About online quilt-making for beginners

Learn everything you need to know to make modern patchwork quilts, from the comfort of your own home.

No matter where you are, with Kathleen’s tuition and guidance, you’ll learn new skills, grow in creative confidence and meet like-minded people, all in a relaxed and supportive online environment.

If you've ever dreamed of making heirlooms for your family and friends to treasure, but can’t make it to Cowden Quilt School’s in-person classes, this is the course for you!

Dates: Mondays 7, 14, 21 & 28 September, 5 & 12 October and 2 & 9 November 2026 (8 sessions)
Timings: 19:30 - 21:00 BST (UTC/GMT +1) each session
Location: Online via Zoom (or similar) for live classes, with access to class recordings

What you’ll learn

You’ll practice every stage of making a modern patchwork quilt, from start to finish, using a pattern designed by Kathleen especially for beginners and tailored to remote learning. You’ll learn how to:

• Choose, prepare and cut fabric for patchwork

• Sew patchwork pieces together to create ‘blocks’

• Combine the three layers of a quilt ready for quilting

• Add quilting stitches to hold the layers of a quilt together

• Make and attach binding to complete a quilt.

You’ll put your new skills into practice to create a modern patchwork quilt measuring about 45”x45”:  the perfect size to use as a cot quilt, playmat, small throw or picnic blanket.

Quilt-making for beginners online is for you if:

• You’re an absolute beginner!

• You’re an experienced sewist trying patchwork and quilting for the first time

• You can’t make it to live, in-person classes with Kathleen or another quilting teacher

• You already enjoy knitting, crochet and/or other needle-based crafts

• You plan to spend more time being creative and using your hands

• You’re looking for ways to practise mindfulness and feel a sense of achievement

• You enjoy showing your love for family and friends with handcrafted gifts

• You hope to meet new people and belong to an online community of creatives.

What’s included:

• Live, friendly, online tuition through each step of the quilt-making process, with an experienced quilting teacher

• Detailed pre-course notes to prepare your fabric choices and basic equipment, including recommended suppliers

• Written summary notes and guidance after each class with access to the class recording, ideal if you can’t make a class

• Free copy of the course project - Kathleen’s Cabincore Quilt pattern - including additional quilt size options

• A patient and gentle teaching style at a relaxed pace with time for questions and discussion so that you really understand the process and techniques

• The remote company of like-minded beginners with the group-size capped at 10 participants to ensure everyone gets the help and support they need.

You’ll need:

• Your personal choice of cotton fabrics to make your quilt – you’ll receive guidance to help you choose before the course begins

• Essential fabric cutting equipment (self-healing cutting mat, rotary cutter and acrylic rulers). Kathleen will provide full details after booking and share her recommended suppliers

• Use of a basic sewing machine, cutting equipment and sewing kit (needles, thread, scissors)

• A suitable device, ideally with a camera, to dial into live sessions and re-watch recordings.

At the end of the course you will:

• Be able to use modern tools, equipment and techniques to cut, piece and combine layers of fabric to create patchwork quilts.

• Appreciate hand-quilting and other traditional techniques which can be incorporated into modern quilting practice

• Value the social and personal benefits of sewing and quilting as part of modern life

• Feel skilled and confident to make another patchwork quilt of any size.
  

Recommendations for quilt-making for beginners:

"If you are thinking about making a quilt I would highly recommend this course. Kathleen is brilliant, very knowledgeable, patient, reassuring and makes the very best of the virtual space." - Chrissie

“If you've ever wanted to learn how to make a quilt but thought it would be too difficult, Kathleen is an amazing teacher. She is fun, patient and brilliant at explaining. You will be taken through the process step by step and end up with something to be really proud of.” - Rose

“I must say how much I have enjoyed making my quilt and am so proud of the final result. Your teaching is so encouraging and inspiring. I have thoroughly enjoyed completing my quilt and have found the time very mindful and calming.” - Anna

“I loved learning to quilt and wish I had found Kathleen sooner. She is a great teacher, very intuitive to keep people with differing sewing experience on track and achieving great results.” - Lesley

Are you ready to become a quilter? Let’s get stated!