Patchwork & Quilting Classes in Derbyshire

Heirs & Graces Patchwork & Quilting Classes

At Heirs & Graces, our Derbyshire studio is the perfect setting for our Patchwork and Quilting Classes. What sets us apart is the personalised experience you’ll receive from our dedicated tutor, Ann. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned crafter, Ann will guide you exclusively through your project. Our classes are very informal where each person works at their own pace receiving as much help as they need to complete their project. Click on the links below to go to your chosen patchwork and quilting skill.

Block a Month

By the end of six classes, you will have the skills to then go on and tackle most of the traditional quilt blocks. If desired there is a second and third level of Block a Month to learn more advanced techniques.

The lessons run from 10am to 4pm with a break for a light lunch which we provide. It is recommended that you visit us before your first session to buy the fabrics necessary for the class. Someone will be on hand to explain which are lights, darks, mediums and accents.

What to Bring on the Day

Sewing Machine (Needs to be PAT tested we can do that for you for £3)
Your chosen fabrics
Thread for Sewing
Thread for Quilting or Embellishment
Scissors & Pins
Rotary Mat, Cutter & Ruler

Content

Month One

You will be learning two blocks in the first month, Rail Fence and Tumbling Blocks. This will teach you strip piecing and English paper piecing.

Month Two

This lesson block is Bears Paw. This teaches you how to piece half square triangles. Also matching, points when sewing squares together.

Month Three

The block you will learn this month is Spiders Web. This teaches you more complicated strip piecing and how to match eight points together in the centre.

Month Four

This block is Drunkards Path. You will learn how to set in curved pieces and also how changing the placement of your traditional blocks can greatly change the look of your finished piece.

Month Five

The last block you learn to stitch is The Rose of Sharon. This teaches you traditional appliqué methods.

Month Six

This is the last of the six and you will learn how to add the sashing and the borders, and how to go on to make your quilt sandwich and bind. There is too much work in this last phase to complete within one lesson but you will leave with the knowledge to finish it at home or you are more than welcome to book an extra lesson if you feel the need.

More Patchwork Skills

Sashiko Quilting

Discover the art of Sashiko, a traditional Japanese embroidery technique that transforms simple stitches into stunning patterns. The name ‘Sashiko’ itself means “Little Stabs”, a nod to its unique style of small, precise stitches that come together to create intricate designs. From elegantly simple running stitch to beautifully complex, Sashiko patterns are a testament to the craftsmanship and aesthetic of Japanese culture.

The deep indigo hue of the fabric, a hallmark of Sashiko, lends a classic and timeless appeal to this craft. Historically crafted on natural fabrics like cotton and linen, Sashiko embroidery is characterised by its use of a slightly loose weave. This style typically involves stitching two layers of fabric together, eliminating the need for any additional padding and creating a durable, yet elegant, finish.

Sashiko threads, crafted from high-quality, long-staple cotton, are not only robust and long-lasting but also available in a wide spectrum of colours. This variety allows for endless creativity and personalisation in your Sashiko projects.

Kantha Quilting

Kantha quilting translated from Sanskrit means “rags”. It is a classical type of embroidery from South Asia, particularly Bangladesh and especially West Bengal and Odisha.

It is a craft steeped in history and rich cultural significance. This art form transforms old saris and cloth into vibrant, functional quilts, breathing new life into materials with every stitch. The term ‘Kantha’ itself refers to a simple running stitch, which is the foundation of this craft, creating an endearing and rustic aesthetic.

The beauty of Kantha lies in its simplicity and the stories each piece tells. The layers of fabric often repurposed from worn garments, are hand-stitched together with colourful threads, creating unique patterns and designs. These quilts are not just items of warmth; they are tapestries of life, representing generations of family memories and the resourcefulness of the Bengali culture.

Boutis Quilting

Boutis, also known as Provencal Quilting or Marseilles Embroidery, is a magnificent and intricate form of quilting originating from the picturesque South of France. This exquisite technique, whose name means ‘stuffing’ in French, is a testament to the elegance and precision of traditional French craftsmanship.

In Boutis, two layers of pristine white fabric are stitched together, typically fine cotton or Batiste, without using any wadding. This unique process involves creating tiny, immaculate white stitches, which are then delicately stuffed from behind. This meticulous technique results in a stunning raised effect, bringing the patterns to life with a tactile, three-dimensional quality.

The materials used in Boutis are fine white cotton calico or Batiste. The quilting thread is a 3-ply quilting cotton which is robust enough to penetrate multiple layers of fabric. This thread is often coated with wax, allowing it to glide smoothly through the fabric, minimizing tangling, and ensuring the longevity and beauty of the embroidery.

