Hand Quilting 101

Hand quilting can be a soothing practice to finish your quilt. Whether you’re interested in traditional hand quilting or big stitch quilting, Phoebe will guide you through it all, teaching you everything you need to know to get started, from basting the layers to quilting the rocking stitch. We’ll mark a basic geometric design in class to follow, or you can quilt free-from.

Your class fee includes your batting needed for class.

Supply List

- Thread – 100% cotton thread in 40, 30, 28, 12, or 8 wt (bring any or all!)

- Needles – the size needle you need will depend on which thread you are using. For the lighter weight threads, any standard between/quilting needle in sizes 9-12 will work. For the 12 wt thread, I’d recommend a between/quilting needle in the 3-8 size range. For the 8 wt thread, I’d recommend between/quilting needles in a large size (perhaps a 3). If those won’t fit your thread, try chenille needles in size 20-24, or sashiko needles. You are looking for a thick, very sharp, short needle with a round eye that is big enough to fit your chosen thread. Remember, the bigger the number the smaller the needle, and the smaller the needle, the smaller your stitches can be. My favourite brand is John James, but Bohin, Richard Hemming, and Piecemakers also make great needles. [You may want to try an assortment of needles, so buying an assortment pack or asking other students in class if they want to trade needles would be ideal.]

- Thimble - recommended but not required. Look for one with a metal tip with dimples and a rim.

- Small scissors

- Fabric – two fat quarters to make a practice quilt sandwich. Trim the top fabric to approximately 17x20”/ 43x50 cm. Cut the selvage off the backing fabric.

- Basting supplies – long needle, 40 or 50 wt thread, and painter’s or masking tape

- Marking utensil – bring all you have (including a regular #2 pencil), and we’ll talk about all of them. Please bring the original packaging or directions that came with it. If you do not already own a marking pencil/pen/utensil, do not purchase ahead of time and I’ll give you some suggestions in class.

- Ruler at least 6x12” (to mark our quilting design)

- Optional – quilting hoop. These are usually made of wood and are larger and deeper than embroidery hoops. I always quilt without one, but some folks find them easier/essential.

- Optional – thread conditioner or beeswax (if you have it, bring it, if not, don’t buy any)

Class Polices:

If your class starts at the same time that we open, we will let you into the shop ten minutes before class time.

In consideration of other students and employees with allergies, please limit your use of scented personal products when attending one of our classes. 

If your class calls for a book or pattern, each student needs their own copy of that book or pattern.  Under federal copyright law, books and patterns may not be shared.

If your class requires a sewing machine, please be sure that you are familiar with its operation, it is in good working order, has been serviced recently, and bring your manual along to class just in case.

We do not allow children under the age of 18 in our classes without the consent of the teacher and shop owner.
Pets are not allowed.
Only the person who is enrolled and paid for the class may be in the classroom during class time.  Out of the consideration for the teacher and the other students, please do not bring children, guests, or friends to class with you.

No refunds if you cancel the within 7 days of the class.