up the machine and sew in a straight line. Patchwork is much easier to access than dressmaking and is a great way to use even basic sewing skills to be creative.  

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the 8-week course, you will have the opportunity to:

• learn all about fabric preparation and how to use the correct tools and equipment such as a rotary cutter and mat.
• Sewing an accurate ¼” seam and why it’s important.
• be guided to make traditional block and not so traditional blocks.  
• learn the basics of quilting and binding.
• develop your design skills with colour and shapes.

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment

The centre has several sewing machines to use or you may prefer to bring your own. You will need your own plastic bobbins/spools as well as basic equipment such as fabric scissors and pins. In time you will need to purchase your own rotary cutter, mat and ruler. Patchwork weight fabric is required and places like Hobby Craft will have small packs of ‘fat quarters’ at a reasonable price.  Whilst not essential, more progress will be made if learners have access to a sewing machine at home. 

For the first session you will need to bring:

Fabric scissors and a notebook and some cotton fabric such as a pack of ‘fat quarters’.   The tutor is keen for you not to rush out and spend a lot of money on special tools and equipment. This will come in time depending on your needs and pocket.  

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Consider returning for another term where you can pick up where you left off to explore even more blocks and extend your skills possibly looking at foundation piecing and more complex quilting. Over the academic year there are many Saturday classes on offer for those who would like an extended time to learn and create.  Speak to the tutor. 

The Adult Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.