Quilting is an excellent way to learn to use a sewing machine, offering space to play around with design while practicing basic sewing skills.

This introductory class begins with an overview of how to use a sewing machine, different cutting tools and techniques, and basic seam construction. From here, students will have the skills needed to begin building their own traditional quilt block, working with colorful fabrics and simple shapes to build complex forms. This class will cover both machine and hand sewing techniques for quilting and finishing.

By the end of class, students will have completed a simple, small quilt that will have the components to use as a piece of two-dimensional art and a throw pillow cover. After taking this class, participants will have the skills needed to tackle larger quilting projects on their own or explore other types of sewing.

Provided Materials: Irons and ironing boards, thread, pins and other miscellaneous materials. North House has sewing machines available to students who would like to use them, but this class offers the opportunity to work with your own machine if it is in good working order and you are able to travel with it.

Skill/experience details: No sewing experience required to participate. Students who have experience with sewing machines and don’t require instruction and practice will have the option of working on two quilting projects.

Physical ability notes: Threading the eye of a needle can be challenging to see. If you require glasses for reading, please bring them along.

Required Tools

• Pencil and paper for note-taking

Optional Tools

• Sewing tools that students already own or have access to and are interested in learning about or practicing with (rotary cutters and cutting mats, quilting rulers, fabric scissors, thread snips, etc.)
• You are welcome to bring a sewing machine in good working order
• If you need to use a sewing machine, please contact us at info@northhouse.org