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 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:

1.       Prepare and cut fabric for patchwork using a rotary cutter, acrylic rulers and self-healing cutting mat.

2.       Create patchwork triangles and learn how to sew patchwork pieces together accurately using a basic sewing machine.

3.       Complete the patchwork ‘block’ and make the cushion pieces.

4.       Add quilting stitches to hold the layers of a quilt together using a basic sewing machine with a ‘walking’ foot.

5.       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.

Tutor 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.

This 5-week course starts on 26 February and ends on 26 March 2025. Each weekly session starts at 10am and finishes at 12:30pm.

Participants must be aged 18+.

Please ensure that you agree to our updated Terms & Conditions before booking as courses/workshops are non-refundable in some circumstances.        

We aim to make all our sessions as accessible as possible and carers/PAs are very welcome – just remember to book their free place when you book your session. If you'd like to talk to us in advance of booking or attending your sessions to discuss your access needs, our Box Office team is here to help! Email arts-centre@le.ac.uk, pop in or call 0116 252 2455, open 7 days a week.

We have four blue badge parking spaces outside Attenborough Arts Centre, plus double yellow line roadside parking very close to the building for blue badge holders for up to three hours if our parking spaces are occupied.

Free parking for all customers is available after 5pm on weekdays and all day at weekends in the University of Leicester car park next door to Attenborough Arts Centre on Lancaster Road. The closest public car park for parking at all other times is Victoria Park, 5-10 minutes walk from us (near De Montfort Hall).