Appliqué

Appliqué, a versatile and creative sewing technique, involves the meticulous process of applying and stitching smaller pieces of fabric onto a larger base fabric to create intricate patterns or designs. Celebrated globally, this method not only serves as a means to embellish various items but also plays a crucial role in reinforcing and giving new life to worn clothing. In contemporary times, appliqué has found widespread popularity in both fashion and the intricate world of quilting.

The essence of appliqué lies in the subtlety and skill of its stitching. The invisible appliqué stitch, also known as the blind stitch, is the hallmark of this technique. This stitch is masterfully concealed, blending seamlessly with the fabric, making it an ideal choice for any quilting handwork, especially in the delicate task of hand-stitching appliqué.

Appliqué invites both the artist and the observer to appreciate the beauty of fabric art in a distinctive and personal way.

Crazy Patchwork

Crazy patchwork, a form of quilting that blossomed in popularity in the late 1900s, stands out as a uniquely creative and communal aspect of patchwork artistry. Often made in groups, be it families or gatherings of enthusiasts, crazy quilting is a way to bond over a shared passion, often turning into social events filled with stories and laughter.

What makes crazy patchwork particularly special is its sentimental value. These quilts often serve as a mosaic of memories, pieced together using fabric scraps that hold personal significance. The patches, cut into various irregular shapes and sizes, are sewn onto a foundation fabric, creating a canvas of diversity and history.

Each seam and junction provides an opportunity for artistic expression through embroidery which can range from simple, subtle stitches to elaborate, intricate designs, each adding to the quilt’s unique narrative.

While cotton fabrics are popular due to their ease of handling and stability, wool adds a rich texture and warmth. Silk, with its luxurious sheen, can also be incorporated, though it demands more care due to its tendency to fray and shift. This flexibility in material choice allows each quilter to add their individual touch, making every crazy patchwork quilt a distinct, personalised piece of art.

Class Dates

At Heirs & Graces, we are committed to offering you the utmost flexibility when it comes to scheduling your creative journey with us. Each month, we hold a series of 11 classes focused on either embroidery or patchwork, designed to accommodate your unique schedule and preferences.

Our classes are thoughtfully spread across the month, held on 3 Mondays, 4 Fridays, and 4 Saturdays. Participants typically choose one day per month for their class, creating a consistent rhythm for their learning experience.

We understand, however, that life can be unpredictable. If you find yourself unable to attend your scheduled session, rest assured that we will endeavour to seamlessly integrate you into another workshop date, ensuring that your learning progress remains uninterrupted.

To make a start on your journey of craft and creativity, just give us a call at 01629 734100. Our team is eager to assist you in selecting the perfect embroidery or patchwork & quilting class for you.

More About Patchwork & Quilting

Patchwork and quilting are two related crafts that involve sewing together pieces of fabric to create beautiful and functional textiles. Here’s some information about each of these crafts:

Patchwork

Patchwork is the art of sewing small pieces of fabric, known as patches or quilt blocks, together to create a larger design. These patches can be of various shapes and sizes, and they are often sewn together in a repeating pattern or a specific arrangement to form a visually appealing design. Patchwork can be as simple as sewing together squares of fabric, or it can involve intricate designs and complex piecing techniques.

Key Aspects of Patchwork

Creativity: Patchwork allows for endless creative possibilities. Crafters can use a wide range of fabrics, colours, and patterns to design unique and personalized projects.

Techniques: Common patchwork techniques include traditional methods like English paper piecing, foundation piecing, and appliqué.

Projects: Patchwork is used to create items like quilts, cushion covers, tote bags, and table runners.

Quilting

Quilting is the process of adding a layer of padding (wadding) between the patchwork top and a backing fabric and then stitching through all three layers to create a quilted design. The stitching not only secures the layers together but also adds texture and decorative elements to the finished piece. Quilting stitches can be simple straight lines or elaborate free-motion designs, depending on the quilter’s preference.

Key Aspects of Quilting

Warmth and Function: Quilts are not only decorative but also functional. They provide warmth and comfort and are often used as bedspreads or cosy throws.

Quilting Styles: Quilting styles vary from traditional to modern. Traditional quilting often features intricate patterns and detailed handwork, while modern quilting can be more improvisational and experimental.

Binding: A quilt is finished with a fabric binding that encases the raw edges and gives the piece a polished appearance.

Patchwork and Quilting Together

Patchwork and quilting often go hand in hand. In many quilts, the patchwork top is the centrepiece, showcasing intricate designs and beautiful fabric combinations. The quilting stitches hold the layers together and add texture and visual interest. This combination of patchwork and quilting creates stunning and durable textiles that can be cherished for generations.

Both patchwork and quilting offer a wonderful way to express creativity, create functional and decorative items, and enjoy the soothing and meditative process of working with fabric and stitching by hand or machine. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, these crafts provide endless opportunities for artistic expression and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own hands.