Course Introduction

Let me introduce myself and welcome you into my craft cabin. We’ll be spending some quality time together so let me explain what’s included in the course and we’ll get the party started. This course is so colourful it’ll be like we’re having our own fabric fiesta together. Remember, the course is self paced, meaning that you can do as much or as little as your time permits. The course is always available to you, night and day, 365 days a year!

Threads, Wadding & Embellishments

When you understand the different components that make up your patchwork quilt, your choices will be far more informed after taking this course as we’ll guide you through the great choices of threads to use on your projects, why your choice of wadding for your quilt is an important choice, where and how to select the best, but pay the least amount… and finally in this section we’ll explore many embellishments you can adorn your quilt, when and how to use them.

Patchwork Basics

Building on from the tools and materials, we start shifting gears now and look at what constitutes a patchwork quilt. We look at block design and patchwork settings. There are so many variations to choose from, sometimes it’s difficult just to get started because you can be bewildered by the level of choice. We’ll we’ve got your covered. Discover the basics and much more in this module.

Blocks - Working with Squares

Since the choice of blocks you can construct is pretty much infinite, when we were developing this course, the one request we had above all else from your feedback was, please can you pick some blocks that a beginner could do easily and gain some experience sewing. So, as we move now into the construction phase, we’ve chosen a number of designs to work with exclusively using squares. You’ll be amazed at how many ways you can use just squares in your patchwork creation. The blocks can be achieved by everyone, they start out easy and then progress to be a bit more decorative, but no more challenging than the easy ones. Remember, if you can sew in a straight line then you can take this course.

Blocks - A bit more complex

Sometimes, you’ll want to push the boat out and really test yourself! Well if that’s the case, then you can have a go at the blocks that we’ve put together in this module. Using a combination of all the block types and construction techniques so far, we’ve brought them all together to show you how you too can get creative, whether you want to create a mosaic, pictorial type block or fancy trying your hand at the curved look of a Cathedral Window block, you’ll find everything you need to master these techniques in this module.

How to Quilt

The patchwork design and fabrics used are a massive component of your final quilt project… but so too is the way in which you quilt your project. There are so many types of quilting looks, but essentially you can achieve any of these by using some simple sewing techniques. We’ve got everything covered in this module to help you achieve whatever look you’re aiming for. From straight line quilting to free motion quilting. You’ll be amazed at how easy some of these techniques can be with the right instruction. But more importantly you’ll be blown away with the results you achieve.

Appliqué Basics

Appliqué is a pretty simple process of adding visual elements to enhance your quilt design, and has been used in quilt making for generations. It’s a great and practical way to add fun designs to your quilt top. There are a couple of methods and techniques to appliqué and in this module we’ll cover the basics of appliqué and two methods that I use regularly when I’m adding that unique touch to some of my quilt tops.

Patchwork Tools

You don’t need a whole host of equipment to get started with your patchwork quilting. Most tools you probably already have, possibly with the exception of one or two items, but these can easily be found in your haberdashery shops or online. In the tools module we’ll explore design, marking, measuring and cutting tools. Your sewing machine is explained using smart interactive video and we’ll take a look at your feet too! No you don’t need a pedicure… your sewing machine feet.

Working with Fabrics

The success of your patchwork quilt can hinge on what fabric you use. While all quilts have their own unique personality and are loveable in their own way… when you understand how colours, scale, prints and design come together, your projects will enter another stratosphere. You see, many people can put blocks together without much knowledge of fabric and they look, well OK. But when you understand what the eye sees and just a bit of the science that the professional fabric designers employ, then you too will create stunning masterpieces. At the end of this module, you’ll understand colour, scale, prints and design in detail and will be able to formulate your own look, whether you choose to purchase pre-cut or fabrics or you’re totally inspired to go out and buy your fabrics off the bolt!

Cutting Techniques

Patchwork is all about piecing fabric together… whether you’re constructing your blocks from squares, triangles or diamonds, one thing is for sure you’ll need to cut your material and blocks at some point. In this module, we’ll look at the two pieces of equipment that are essential to getting accurate work. But more importantly, I’ll show you how to use these tools safely to accurately cut your material into the shapes you need. There’s also some nifty little hints and tips on how you can speed up your production of block work.

Blocks - Working with Triangles

The last of the main types of construction techniques comes using the shape of the triangle. Essentially, most blocks are made up of squares, strips and triangles to make some interesting designs. We’ll cover some basic triangle based blocks, like Flying Geese which is stunning as a whole block, or can be used effectively as a border too, I’ll show you exactly how. But I’ve also got some more holiday inspired blocks too, like the Bears Paw block which reminds me so much of our skiing holidays in the fabulous resort of Park City, Utah. Patchwork quilts are such an inspiring and emotional thing!

Hand Stitching & Embroidery

Patchwork is all about piecing fabric together… whether you’re constructing your blocks from squares, triangles or diamonds, one thing is for sure you’ll need to cut your material and blocks at some point. In this module, we’ll look at the two pieces of equipment that are essential to getting accurate work. But more importantly, I’ll show you how to use these tools safely to accurately cut your material into the shapes you need. There’s also some nifty little hints and tips on how you can speed up your production of block work.

Binding Your Quilt

All quilts need that finishing touch and the binding which is the last element of the construction process, is probably one of the most crucial to get right. With all the creative genius and expert sewing that you’ve put together creating your quilt top, you now need a binding for your quilt that will secure and finish it off. You have a few decisions to make when binding your quilt and there is a process to follow to ensure you give yourself the best possible finish. We’ll cover it all, from squaring and trimming your quilt sandwich, to making continuous strips (the easy way!), making bias binding and creating sharp mitred corners that look totally professional.

Special Course Projects

As well as making fabulous quilt tops for all occasions, whether that’s a cute quilt for your bedroom, an heirloom quilt for your family or a beautifully crafted quilt to adorn your living room… patchwork quilting can also be so much more. We’ll create standard quilts together, but in this course I also wanted to bonus you with a couple of projects that I know you’ll love. Included are three projects:

• The cutest baby quilt for a new born baby
• Fabulous table runner that will brighten up any table
• Gorgeous patchwork tote bag

All of these projects are covered in depth with excellent video tutorials and step by step instructions.