Creating a Quilt (Introductory Level)

Creating a Quilt (Introductory Level)
Date: September 22 – November 24, 2026 (Tuesdays, 8 weeks)
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Instructor: Wynn MacNeil
Fee: $170.48 + HST (Members) | $193.80 + HST (Non-Members)

If you’ve been longing for a creative outlet, a cozy project, or a way to connect with a tradition that has wrapped families in comfort for generations, this class is the perfect place to begin. Come learn, create, and stitch something beautiful with your own hands.

This beginner‑friendly class is designed for anyone who has ever admired a cozy quilt and wondered if they could make one of their own. The answer is yes, and it starts right here.

In this welcoming, hands‑on workshop, you’ll learn the foundational “bones” of quilting: choosing fabrics, assembling layers, tying a quilt by hand, and understanding the structure that supports every quilt you’ll make in the future. These are the same skills quilters have passed down for decades- beginner techniques that open the door to a lifetime of creating. The only skill you need to bring is the ability to sew a straight line on a sewing machine. If you can do that, you’re ready to begin.

Together, we’ll build a hand‑tied quilt that feels like home: soft, warm, and full of character. You’ll build the confidence in this class to continue your quilting journey and become a maker of treasured quilts. (No class October 13 & 20)

Materials:
Scissors
Sewing needle

The Centre provides rotary cutters, sewing machines (If you have your own machine, bringing it would be very beneficial) and cutting mats.

In our first class, we will discuss other items you may find helpful, such as large safety pins, clips and quilt layers.

Fabric: This will depend on the size of the quilt you plan to make (you will make this decision at your first class): you will need material for the top, backing, and binding plus a middle layer.  If you have quilting cotton or other no-stretch fabric, like a shirt you would like to upcycle bring it to our first class.

Also a top sheet makes a good backing and can be very economical. If you are bringing fabric from home, it must be scent-free (no heavy fabric softeners), smoke-free and not musty.

Schedule:
*Students must attend the first class as the instructor will review the proper use of tools, your quilting plan, and the techniques required for the course. If you cannot attend this class, you will need to book a private session with her at your cost. *

Week 1: Let’s Get Started
Introductions (share what you’d like), what are your pronouns, your goals for the class, your favorite colours, show us a few images of quilts that get your creative juices flowing. Safety in the sewing room, planning your project. If you’ve brought some fabric, we’ll start cutting. (the instructor will bring some material so students can practice with a mat, ruler and rotary blade)

Week 2: We’re going to cut and sew
This week will be all about cutting, seam allowances, pressing, and techniques for piecing.

Week 3: Blocks and Rows
Deciding on your layout and how to get your rows and columns organized.

Week 4: Sewing
There will be lots and lots of sewing to do to get your quilt top ready. We will discuss borders, and the hows and why’s.

Week 5: More Sewing

Week 6: Putting your Quilt together
Now that your top is complete, how do you put your quilt together? We will prepare our quilt backs, make a quilt sandwich and pin our quilts.  This week, we will also cover how to hand-tie your quilt.  If you are going to be ready to put your binding on next week and you are doing a crib or throw quilt, you will definitely have homework this week!

Week 7: The finishing touch: binding
There is a lot to know about binding, including measuring, preparing, getting perfect mitered corners, and joining the binding together. Hand-stitching your binding is a beautiful way to finish your quilt, and you will learn this technique in this final class.

Week 8:
This week you will talk about hand stitching. How to do it and why it’s such a nice way to finish your quilt. Then you will work on your bindings.

Advance registration for members begins September 3

General registration for non-members begins September 16

(How to become a member with Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design)

For more information on this program or to register, email tammy@capebretoncraft.com