This two-day course offers an opportunity to learn a variety of quilt and slow hand embroidery techniques, focusing particularly on kantha quilting – an ancient Bangladeshi technique, stitching through double or triple layers of fabric with a running stitch to draw a design or image into the quilt’s surface.

The workshop will also explore aspects of upcycling, developing new approaches to traditional techniques and found materials. Colour mixing and an exploration of patterns and scale are likewise explored through stitch. The emphasis is on hand skills throughout.

Examples will be used throughout the workshop to highlight a range of different outcomes. By the end of the course, you will have sufficient knowledge to construct a small piece or sample using the techniques introduced. Bring your sketchbook too as you may want to translate your drawing into stitch.

What students need to bring

• Embroidery threads. Bring a mix of thicknesses and colours, not just stranded
• Half a metre of well used cotton or linen (an old pillowcase is ideal)– nothing too densely woven or thick. - White or coloured is preferable, not patterned fabric.
• Lightweight polyester or natural wadding or muslin /worn cotton to act as the fill in layers (about half a metre)
• A variety of hand sewing needles – depending on your thread selection
• Scissors, disappearing marker pen, pins and a measuring tape – i.e. your sewing box

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• Hand embroidery needles Basic sewing equipment: pins, scissors, etc.

Available from tutor:

• We hope to share and swap a small amout of threads - you may want to test a new colour or yarn
• On this course, the tutor will supply some of the materials for upcycling and some threads and wadding
  • The cost of any items you use should be paid to the tutor before the end of the course, by cash or bank transfer

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

Terms & Conditions