Patchwork and Quilting: Beginners

23/09/2025 - 02/12/2025

Duration : 10 weeks

| Arts & Craft

An Adventure Into .... This course is aimed at anyone completely new to patchwork and quilting and those who wish to improve their skills.

Brief Description:

This course is aimed at anyone completely new to patchwork and quilting and those who wish to improve their skills. 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 10-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.

sew an accurate ¼” seam and understand why it’s important.

be guided to make traditional block and not so traditional blocks.

learn the basics of making a quit sandwich and adding a binding.

develop your design skills.

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 there are many local suppliers. 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’ or similar  in colours that you love. 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. 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.

‹ To overview

23/09/2025 to 02/12/2025 / Tuesday - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Course details

Location

Coleridge Community College, Radegund Road, Cambridge CB1 3RJ

Time

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Fees

£158 (£96 concessionary fee)

Booking notes

To book onto this course, please either call the office on 01223 712340 or email office@adultlearning.education

Tutor

Marion Curtis

Marion Curtis is a qualified teacher with a degree in Textile Design. Her interests include many forms of textiles including weaving and bobbin lace. She taught art and design technology for over 30 years and more recently has been concentrating on her own design work and working to commission. Marion would describe herself as a ‘Modern Quilter’ and enjoys using improvisational techniques. Opening her studio to the public every year through Cambridge Open Studios, Marion is an active member of Cambridge Quilters and often gives talks and runs workshops. With her art and design background Marion feels very confident she can bring out the ‘designer’ in you.