Christmas Patchwork - Newark Library - Community Learning

About this course

About this course

Creative, festive fun hand stitching patchwork Christmas decorations using the English Paper Piecing method in a supportive group. We shall make Christmas tree baubles and stars, wreaths and table decorations. No prior knowledge of patchwork is required, but it will be beneficial to learners if they have basic hand stitching skills. 

What will be covered on the course?  What will be taught to learners? 

• Simple geometry and accurate measuring to make cardboard template and paper pieces of different shapes 
• Consideration of festive colour schemes and use of fabric prints in making Christmas items 
• Hand stitching techniques appropriate to this form of patchwork, including accurate sewing of diamond shapes, working with inlays and scaling size of patchwork pieces up or down 
• Finishing patchwork to a high standard for use as Christmas decorations or gifts 

What will learners achieve by the end of the course 

• By the end of this course, learners will have completed several decorative patchwork items for Christmas. Learners will be confident in working various shapes and sizes of patchwork design. Although we shall focus in the course on items for Christmas, the skills and understanding gained here will equip learners to make other items of patchwork for other occasions or purposes  

What skills or knowledge do learners already need to have to attend the course? 

• Some basic hand stitching skill would be an advantage, but teaching of appropriate stitches will be incorporated into the course.  All other technique will be included as part of the teaching 

What resources/course materials do learners need to bring for the course? 

• Off cuts, remnants (7 inches or 20cm square, approximately) pieces of quilting fabric (cotton poplin weight) or cotton clothing which can be cut up (e.g a dress, blouse/shirt or skirt which is no longer wearable but still has some usable fabric); preferably your own sewing scissors. Ordinary craft scissors, needles, pins, threads, cardboard (e.g a back from a greetings card, or a cereal packet), pencil, mathematical compass and ruler, letter-weight paper (old letters or paper envelopes are fine), small amount of wadding or clean old tights 
• Packs of festive ‘fat quarters’ of suitable fabric weight can be purchased at Boyes, Hobbycraft, on eBay or at independent craft supplies shops 

You will need:

• Handouts will be provided but you might need a pen and notepad to make notes 

Booking your place and fee information

To secure your place on the course BOTH the following must be done:

• Complete the EVENTBRITE BOOKING.
• Complete our INSPIRE ONLINE ENROLMENT FORM for each person attending the course.

You should be redirected to the Inspire Online Enrolment Form after completing the Eventbrite booking.  If you are not redirected, please use the link supplied in the Eventbrite booking confirmation email.

To book and enrol on one of our courses, you must have been living in England and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years.

Some exceptions may apply if you are living in England with evidence of the right to remain and are from an EEU/EEAU country (completion of a questionnaire will be required).

As we no longer receive funding for our ESFA-funded courses for learners living in the devolved areas listed below, full cost fees would apply to these courses if you live in these areas:

• Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield 
• Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
• Greater London
• Greater Manchester
• Liverpool City Region
• Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland
• Tees Valley
• West of England
• West Midlands
• West Yorkshire