The Quilt Patch
Classes: The Basics

10381 Main Street, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 •  703-273-6937

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-5, Thursday 10-8, Sunday 12-5

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Click here to see a list of all of this quarter's classes sorted by teacher.

The introductory classes on this page are designed for the beginner and those who want to brush up on the basics.

Piecing Classes

Beginning Quiltmaking: Piecing by Machine

Learn the entire quilt-making process, including how to draft, make templates, mark, cut, machine piece, appliqué, quilt and finish.  Students can expect to complete a sampler top, possibly quilt and finish it.  Ask or click here for supply list. *Sewing machine required in 3 class sessions only. 8 sessions, $96

Wednesdays 7-9pm - January 13, 20, 27; February 10, 17; March 10, 17, 24

Mondays 7-9pm - April 5, 12, 19, 26; May 3, 17; June 7, 14

Beginner.......Instructor, Leslie Pfeifer

Introduction to Hand Piecing
Get a taste of quiltmaking by sewing a simple nine-patch block by hand.  You’ll draft the block, make templates, mark, cut and sew.  Ask or click here for supply list.  1 session, $29
Saturday 10am-1pm: February 6
Beginner ............................................................Instructor, Leslie Pfeifer

Paper Piece for Fun

Learn the basics of foundation (paper) piecing: stitching, trimming, all the little tricks for success, and have some fun. Give these mini quilts as gifts to friends and family or make a collage of your favorites for your home.  *Sewing machine and pattern required. Ask or click here for supply list (some suggested patterns will be noted). 1 session, $29

Monday 6:30-9:30pm: February 1

Friday 10:30am-1:30pm: April 23 (bring bag lunch)

All levels.......Instructor, Leslie Pfeifer

Perfect Machine Piecing

Discover all the tricks for perfect machine piecing or convert from hand piecing to machine piecing without sacrificing accuracy.  Even experienced sewers appreciate the techniques taught in this class.  You'll be so much happier with your results.  Ask or click here for supply list. *Sewing machine required. Materials fee: $3, payable at class. 1 session, $29
Saturday 10am-1pm: March 6

Beginner, Intermediate.......Instructor, Kay Lettau

Quilting Classes

Basic Machine Quilting

This technique allows you to increase your productivity without sacrificing quality. Class emphasizes hands-on practice, proper tools, and hints for success.  *Sewing machine required. Ask or click here for supply list. Bring bag lunch. 1 session, $56 (includes materials fee)

Sunday 11am-5pm: February 28

Saturday 10am-4pm: June 19

Beginner, Intermediate.......Instructor, Nancy Karst

Doodling
Most of us choose a basic meander to begin free motion quilting and never get much further that that. Learn how to incorporate leaves, flowers, stars and other shapes into the meander to create a more interesting all-over quilting pattern. No sewing in class. Ask or click here for supply list. 1 session, $29
Tuesday 6:30-9:30pm: March 2
All levels ..................................................................... Instructor, Kathy Gray

Big Stitch
Similar to Japanese Sashiko, this is a beautiful style of quilting and is more easily sewn than tiny little stitches.  It’s particularly practical for projects that will be used or if their style tends toward country or primitive types of quilts.  You can also use big stitch for bags and garments.  Ask or click here for supply list.  1 session, $22
Saturday 10am-noon: April 10
All levels ..............................................................Instructor, Kathy Gray

 

Quilting by Hand Master the fine art of small, even stitches. Learn proper marking and basting, and also take a look at tools, materials, and working conditions and how to make them benefit you! Ask or click here for supply list. 3 sessions, $59 Sundays: April 11: 1-4pm; April 18, 25: 1-3pm Beginner, Intermediate.......Instructor, Kathy Gray

Other Basic Skills

Basic Rotary Cutting

Rotary cutting can make your quiltmaking quick and enjoyable, but you have to know how to use the equipment.  This class will teach you all of the basic cutting techniques including proper folding, stacking, and use of special rulers, etc. No sewing in class.  Class limited to 8 students. This class is strongly recommended for beginners.  Ask or click here for supply list. 1 session, $29

Sunday 12:30-3:30pm: February 14

Saturday 1:30-4:30pm: May 22

Beginner................Instructor, Lesly-Claire Greenberg

 

Beginning Hand Appliqué Explore many different techniques to achieve perfect hand appliqué.  Find the method that is right for you while working on a pretty wall hanging.  Book: Hand Appliqué with Alex Anderson, required. Ask or click here for supply list. Bring bag lunch. 1 session, $42 Sunday 12-5pm: January 24 Wednesday 10am-3pm: April 28 Beginner, Intermediate.......Instructor, Kay Lettau

Binding Basics The binding of your quilt should not be left to chance, but requires the appropriate finished edge. Learn straight and bias binding, when to use them, and how to miter perfect corners.  *Sewing machine optional, book Happy Endings required. Ask or click here for supply list. 1 session, $29 Thursday 6:30-9:30pm: March 18 All levels.......Instructor, Kathy Gray

Invisible Appliqué by Machine Definitely for beginners, you'll learn the basics of machine appliqué with some clever techniques that will leave you wondering "by hand or machine?" Ask or click here for supply list. * Sewing machine and pattern Prairie Coneflowers required. Bring bag lunch. 1 session, $34 Friday 10am-2pm: March 5 Beginner.......Instructor, Marcy Teikari

Advanced Finishing Techniques Move beyond simple bindings and explore other methods of finishing your quilts.  Prairie points, piping, inside mitres and curves will all be covered.  You must have basic binding skills.  Ask or click here for supplies list.  *Sewing machine and book Happy Endings required.  1 session, $29 Tuesday 6:30-9:30pm: January 26 Adv Beginner, Intermediate .................................Instructor, Kathy Gray