Improv quilt top course – starts September 2026
Are you a quilter who struggles with straight lines and pointy corners? Or maybe you love the precise nature of traditional quilting but would like a new challenge? Have you thought about Improv quilting but been afraid to try it, or unsure where to begin? Or maybe you’ve never heard of Improv Quilting?
Well, Improv quilts just begin, not without a design idea in mind necessarily, but the quilt grows out of improv piecing and develops as the quilter stitches it. Each quilter develops their own style. Your basic quilting techniques of piecing, pressing, and trimming are still useful, but the design is free, fluid, and flexible, and the quilt is made without a formal plan or pattern. The design is built as you go.
What will we cover?
You will learn to cut without rulers, piece curved blocks and straight blocks, wonky crosses and off kilter stripes! There’s something so freeing about embracing imperfection and rule-breaking. It’s fun to see the variety in shape, colours and design that different people produce. The beauty of improv-quilting is that no two quilts will ever be alike.
Over 3 days we will learn how to piece patterns with (straight) lines, how to make triangles of various types and how to piece gentle curves and complete circles. There will be time between sessions to make more blocks so that we can spend our last day putting our quilt tops together.
How will I be taught?
In our light and airy studio by an experienced, friendly tutor
Do I need any previous experience or skills?
No patchwork experience is necessary but we need you to know how to use a sewing machine
Are materials provided? Is there anything I need to source myself?
Depending on the size of your quilt top you will to bring need approximately 7 x half metres of fabric. These could all be solid colours or you can mix in some patterned fabrics. Or just bring lots of scraps and leftovers and see what emerges. Ideally all the fabrics should be of a similar weight – quilting cottons are perfect but if you’re using scraps or old clothes/curtains etc then try to bring fabrics of similar thicknesses.
What will I take home with me?
Your unique improv quilt top
nb: This course will not cover making the quilt sandwich or quilting your patchwork, although Jane is happy to talk about this with students and give advice.
Refreshments
Drinks and biscuits will be available but we recommend that you bring a packed lunch with you.
Photography
During all of our workshops photographs are taken for promotional purposes only. Please make us aware at the time of booking if you would prefer not to be included.
Tutor
Jane is a lifelong crafter. Among other things, she’s tried her hand at stained glass, jewellery making, woodwork and is an enthusiastic crocheter. She has always enjoyed sewing since she was a child but about 10 years ago she found a passion for patchwork and quilting. Jane has completed a City & Guilds Certificate and then a Diploma in Design and craft and was nominated for a C& G Award for her Art Quilts. Some of Jane’s work is inspired by her previous career as a midwife. As well as Art Quilting Jane enjoys the creative freedom and process of making improv quilts. She discovered the joy of improv while making a quilt for her Mum’s birthday, and now she’s hooked! Jane lives in Brighton with her husband, youngest daughter and lots of animals including a Shih Tzu called Freddie, and a lovely little flock of Bantam Hens.
