Scrappy Patchwork Cushion

Scrappy Patchwork Cushion

A scrappy patchwork cushion is a fun way to use up those small fabric scraps.  Patchwork is back in trend in a huge way.  It’s all over the cat walks for clothing and accessories. Here’s a great scrap-busting idea to create a new fabric from old using those traditional skills of re-use, re-make, recycle. This workshop is a great introduction to the popular craft of Quilting too. When you can make a cushion, you can make a full-size quilt or a patchwork quilted jacket.

Each scrappy patchwork cushion is unique so they are a lovely way to  add a splash of colour to a room, and is a great gift idea.

Course description

What’s covered:

• choice of colour palette:  we’ll look at a variety of colour combinations and how to choose a striking palette.
• making patchworks panels (crumb quilting)
• quilting your panels
• making up your cushion* (A video tutorial will be provided if you don’t complete this in class.)

Who is Scrappy Patchwork Cushion aimed at?

• Novice sewists who’ve recently learned.
• Beginner quilters – an easy project to learn the ropes
• Craft enthusiasts who just love to make stuff
• fabric-a-holics – reduce your stash of scraps
• Upcycling fans

Level:  Intermediate. You’ll need confident sewing skills gained in a Beginners Course.

Course arrangements

You will need a selection of fabric scraps in the colours you’d like to work in (you’re welcome to raid my scrap box but I can’t guarantee it will have the colours you want), fabric for the back of your cushion (around 1/2 metre), some cotton low-loft wadding, cotton flannel or felt (40cm or 16″ square). You may also want a backing to the quilted layer, especially if you’re using the wadding to stop the fibres getting stuck in your machine so a piece of lightweight cotton or polyester/cotton is good (from an old duvet or pillow case perhaps). The emphasis of this project is on recycling so please try to re-use scraps, home textiles (bedding or clothing), charity shop finds and not to buy new fabric.  This will make a cushion approx 40cm (16″) square.

You can bring your own sewing machine or let me know when you book if you need me to prepare one for you to use in the studio. If you are bringing your own, then you’ll need the accessories (presser feet), bobbins, instruction manual, and please check that you have your power cable/foot control. You will need your basic sewing kit (Fabric shears, pins, ruler, fabric marking pencils/pens). A rotary cutter, quilting ruler and cutting mat are useful if you have them.

Artisan Stitch holds a Certificate of Excellence for Best sewing classes in Edinburgh and is the winner of a UK Enterprise award for Best Sewing Classes 2020, Best private sewing tuition and education provider 2021, and best creative textile workshops 2022. Scotland Prestige awards followed in 2022/23 and 2023/24.

Useful links:

If you need to buy any accessories for your machine, then Pembertons Sewing Machine Centre will be delighted to help you.