6/10 - Beginning Big-Stitch Hand Quilting

This class will introduce students to big-stitch hand quilting techniques. Through demonstrations and hands-on practice, we will explore the impact a variety of threads and stitching techniques can have on your work. We will also survey various tools to prepare and mark your quilt with a design and to support comfort in the hand stitching process. There will be time during class to purchase supplies after the demonstrations. Each student will leave with the skills, confidence, and ideas to transform their pieced tops into beautiful quilts with personal flair. Come discover how relaxing and creative hand quilting can be!

Level: confident beginner

Instructor: Sharon Calandra

Required Supplies*

- An 18” x 20” (or larger) quilt sandwich composed of a quilt top made from quilting cotton (pieced or not), an interlayer of batting (preferably wool), and a backing fabric. Alternatively, bring two fat quarters and batting to create your quilt sandwich during class. Wool batting and woven fabrics such as Essex yarn dyed solids are preferred for ease of hand stitching. The quilt sandwich can be held together with safety pins or a basting stitch, covered in class.

- A variety of hand-quilting thread options like pearl cotton, #12-weight hand-quilting thread or Sashiko thread in variegated or solid colors.  

- A 14” quilting hoop to fit your project (optional but recommended)

- A fabric marking tool in an easy-to-see color on your quilt top

- Needles with a large eye such as the Dritz - Gold-Eye Big Stitch Quilting Needles. It’s nice to have a variety of brands and sizes to find your fit.

- Thimble

- Small sharp thread scissors

*All supplies are available for purchase at our shop

Time: 3:30PM-6:30PM