Brief Description:

Over the term you will be introduced to this amazing world of patchwork and quilting.  With little equipment to begin with you will learn how to prepare and cut fabric accurately and learn how to make a number of traditional blocks such as half square triangles, flying geese and stars.

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.

As you gain in confidence you will be able to use your skills to make your own quilt or similar patchwork items.

Hopefully you will return for another term to explore this enjoyable craft further.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Some basic experience in using a sewing machine will be beneficial.  This course will suit many who would like to use their sewing skills for something creative. There are no ‘sewing police’ so no need to worry about perfection.

Learning Outcomes:

The course will be organised in the following way:

• Introduction to fabric preparation and accurate cutting; use of a cutting mat, rotary cutter and ruler.
• Sewing an accurate ¼” seam and why it’s important
• Traditional patchwork blocks including log cabin, flying geese, the half square and quarter square triangles, various star blocks and the disappearing nine patch
• Designing your own patchwork design
• Other topics by mutual agreement such as binding, quilting, using the AccuQuilt Go machine

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

1. Basic sewing equipment such as needles, pins, fabric scissors
2. Ideally learners, in time, will need their own rotary cutter, mat and acrylic ruler.
3. Whilst not essential, more progress will be made if learners have access to a sewing machine at home.
4. Patchwork weight fabric will be required but advice will be available on what to purchase.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Fabric scissors and a notebook and some cotton fabric scraps if you have them.  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 in January where you can pick up where you left off to explore even more blocks. Over academic year there are many Saturday classes are on offer for those who would like an extended time to learn and create.  Speak to the tutor.
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 Sunday’s , 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

Click here to view all courses available.

Brief Description:

Over the term you will be introduced to this amazing world of patchwork and quilting.  With little equipment to begin with you will learn how to prepare and cut fabric accurately and learn how to make a number of traditional blocks such as half square triangles, flying geese and stars.

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.

As you gain in confidence you will be able to use your skills to make your own quilt or similar patchwork items.

Hopefully you will return for another term to explore this enjoyable craft further.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Some basic experience in using a sewing machine will be beneficial.  This course will suit many who would like to use their sewing skills for something creative. There are no ‘sewing police’ so no need to worry about perfection.

Learning Outcomes:

The course will be organised in the following way:

• Introduction to fabric preparation and accurate cutting; use of a cutting mat, rotary cutter and ruler.
• Sewing an accurate ¼” seam and why it’s important
• Traditional patchwork blocks including log cabin, flying geese, the half square and quarter square triangles, various star blocks and the disappearing nine patch
• Designing your own patchwork design
• Other topics by mutual agreement such as binding, quilting, using the AccuQuilt Go machine

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

1. Basic sewing equipment such as needles, pins, fabric scissors
2. Ideally learners, in time, will need their own rotary cutter, mat and acrylic ruler.
3. Whilst not essential, more progress will be made if learners have access to a sewing machine at home.
4. Patchwork weight fabric will be required but advice will be available on what to purchase.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Fabric scissors and a notebook and some cotton fabric scraps if you have them.  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 in January where you can pick up where you left off to explore even more blocks. Over academic year there are many Saturday classes are on offer for those who would like an extended time to learn and create.  Speak to the tutor.
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 Sunday’s , 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

Click here to view all courses available.

Brief Description:

Over the term you will be introduced to this amazing world of patchwork and quilting.  With little equipment to begin with you will learn how to prepare and cut fabric accurately and learn how to make a number of traditional blocks such as half square triangles, flying geese and stars.

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.

As you gain in confidence you will be able to use your skills to make your own quilt or similar patchwork items.

Hopefully you will return for another term to explore this enjoyable craft further.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Some basic experience in using a sewing machine will be beneficial.  This course will suit many who would like to use their sewing skills for something creative. There are no ‘sewing police’ so no need to worry about perfection.

Learning Outcomes:

The course will be organised in the following way:

• Introduction to fabric preparation and accurate cutting; use of a cutting mat, rotary cutter and ruler.
• Sewing an accurate ¼” seam and why it’s important
• Traditional patchwork blocks including log cabin, flying geese, the half square and quarter square triangles, various star blocks and the disappearing nine patch
• Designing your own patchwork design
• Other topics by mutual agreement such as binding, quilting, using the AccuQuilt Go machine

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

1. Basic sewing equipment such as needles, pins, fabric scissors
2. Ideally learners, in time, will need their own rotary cutter, mat and acrylic ruler.
3. Whilst not essential, more progress will be made if learners have access to a sewing machine at home.
4. Patchwork weight fabric will be required but advice will be available on what to purchase.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Fabric scissors and a notebook and some cotton fabric scraps if you have them.  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 in January where you can pick up where you left off to explore even more blocks. Over academic year there are many Saturday classes are on offer for those who would like an extended time to learn and create.  Speak to the tutor.
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 Sunday’s , 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

Click here to view all courses available.

