Original workshop, developed by Marilyn Pretorius

This is a design workshop!   Learn an easy way to design unique quilts, runners or cushion covers with the aid of a tile format grid.  Two different paper grids will be available to design on – one in a diagonal format and the other a centred design which, when repeated by stitching the tiles together, will form a secondary design.  

The appliqué pieces will be stitched onto pieced 4-patch background blocks. Tile grids used for drawing/designing will be supplied in the workshop.   Techniques include designing & cutting,  overlapping of design over the seams when joining the tiles, construction stitching, hand and machine quilting will be demonstrated in the class.  

This workshop is suitable for using scraps.

Student Requirements:

1. Pre-cutting and stitching before the workshop start!  Please pre-cut 16 squares for the background, size of each square 10,5cm x 10,5cm.  Use these 16 squares to stitch 4 x 4-patch blocks which will be used as the tile backgrounds with 0,5cm seam allowance.  Iron seams open. Bring the 4 stitched 4-patch blocks to the class – do not stitch it together before the class!
2. Fabric scraps suitable for the appliqué motifs in contrasting colour palette to the background 4-patch blocks.  If you do not have scraps, bring a variety of smaller pieces of fabric at least 10cm x 10cm and slightly bigger.  The sample designs are floral, so suitable colours were chosen for flowers and leaves.  A variety of fabrics in one colour works well e.g. if an olive green is used for the leaves, bring e.g. 3 different olive green fabrics to add interesting variety to the design.
3. 20cm light weight appliqué paper, 1 metre wide available from Little Angel.
4. Matching thread for appliqué stitching + bobbin thread. 
5. HB Pencil, eraser, school ruler, pen, notebook, sharpener, blue washout marker, white marker.
6. Universal No 80 machine needles. 
7. Scissors – paper, fabric and embroidery with very sharp points. 
8. Tweezers (if you have). 
9. Iron and board. 
10. Sewing machine with all accessories, plugs & adaptors, extension table, manual - machine clean and oiled.  
11. Machine feet – straight stitch, darning or quilting foot. 
12. Light table – if you have a LED light pad, it can be handy to transfer design to background.  One will be available in the class.
13. A sense of adventure!