Brief Description:

Over the term you will be introduced to this amazing world of patchwork and quilting.  With little equipment to begin with you will learn how to prepare and cut fabric accurately and learn how to make a number of traditional blocks such as half square triangles, flying geese and stars.

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.

As you gain in confidence you will be able to use your skills to make your own quilt or similar patchwork items.

Hopefully you will return for another term to explore this enjoyable craft further.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Some basic experience in using a sewing machine will be beneficial.  This course will suit many who would like to use their sewing skills for something creative. There are no ‘sewing police’ so no need to worry about perfection.

Learning Outcomes:

The course will be organised in the following way:

• Introduction to fabric preparation and accurate cutting; use of a cutting mat, rotary cutter and ruler.
• Sewing an accurate ¼” seam and why it’s important
• Traditional patchwork blocks including log cabin, flying geese, the half square and quarter square triangles, various star blocks and the disappearing nine patch
• Designing your own patchwork design
• Other topics by mutual agreement such as binding, quilting, using the AccuQuilt Go machine

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

1. Basic sewing equipment such as needles, pins, fabric scissors
2. Ideally learners, in time, will need their own rotary cutter, mat and acrylic ruler.
3. Whilst not essential, more progress will be made if learners have access to a sewing machine at home.
4. Patchwork weight fabric will be required but advice will be available on what to purchase.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Fabric scissors and a notebook and some cotton fabric scraps if you have them.  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 in January where you can pick up where you left off to explore even more blocks. Over academic year there are many Saturday classes are on offer for those who would like an extended time to learn and create.  Speak to the tutor.
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 Sunday’s , 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

Click here to view all courses available.

Brief Description

A one day course to make a set of Christmas themed place mats to grace your table this year and for many more years to come. Using basic patchwork techniques, you will stitch a set of place mats which will be quilted and bound. Suitable for anyone new to patchwork or even the more confident who wants a sewing day to themselves.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed:

Basic skills in using a sewing machine such as threading up, winding a bobbin and sewing in a straight line. If an absolute beginner to patchwork, skills such as using a rotary cutter, rulers, etc. will be covered by the tutor.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to:
• Make a set of 4-8 Christmas themed place mats using a design called ‘courthouse steps’
• Learn how to quilt the mats: the tutor will demonstrate hand quilting, straight line and free motion techniques
• Learn how to bind the mats to finish them either by machine or by hand

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

The Centre does have a limited number of sewing machines available but you may bring your own if preferred.   A ‘quarter inch’ patchwork presser foot is ideal though we can work without one.  Sewing thread, pins and scissors are essential but equipment such as rotary cutters, mats and rulers can be worked around if you don’t have them.  Please don’t purchase any especially for the course.

Christmas print fabric is needed. The tutor made her samples using two sets of ‘fat quarters’ purchased from Hobby Craft which made 8 place mats. Hobby Craft fabric is a reasonable price and each set of fat quarters provides a variety of prints which will go together well.  Some wadding will be needed to complete the mats. The tutor favours 80% cotton / 20% polyester.  100% polyester is not recommended.

Other local suppliers are:

• John Lewis, Grand Arcade, Cambridge, CB2 3DS
• Knit & Sew, 58 King Street, Cambridge, CB1 1LN  https://sewknitcraftltd.com/
• Backstitch at Burwash Manor, New Road, Barton, Cambridge, CB23 7EY    https://www.backstitch.co.uk/
• The Cosy Cabin, The Risby Barns, South Street, Risby, Bury Saint Edmunds IP28 6QU   https://www.thecosycabin.co.uk/
• And Sew We Begin, 8a Old Station Rd, Newmarket CB8 8DN  https://andsewwebegin.co.uk/

Please bring a packed lunch

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

You might like to consider joining the beginners’ group on Thursday afternoons or attend one of the other Saturday Schools held during the academic year. Your tutor would be happy to advise you.
Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or 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

Make a wonderful beaded star decoration to hang on the wall, in the window, on the tree, to give as a gift or something else!

Brief Description

Be inspired to twist wire with beads and even sequins to make a decorative star to display proudly. This is a fun class for any age. The decorations could also be fora different occasion or use this skill as a party activity for young people.  A quick tutorial will be included on making earrings.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed:

None required but be prepared to use small tools to cut and twist wire.

Learning Outcomes:

On this course you will learn about:
• twisting wire with beads to make a creative decoration
• exploring design skills

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment and what you need to bring:

The tutor will have pliers and cutting tools available to use and the centre will supply one star frame per learner and some bullion wire.

The tutor will have a few beads from her own collection but you need to bring your own. These could easily be from broken jewellery or charity shop finds.  There are local suppliers such as Hobby Craft though stocks often run very low as Christmas approaches.

Other sources are

https://www.spoiltrottenbeads.co.uk/  (based in Haddenham, Ely but internet only)

https://www.i-beads.co.uk/

For both websites, if you first sign up to their newsletter, you will get a 10% discount code.

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

You might like to think about other courses using beads or making jewellery.

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 Sunday’s; 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